The 2008 James Harry Potter Gold Medal has been awarded  by ASME to Professor Merle Potter, who joined the MSU Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1965 and is now retired.  This award, established in 1980 in honor of James H. Potter, recognizes distinguished achievement or exceptional and illustrious service in the science of thermodynamics.  Contributions involving the teaching, appreciation, or utilization of thermodynamic principles in research, development, and design in mechanical engineering are considered when this award is presented each year.

Although retired, Dr. Potter has been continuously active in textbook writing.  During his years with Mechanical Engineering at MSU, Dr. Potter was a popular teacher, and a positive presence in the Department.