Expecting to teach his very last class as a full time professor at 11:30 on April 6, Don Woods (centre) was instead treated to a surprise party in his honour.

The chemical engineering 4Z03 class was joined by faculty, staff and other students to celebrate Woods' contributions to teaching and learning. “It was fantastic!” he says.

Reflecting on his 36 years at McMaster, Woods says the best part was the in-class interaction – “seeing students grow and develop as individuals, and being a part of that growing and learning process. It's been a great time.”

He plans to do some writing, and have more time for music (piano and organ) and oil painting.