Physics prof dies of heart failure

A man who taught at Iowa State for more than 30 years has passed away. William J. Kernan Jr., 66, emeritus physics professor, died of congestive heart failure in his home in Ames on June 22. Kernan taught in the ISU physics and astronomy department from 1963 to 1996. He was born Oct. 18, 1933 to William J. Kernan Sr. and Helen (Burgess) Kernan in Baltimore, Md. His survivors include his wife; daughters, Lauren (Kernan) Smith of Des Moines; Andrea (Kernan) Howell of Falcon Heights, Minn.; son, Mark Kernan of Austin, Texas; and five grandchildren, Darby Smith, Ryan Howell, Megan Howell, Katherine Howell and Soren Kernan.

Packwood announces retirement

Joyce Packwood, program coordinator for Disability Resources, has announced her retirement from Iowa State. Packwood said she plans to start a new project: a consulting business for people with disabilities. “I think it’s the right decision at the right time,” she said. “I think it’s time for someone to be able to articulate the needs of the disabled.” Packwood said she wants to continue working with people who have disabilities but wants to work with different age groups. One important aspect of her new project is the health-care industry. “When you’re ill, usually the health people are able to take care of the illness, but there needs to be a better blend with the sensitivity and dignity of people [with disabilities],” she said. She said nursing homes also frequently forget the special care needed for disabled people. “I see this as an opportunity for a lot of stories that need to be told,” Packwood said. However, Packwood said she would miss the university. “Iowa State has got the most wonderful students,” Packwood said. “They helped me as an undergraduate student when I was in a manual wheelchair.” Packwood’s retirement reception will be July 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Marston Hall. —briefs compiled by Tara Payne