A Sculptor of Wood, Stone, Landscapes, and Lives During his 38-year career at The University of Tennessee, Dr. Don Williams used his vast knowledge of plants, a flair for artistry in many natural mediums, and a lifelong dedication toward teaching and learning to enhance the beauty of Tennessee landscapes. Don also had a tenacity and a vision. But teaching was his passion. "I work for the students at The University of Tennessee," Don told new UT graduates in his remarks to them as Macebearer in 1996. Upon his retirement in 2000, former students, garden club members, friends, colleagues and admirers established an endowed scholarship to recognize his distinguished accomplshments in horticulture in Tennessee and the Southeast: Recognized as one of the top horticulture professors in the United States Won numerous awards at UT for outstanding service and teaching Appointed Macebeaer, the highest honor for faculty at UT Was a "founding father" of UT's Department of Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design and its first department head Established the UT Gardens, a popular Knoxville showplace enjoyed by local citizens and tourists Advised countless community organizations and beautification, education, and environmental issues in communities across the state In November 2002 Don passed away at age 68. He lived to see his dream to build a more beautiful agriculture campus come true. Hundreds of students passed through his classrooms and outdoor laboratories and are now making names for themselves in the horticulture industry.