In Memoriam

Cornelius Bennhold
Professor of Physics
Cornelius Bennhold, professor of physics and former department chair, died on April 22 at the age of 48 after a long struggle against cancer. At GW, Dr. Bennhold served as chair of the Department of Physics from 2004 to 2008 and on a number of committees, including the Dean’s Council of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, the University Honors Committee and the advisory boards for the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. In 2007 and 2008, Dr. Bennhold co-chaired President Knapp’s brainstorming Committee on Research.

A theoretical nuclear physicist, Dr. Bennhold’s work led to the understanding of several fundamental aspects of the structure of matter. He became a widely recognized expert in the physics of few-body nuclei and in hypernuclear physics,
publishing more than 100 papers in refereed physics journals. Dr. Bennhold received the Trachtenberg Award for Faculty Scholarship in 2002, the Robert W. Kenny Prize in 1995, and the Morton Bender Award in 2007.

Dr. Bennhold earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mainz in Germany and a doctorate from Ohio University. He came to GW in 1992 as an assistant professor of physics.

William David Johnson
University Provost
William David “Bill” Johnson, former University provost, died on April 19 at the age of 84. Johnson joined GW in 1954 as an assistant auditor and in his 35 years of service to the University he served as comptroller, director of the budget office, and finally provost and financial vice president. As financial vice president, Johnson played a major role in the investment and building programs of the University. Prior to GW, he worked for the state of Virginia and in the Bursars’ Office at the University of Virginia.

Johnson is survived by his wife, daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren. At the request of the family, memorial contributions may be made to the Elliott School c/o Dean’s Office at 1957 E St., NW, Suite 401.

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