Founder of anthropology department dies Founder of anthropology department dies

Lowell D. Holmes, founder and first chair of WSU's Department of Anthropology, died Tuesday, Aug. 31, following an extended illness. He was 85 years old. In 1967, Holmes initiated the Museum of Man at WSU, later renamed the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology in his honor. A memorial event in his honor is being planned for later this fall.

Holmes also founded Lambda Alpha, the National Honorary Anthropological Society, which has grown from the WSU chapter to include chapters on more than 150 campuses across the nation. He was a key figure in the discipline and became known for his work in Samoa and for numerous publications throughout his career. His introductory text was used by hundreds of universities worldwide. Holmes served the department, the university and the community for many years and touched tens of thousands of students and colleagues.