William S. Godfrey collection

Excerpt from: Beloit Daily News, Feb. 12, 1980 (with edits)

BELOIT -- William Simpson Godfrey, a renowned anthropologist and professor emeritus at Beloit College died Monday at age 64.

For six years, Dr. Godfrey, a member of the Beloit College faculty from 1951-1973, served as executive secretary of the American Anthropological Association, headquartered on the Beloit College campus. He also served as secretary and treasurer of that professional association.

In addition, he was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a fellow of the American Anthropological Association, and a member of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists; the Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts, & Letters; the American Association of University Professors; the Wisconsin Archaeological Survey; and the Society of American Archaeology.

He was the author of many scholarly articles and book reviews.

The Godfrey Anthropology Building on the Beloit College campus was dedicated to Dr. Godfrey upon completion in 1975. The $750,000 building contains a 100 seat auditorium, a museum workshop, and exhibit space for archaeological and ethnological materials.

Beloit College President Martha Peterson expressed deep personal sadness over Professor Godfrey's death, terming his passing a significant loss to the campus community. She called attention to his long service in helping make the college's anthropology program nationally recognized, and also to the generous support of the program by professor Godfrey and his family over the years.

"The anthropology building which bears his name at Beloit will stand as a valued memorial to his dedication to the college and his profession," she said.