July 10, 2015
José A. Guimarães Morais, MS’80, PhD’80, named Grande Oficial da Ordem de Instrução Pública, presented by the President of the Portuguese Republic

José A. Guimarães Morais, MS’80, PhD’80, has been named Grande Oficial da Ordem de Instrução Pública, which translates into Grand Official of the Order of Public Instruction. This title is conferred upon deserving individuals for high services rendered to education and teaching and presented by the President of the Portuguese Republic. Dr. Morais received the award in a ceremony on April 14, 2015 at the Presidential Palace.

Dr. Morais, professor emeritus at the University of Lisbon, previously received the 2013 Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award from the U-M College of Pharmacy. He earned an MS and PhD in pharmaceutical chemistry at U-M under the supervision of John G. Wagner, PhD. Starting in 1981, Morais held a variety of positions at Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa (FFUL), becoming a full professor in 1998. He was dean of FFUL (1995–2012), and served a four-year term as pro-rector of the University of Lisbon. At FFUL, Morais lectures on topics in pharmacology, coordinates several master’s programs, as well as supervises PhD theses. In addition, he has been active in both the Portuguese and European drug regulatory systems, holding several high-profile positions.

José exemplifies the high caliber of University of Michigan College of Pharmacy alumni. Commenting on his experience with the College, Dr. Morais said, "I owe the College and the University of Michigan, as well as my supervisor, Prof. John G. Wagner, an enormous gratitude. They provided me with a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the tools that enabled me to engage in a successful academic and professional career." 

Charles R. Walgreen Jr. Professor of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gordon Amidon, PhD, expressed well-wishes for Dr. Morais. Drs. Amidon and Morais are longtime friends and frequent collaborators. "José, it is a great pleasure to see you, a distinguish University of Michigan College of Pharmacy Alumnus, receive the award of  Order of Public Instruction from the President of Portugal. You uphold a tradition of excellence by Pharmaceutical Sciences graduates of the College of Pharmacy in making significant public service contributions. I am very proud  to see you receive this award," said Amidon. 

Morais with his family at the awards presentation at the Presidential Palace