Obituary Archives - 麻豆影院 University /articles/tag/obituary/ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:49:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 /wp-content/uploads/2026/07/cropped-lawrence-favicon-32x32.jpg Obituary Archives - 麻豆影院 University /articles/tag/obituary/ 32 32 麻豆影院 mourns the loss of Alex Stanger 鈥25 /articles/lawrence-mourns-loss-alex-stanger-25/ /articles/lawrence-mourns-loss-alex-stanger-25/#respond Tue, 26 May 2026 22:04:10 +0000 /articles/lawrence-mourns-loss-alex-stanger-25/ Alex Stanger's 鈥25 education at 麻豆影院 was marked by intellectual fearlessness and creative exploration that frequently examined questions of social justice, identity, and inequality.

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Alexander Patrick Stanger 鈥25, of East Calais, Vermont, died in a tragic hiking accident in the Italian Alps earlier this month. They were 23.听听

Alex鈥檚 intellectual curiosity, artistic vision, and deep empathy touched countless lives on the 麻豆影院 campus and beyond. At the time of their death, Alex was living in Hamburg, Germany, as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, a role they embraced with characteristic enthusiasm. Read more about Alex鈥檚 Fulbright Fellowship.听听

At 麻豆影院, Alex pursued a double major in German Studies and Film Studies, where they became known as a gifted artist, passionate scholar, and thoughtful advocate for community and social justice. Professors remember Alex as someone who moved through the world with warmth, sincerity, and a profound commitment to others.听

鈥淎lex embodied the very best of 麻豆影院,鈥 said Alison C. Guenther-Pal, associate professor of German, who also served as Alex鈥檚 academic advisor in both programs. 鈥淲e remember Alex for their limitless kindness, genuine empathy, and the rare openness with which they engaged others. Alex approached life as a process of becoming鈥攐f cultivating an authentic self with honesty and courage鈥攁nd in doing so, was a model for others to do the same.鈥澨

Alex鈥檚 education at 麻豆影院 was marked by intellectual fearlessness and creative exploration that frequently examined questions of social justice, identity, and inequality. Their German Studies Senior Capstone, which explored the founding of 麻豆影院 University within the broader context of the colonization of Wisconsin, earned the Herman Erb Prize for excellence in writing.听

鈥淎lex believed that academic work mattered most when it illuminated structures of inequality and their consequences,鈥 Guenther-Pal said.听听

In Film Studies, Alex developed a reputation as an inventive animator and collaborator whose enthusiasm energized those around them.听

鈥淭hey were a talented animator, and so passionate about making positive change in the world through their art, scholarship, and activism,鈥 said Anne Haydock, associate professor of Film Studies. 鈥淔or Alex, everyone and everything was connected,鈥 she said, citing as an example the unlikely correlations they drew between topics for their Senior Experience in Film Studies.听听

鈥淭heir senior capstone film was a stop motion animation exploring the domestication of horses, the evolution of footwear, and the rise of AI in the context of human labor and oppression.鈥澨

鈥淎lex was a beloved member of our Film & Media community and touched so many lives,鈥 Haydock added. 鈥淭heir energy was infectious. They got so excited every time something clicked, and they were just as passionate about helping their peers as they were about their own projects.鈥澨

Alex also found community and purpose through activism and advocacy. They spoke at campus demonstrations and consistently sought ways to connect scholarship with action. Their openness to people and experiences defined both their personal and academic life.听

Associate professor of English and director of Fellowships Advising Claire Kervin worked closely with Alex in preparing their Fulbright application essays and experienced first-hand the delight they found in connecting with others.听听

鈥淲hen we were brainstorming ideas for Fulbright application essays, they wore a huge grin while reminiscing about forming impromptu friendships during karaoke nights in Berlin and connecting with older people during yoga classes in Colorado,鈥 Kervin said. 鈥淎lex cared deeply about inclusion, community, and belonging, not as abstract concepts, but as practices they participated in daily.鈥澨

As a student, Alex鈥檚 time studying abroad in Berlin proved transformative and helped inspire their pursuit of the Fulbright opportunity after graduation. When they learned they had received the prestigious fellowship, Alex wrote, 鈥淚 am over the moon.鈥澨

That joy carried into their work in Hamburg, where they taught English, and spent their time cooking, baking, and crafting, and immersing themselves in creative pursuits like the one they mentioned in a recent email to Kervin.听听

“I鈥檓 taking part in a community project at the鈥疎lbe鈥疨hilharmonic with the theme Lost and Found,鈥 Alex wrote. 鈥淲e are putting together a concert with visual and choreographed elements 鈥 very much up my alley 鈥 that will be performed at the end of May.”听

The Fulbright Commission in Germany also honored Alex鈥檚 memory in a public statement, remembering them as a valued member of the Fulbright community and recognizing the impact they made during their time abroad. .听听

鈥淭hey were looking to the future and wanted to help other Lawrentians obtain the same kind of experience that they treasured,鈥 Kervin said.听听

At 麻豆影院 and beyond, Alex will be remembered for exactly those connections鈥攆or the kindness, conviction, curiosity, and humanity they shared with the world.听听

鈥淭hey reveled in the creative process and used their art, not just as a means of communication, but as a way to think through complex ideas and emotions and make human connections,鈥 Haydock said.听听

Though their life was tragically brief, those who knew Alex say their influence endures in the communities they strengthened, the art they created, and the compassion they extended so freely to others.听

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麻豆影院 mourns the death of Art History Professor Danielle Joyner /articles/lawrence-mourns-death-art-history-professor-danielle-joyner/ /articles/lawrence-mourns-death-art-history-professor-danielle-joyner/#respond Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:24:01 +0000 /articles/lawrence-mourns-death-art-history-professor-danielle-joyner/  Associate Professor of Art History Danielle Joyner passed away on March 20, 2026.

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Passionate. Irrepressible. Joyful.听听

Her colleagues mentioned these traits again and again when they spoke of Associate Professor of Art History Danielle Joyner, whose death on March 20, 2026, left the campus community devastated by her loss. Danielle died of cardiac arrest while leading a group of 麻豆影院 University students on a spring break trip to New York City, where she was bubbling over with her typical enthusiasm for the opportunity to share her love of the medieval world with her students. She was 52.听

“We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of Danielle Joyner, whose dedication to teaching, learning, and personal connection defined her time at 麻豆影院,鈥 said President Laurie A. Carter. 鈥淎n inspiring scholar, teacher, and mentor, Danielle brought deep intellectual curiosity, compassion, and joy into every space she entered. Her passion for art history and her care for students shaped lives far beyond the classroom. She connected with people with a warmth and generosity that made our community stronger. While her time with us was cut tragically short, the mark she made on 麻豆影院 will endure in the minds she challenged, the hearts she touched, and the vibrant spirit of inquiry she embodied.”听

Danielle joined the 麻豆影院 University faculty in 2018 and quickly became a vital member of the campus community, as both a beloved professor and cherished colleague. She delighted in sharing the art, architecture, and culture of the Middle Ages in her classes. Her hands-on approach to teaching helped to vividly bring art history to life for her students.听听

Nathan Wall 鈥25 met Danielle for the first time as a classmate rather than as a professor. She was participating in a colleague鈥檚 class and he just assumed she was a guest or non-traditional student. Even so, she made an impression, and when it was time to take a fine arts class to fulfill a graduation requirement, he chose Danielle鈥檚 Greek and Roman Art class 鈥 despite the 8:30 a.m. start time. It quickly became one of his favorites.听

鈥淓very single day, Danielle was kind, encouraging, thoughtful, and lively,鈥 Nathan said. 鈥淪he was a good reason to get up and be ready for class. Her positivity could make your day better. She understood that many students in an intro class may not be particularly interested in the material. Instead of taking it personally, she did what she loved because she loved it, and she tried to make the class fun for every student. Danielle could have made 鈥榃atching Grass Grow鈥 a fun class.鈥澨

鈥淎n incredibly accomplished teacher and scholar, Danielle was a fierce advocate for her students, her colleagues, and everything related to medieval studies,鈥 said Provost Peter Blitstein. 鈥淪he was very kind and sought out meaningful connections with people all across our campus. Losing Danielle is heartbreaking for our community.”听

Intelligent. Enthusiastic. Collaborative.

The study of the Middle Ages, by its nature, crosses many different disciplines, ranging from history, art, archaeology, literature, religion, music, biology, anthropology, and more. Danielle frequently partnered with faculty from other departments to co-teach classes that explored the medieval world from diverse points of entry.听听

She collaborated with Associate Professor of Music Sara Gross Ceballos and Associate Professor of Spanish Madera Allan on on an interdisciplinary course exploring the intersections of art, music, and literature found in the hundreds of 13th century songs and miniatures that are part of the Cantigas de Santa Maria. That led them to co-teaching a course that featured a trip to Toledo, Spain,听where the topics explored in that earlier course came to life with an exploration of the places and cultural dynamics that define that stretch of European history. She described the hands-on approach in a 2022 article for the LU news blog.听听

鈥淭o get at any aspect of an object made 1,200 years ago, you have to do history, you have to do literature. If it鈥檚 a church object, which many of them are, you need to understand the liturgy. I think all of art history is very interdisciplinary, but medievalism especially opens itself up to those different approaches鈥 Danielle said. 鈥淢ost people don鈥檛 go around thinking about the Middle Ages or medieval art or art history. And, so, the interdisciplinary approach I feel gives students ways of finding connections between the long ago and the now, connections that they maybe never would have thought about.鈥澨

A class she co-taught with Martyn Smith, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, examined the differences between the travels and lessons of two famous explorers, Marco Polo, a Venetian traveler of the 13th century, and Ibn Battuta, a Muslim traveler of the 14th century.听听

鈥淚t ranks among my favorite classes ever because we would transfer the reins to lead discussions and students were exposed to discussions between faculty,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think there could be a better way of introducing students to the medieval world than a class like that.鈥澨

Danielle had similar collaborations planned in the months ahead. She was scheduled to co-teach a summer immersion course for high school juniors and seniors with Associate Professor of Physics Megan Pickett and Associate Professor of English Celia Barnes, exploring the universe through the lens of cosmology. She also had a Fall Term collaboration planned with Martyn Smith and Massimiliano Verit谩, instructor of Arabic, Italian, and Religious Studies, that would take students on an exploration of Dante鈥檚 Inferno.

Caring. Generous. Effervescent.

鈥淲e strongly felt that we needed to be evangelists for the old stuff,鈥 Martyn said. “She believed it was important that ancient materials continue to be taught and studied. She was passionate about that.鈥澨

Soon after coming to 麻豆影院, Danielle formed a group called LASER, an acronym for Long Ago, Still Extremely Relevant, that engaged faculty from numerous disciplines who taught about 鈥榦ld stuff.鈥櫶

鈥淪he felt we should band together and support each other and co-teach in as many ways as we could.鈥 Martyn said. 鈥淪he will be so greatly missed at 麻豆影院 University, and one reason was the way she could connect with people and bring them together.鈥澨

Danielle was instrumental in creating the Appleton Lyceum, a monthly series of well-attended talks by 麻豆影院 faculty hosted at the Appleton library and aimed at engaging the local community.听听

鈥淚t was an ongoing project we worked on to get the Humanities living outside of the university, and helping people see that the past is relevant to the present and future,鈥 Martyn said. 鈥淭his was our vision for it.鈥 He added, 鈥淲e spoke about the project the week before she left for her spring break trip. She was just energized and full of plans for what came next. She was so enthusiastic about showing and interpreting the medieval world for people. That was her life鈥檚 work.鈥澨

Kind. Encouraging. Hopeful.

Associate Professor of History Brigid Vance also collaborated with Danielle on the Appleton Lyceum project.听听

鈥淪he was a brilliant community organizer, within the campus community and the broader Appleton/Fox Cities community,鈥 Brigid said. 鈥淒anielle held herself to really high standards and did it with such enthusiasm and joyfulness that it was infectious. She was curious and spontaneous and had this brilliant long-term vision for community engagement. Her work was really starting to bear fruit.鈥澨

Brigid admired Danielle鈥檚 generous spirit and her whole-hearted way of celebrating the success of others. One example she recalled was when Danielle organized a trumpet fanfare at the monthly faculty meeting for professors who were being tenured.听听

鈥淭hat is something she was so good at 鈥 really celebrating people, recognizing their value and letting them know their work was valued. She had an incredible intellect, but she also knew how to have fun.鈥 She added, 鈥淒anielle鈥檚 life was a place of hope and doing. Some people will self-censure. She really had faith in the process of people doing the work together.鈥澨

Assistant Professor of Ceramics and Expanded Media Meghan C. Sullivan described Danielle as 鈥減assionate about the liberal arts, medieval history, and about art history.鈥澨

Danielle鈥檚 education reflects her enthusiasm for learning and teaching. She earned a Ph.D. and master鈥檚 in History of Art and Architecture from Harvard, and a master鈥檚 in Medieval Studies from the University of Toronto, where she also earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree. She amassed dozens of research awards and fellowships over the years to further her scholarship and was a frequent presenter at professional conferences. She published numerous articles and essays, and her book, Painting the Hortus Deliciarum: Medieval Women, Wisdom, and Time was published in 2016; she was working on multiple research projects at the time of her death.听听

鈥淪he was a brilliant and prolific scholar interested in writing on a broad spectrum of topics and mediums across the Middle Ages,鈥 said Elizabeth Carlson, associate professor of Art History. 鈥淪he was always thinking and planning and we marveled at all of her ideas that came bubbling out of her. She was tender-hearted and brave, willing to fight for her principles. She died doing the things she loved most 鈥 she was so happy to introduce students to New York City and the art that she loved so much.鈥澨

Beloved. Cherished. Irreplaceable.

鈥淒anielle was a great friend and colleague,鈥 Meghan said. 鈥淪he loved the 麻豆影院 culture of sharing knowledge, co-teaching classes, and making connections across fields. She was enthusiastic about her students and was a respected scholar in her field.鈥 She added, 鈥淒anielle was a person who supported and celebrated others unabashedly. Our loss is tremendous.鈥澨

A memorial gathering to bring the campus community together in celebration of Danielle鈥檚 life is planned for Saturday, April 25, at 1 p.m., in the Warch Center Somerset Room.

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Former students reflect on the lifelong impact of professor emeritus Hugo Martinez-Serros /articles/former-students-reflect-lifelong-impact-professor-emeritus-hugo-martinez-serros/ /articles/former-students-reflect-lifelong-impact-professor-emeritus-hugo-martinez-serros/#respond Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:53:30 +0000 /articles/former-students-reflect-lifelong-impact-professor-emeritus-hugo-martinez-serros/ Professor Emeritus Hugo Martinez-Serros passed away on Feb. 26, 2026.

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Professor Emeritus Hugo Martinez-Serros passed away on Feb. 26, 2026, leaving behind family, friends, and generations of students whose lives he had touched. He was 95.听听

Hugo taught at Knox College and the University of Oklahoma before joining the faculty of 麻豆影院 University in 1966. He taught Latin American and Spanish Literature for the next 29 years until his retirement in 1995.听听

A first generation Mexican-American raised in South Chicago, Hugo earned his bachelor of arts degree in Spanish from the University of Chicago, and his master鈥檚 and Ph.D. degrees from Northwestern University.听听

In addition to teaching, Hugo was passionate about writing. During his tenure at 麻豆影院, he published 鈥淭he Last Laugh and Other Stories,鈥 a collection of short stories about life in the Mexican-American community of South Chicago, a selection from which was published in Chicago magazine. In retirement, Hugo continued to write, publishing two novels, 鈥淓namored Dust,鈥 and 鈥淭he Brothers Duran of Mexican South Chicago.鈥 He published a new edition of his short stories titled 鈥淪teeling Chicago: South Side Stories.鈥澨

Throughout his life, Hugo was committed to education and social justice. He adored teaching and though he expected much of his students, he was always encouraging and supportive of them. One of his former students, Barbara Lawton 鈥87, a current member of the 麻豆影院 Board of Trustees and former Wisconsin Lt. Governor (2003-11), described the impact Hugo made on her academic journey.听听

鈥淚 was convinced that if Hugo would take the time to publish his brilliant method of teaching the complexities and nuances of the Spanish language, it would become the gold standard,鈥 she said. 鈥淏ut he was leading students to see how language revealed culture, and then to learn how to read and write anew in the study of Latin American literature. And then the conversation continued at regular tertulias (salons) hosted in his home, building a vibrant community of Spanish speakers. I came to 麻豆影院 to test my intellectual mettle, and Hugo pushed me, and all his students, to discover themselves as scholars. The quintessential 麻豆影院 difference. He gave us his all.鈥澨

Another former student, Peter Kelly 鈥87, echoed Lawton鈥檚 sentiments about finding challenge and inspiration in equal measures in Hugo鈥檚 classes.听听

鈥淗ugo was obsessive in his drive to have students not simply read and follow plot, but also to live within the words on the page,鈥 Peter said. 鈥淗e never let general observations on characters or narrative go unchallenged, always exhorting the student to justify based on text. He would bring his whole body to bear, patiently quieting his voice while deepening his gaze as he strained to place the student back into the pages of the story or novel while guiding the reader to find the author’s precise word choice or phrasing that substantiated the general observation. It could be a tiring and painful exercise, but it was clear that Hugo gave energy in equal measure to the student. He was indefatigable in the classroom, usually patient, always demanding, and relentlessly supportive.鈥澨

Frances Siekman Romero ’73 was part of a study group travelling with Hugo to Guanajuato, Mexico, for an experience that would end up changing the course of her life.听听

鈥淧rofessor Martinez encouraged me to be open, to adapt, and to fully embrace a new culture鈥攅ven when it meant stepping far outside my comfort zone and learning to accept whatever was placed before me,鈥 Frances said. 鈥淟ittle did I know, I would embrace the culture a little too well鈥攁nd never leave. It was in Guanajuato where I met my husband, the father of my children, and where the foundation of my family began. That journey has brought us 10 children and 10 grandchildren, and in 2000, I became First Lady of Guanajuato when my husband, Juan Carlos Romero, became governor. Professor Hugo Martinez did more than teach鈥攈e opened doors, broadened perspectives, and created opportunities that continue to ripple across generations. His legacy lives on in my life and my family because of the experiences that began with him. I am forever in his debt.鈥澨

Luis Alberto Villase帽or G. 鈥79 met Hugo in Guanajuato, Mexico, where the professor served as director of 麻豆影院 University鈥檚 off-campus program for Spanish students. He learned about 麻豆影院 from students in the program and dreamed of one day attending himself. Thanks to what he described as a combination of providence and generosity, Luis was able to enroll at 麻豆影院, where he earned his B.A. in Mathematics.听听

鈥淒espite my focus on mathematics, I had always intended to take a class with Professor Mart铆nez鈥攐r as my mother affectionately called him when she first met him in Guanajuato, Se帽or Mister Mart铆nez,鈥 Luis said. 鈥淗is course on the great Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes was among the finest I took in my entire academic career. Professor Mart铆nez was an exceptional lecturer鈥攑assionate, deeply knowledgeable in Spanish literature, and uniquely gifted at guiding students to fully appreciate what is often considered the greatest novel ever written, Don Quixote. His lectures transported us to the age of knights and chivalry, making us feel as though we ourselves were setting out to battle windmills or falling in love with the imagined beauty of Dulcinea. In the classroom, he would vividly bring to life the sardonic humor and earthy wisdom of Sancho Panza, while also conveying the timeless reflections of Don Quixote as he instructed his loyal squire in the deeper meanings of life. While deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Martinez, we are profoundly grateful for the privilege of having known him.鈥澨

For Juan Hernandez, a visit by Hugo to his parent鈥檚 Instituto Guanajuato for Arts and Languages would shape the course of Juan鈥檚 life.听听

鈥淎 gifted teacher and writer, Dr. Martinez inspired in me a deep appreciation for language and literature,鈥 Juan said. 鈥淒uring that visit, he spoke about an assistantship scholarship for students from the University of Guanajuato to work with the Spanish faculty and their students. I immediately applied, and within a few months, at only age 17, I was on my way to 麻豆影院. The Martha Siekman family in Appleton welcomed me as one of their own, supporting not only me but many students over the years, as generous donors to 麻豆影院. Guided by extraordinary mentors, I completed my B.A. at age 19, becoming one of the youngest graduates in the University鈥檚 history. I was not an 鈥淎鈥 student, but I was a student who understood the value of those mentors, especially Professor Mart铆nez. Years later, I earned my Ph.D. in Spanish and English Letters 鈥 a path that began with his encouragement. I will never forget the support I received from Dr. Mart铆nez.鈥澨

Outside the classroom, Hugo worked for social justice in all its forms. He was most proud of his family鈥檚 role as resident family for the Appleton chapter of the ABC (A Better Chance) program for two academic years in 1970-71 and 1971-72. In this role, he and his wife, Mary-Alice, provided guardian care, moral support, a positive learning environment, and home-cooked meals for 10 young men who attended Appleton area high schools. A highlight of his time at 麻豆影院 was the great honor of hosting acclaimed poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou at his home when she came to Appleton in 1976 to receive an honorary degree from 麻豆影院.听

In retirement, Hugo moved to Colorado and then New Mexico before settling in Madison, Wisconsin to be near his children. Fiercely independent to the end, he was an accomplished cook who enjoyed reading, classical music, fine food, good wine, and most of all, the company of those he loved.听听

Though he is deeply missed, his spirit lives on through his stories, and through the memories of all those who cherish him. He is survived by his loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.听

The family requests that gifts in Hugo鈥檚 memory be made to the 麻豆影院 Fund. 听

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麻豆影院 mourns the death of Trustee Emeritus John Luke 鈥71 /articles/lawrence-mourns-death-trustee-emeritus-john-luke-71/ /articles/lawrence-mourns-death-trustee-emeritus-john-luke-71/#respond Wed, 25 Mar 2026 22:22:08 +0000 /articles/lawrence-mourns-death-trustee-emeritus-john-luke-71/ Trustee Emeritus John A. Luke, Jr. 鈥71

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麻豆影院 University lost a treasured member of the university community with the death of Trustee Emeritus John A. Luke, Jr. 鈥71, who passed away on March 14, surrounded by his loving family in his Florida home. He was 77.听听

鈥淛ohn Luke exemplified the very best of 麻豆影院 University鈥攁 leader whose vision, steady guidance, and commitment to service left an enduring mark on our community,鈥 said President Laurie A. Carter. 鈥淗is legacy will continue to inspire us, and he will be deeply missed.鈥

John鈥檚 dedication to 麻豆影院 University was deep and enduring. He graduated from 麻豆影院 in 1971 with a self-designed major in Asian Studies, a reflection of the intellectual curiosity and global perspective that would shape his life and career.听听

After graduation, John served his country as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, where he earned the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He left active duty as a First Lieutenant in 1974.听听

Career and Leadership

Following his military service, John joined Proctor & Gamble Company, working in sales management. He earned his MBA in 1979 from the Wharton School of Business at University of Pennsylvania. That same year, he joined Westvaco Corporation, a paper and packaging company originally founded by the Luke family in the late 19th century. He was appointed as CEO and Chairman of Westvaco in 1992 and dedicated the remainder of his 40-year career to building the company and its successors, MeadWestvaco and WestRock, now Smurfit Westrock. John was a principled leader who cared deeply for the company, its purpose and, most importantly, its people.听听

Throughout his career, John shared his experience and perspective through service on corporate boards of directors, including Bank of New York Mellon, The Timken Company, and FM Global. He was also deeply committed to public policy, education, and community service, serving for several years on the boards of the American Enterprise Institute, the American Forest & Paper Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Virginia Commonwealth University, and 麻豆影院 University. He brought the same broad perspective, intellectual curiosity, and steady judgement to these roles that made him such a trusted voice in business and industry.听听

Service to 麻豆影院 University

John served 麻豆影院 University with deep commitment and distinction as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1987 to 2007, and as Board Chair from 1995 to 1998. During his tenure as Board Chair, John guided the institution through a period of significant momentum and change. He played an instrumental role in 麻豆影院鈥檚 fundraising initiatives.听听

As co-chair of the 麻豆影院 150 campaign from 1992 to 1997, he helped lead the university to a transformative $66 million outcome that strengthened the endowment, expanded scholarships, and supported major capital projects, including the construction of Briggs Hall. His leadership helped lay the strategic foundation for the More Light! and Be the Light! campaigns, and he continued to lend his expertise as an honorary member of both the Be the Light! steering committee and the current $135M Onward Lawrentians campaign.听听

鈥淚 had the privilege of knowing John Luke for over forty years,鈥 said David C. Blowers 鈥82, 听former Board Chair. 鈥淗e was a remarkable representative of the college: incredibly generous, forever curious and one of the humblest Fortune 500 CEOs one could ever imagine. We have lost a true giant!鈥澨

John鈥檚 service on the 麻豆影院 Board of Trustees included contributions to many of its most influential committees, among them Development, Executive, the Committee on Trustees, and the Academic Affairs Committee. His insight, leadership, and unwavering commitment left a lasting imprint on the university. Earlier in his alumni life, John also contributed as a reunion committee member and regional club planning coordinator.听听

John and his wife, Kathleen, were deeply generous in their philanthropy to 麻豆影院. Together, they established the John A. and Kathleen Luke Fund for Excellence in Economics, and the Luke Fund for International Studies 鈥 endowments designed to strengthen academic programs and global learning opportunities for generations of students. Their commitment extended through loyal support of the 麻豆影院 Fund as well as gifts to other key university priorities, including student scholarships, the arts, and campus development.听听

Upon his appointment as an emeritus trustee, the university prepared a citation recognizing John鈥檚 extraordinary service and dedication. It praised his leadership during the 麻豆影院 150 campaign, his thoughtful guidance across numerous committees, and his philanthropic vision, celebrating the enduring impact of his work on the university and its students.听听

鈥淲e remain profoundly grateful for John鈥檚 leadership, his wisdom, and his unwavering belief in 麻豆影院鈥檚 mission,鈥 President Carter said. 鈥淎s we reflect on his legacy, I am reminded that a life of service is the most enduring legacy one can give. John鈥檚 decades of service to 麻豆影院 University will continue to shape and strengthen our community for generations to come.鈥澨

Home and Family

John was a lifelong member of the West Chop Club in Martha鈥檚 Vineyard, a community where he enjoyed summer days with his family from early childhood to late retirement, and which he later led as Club President. He was also a member of the John鈥檚 Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida, where he eventually became a full-time resident. There he enjoyed continuing to perfect his golf game and sharing the beach, pool, and warm winter days with his family.听

John lived life fully, devoted to his friends, country, career, and above all, his wonderful family whom he adored. He married the love of his life, Kathleen Allen Luke, on June 30, 1984, and was a loving father to their three children and a proud grandfather to six grandchildren. He was never happier than when surrounded by family.听听

Disciplined and humble, John鈥檚 life was marked by strength, generosity, integrity, and a gracious spirit that made everyone around him feel welcome and supported. He possessed a remarkable ability to connect and build meaningful relationships with anyone he met, and an endless capacity to share his wisdom and counsel, which so many sought. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.听听

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麻豆影院 mourns the loss of Professor Ronald Tank, a pioneer in the development of environmental geology /articles/lawrence-mourns-loss-professor-ronald-tank/ /articles/lawrence-mourns-loss-professor-ronald-tank/#respond Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:12:58 +0000 /articles/lawrence-mourns-loss-professor-ronald-tank/ Ronald W. Tank, professor emeritus of Geology passed away on November 7, 2025 at the age of 96. Ron lived to learn and spent most of his life on college […]

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Ronald W. Tank, professor emeritus of Geology passed away on November 7, 2025 at the age of 96. Ron lived to learn and spent most of his life on college campuses. He earned a B.S. degree in geology and two M.S. degrees at the University of Wisconsin 鈥 Madison, a PhD degree at Indiana University, and a diploma from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Ron taught at Downer College for two years, and at 麻豆影院 for 27 years (1964-1991). The highlight of his teaching career was听 as director of the LU campus in Eningen Germany (1969-70 and 1972-73).听

Ron in field in Switzerland

At the commencement exercises held on the University鈥檚 Main Hall Green in June 1991, Ron was awarded the honorary degree of Master of Arts, ad eundem. President Richard Warch鈥檚 citation read:

Ronald W. Tank, in your 29 years of service at Milwaukee-Downer and at 麻豆影院 you have emphasized the close relationship between your science of geology and the aims and aspirations we hold in common. While doing research and teaching in your specialties of clay mineralogy and sedimentology, you added leaven to the geology curriculum by developing courses appealing to a broad spectrum of Lawrentians. You brought to 麻豆影院 the distinction of being the first college in the country to offer 鈥Environmental Geology.鈥 Your seminar in 鈥Legal Aspects of Geology鈥 affords another example of the distinctive and extensive perspectives you have imparted to the 麻豆影院 curriculum. And your recent interest in the geology of our national parks has not only enlivened your teaching, but provided you with an exceptionally attractive travel itinerary.

You have not only taught Lawrentians, but have instructed your colleagues and their students beyond the college as well. The textbooks you have published for and from your courses here have found a wide reading. These works manifest the energy, intelligence, and skillful organization that characterized your teaching and your research. And your students鈥 postgraduate successes, not only in geology, but in fields including ministry, medicine, and law provide testimony to the high standards you set for yourself and for them. By your efforts and your example, you prompted and promoted their lives after 麻豆影院. As you now take that step as well, we salute you for your service to the college and to all Lawrentians who have profited from your tutelage.

Professor Ron Tank in 1964

Ron was a pioneer in the development of environmental geology, devoted many hours to a variety of environmental issues, and wrote the first textbook on the subject. Ron dedicated his life to teaching and during his retirement he lectured on board cruise ships and for the University of Pittsburgh鈥檚 Semester at Sea program. He tutored first graders in Appleton鈥檚 Reading for Success program, was a volunteer for the Fox Valley Literacy Coalition, and trained reservists in the Federal Emergency Management Agency.听

He was often seen on the 麻豆影院 campus where he maintained an office until his death. He filled in for the current geo profs as needed and attended every reunion – happily hosting the Geology Department open house. His book Geology at 麻豆影院 University 1847-1991听was his final intellectual gift to the school and the students he loved so much.

In Ron鈥檚 memory, donations may be sent to 麻豆影院 University to be applied to the The Tank-Palmquist-Ross Award in Geology.

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Professor emeritus Allen Crawford West dies at age 95 /articles/lawrence-mourns-passing-allen-crawford-west/ /articles/lawrence-mourns-passing-allen-crawford-west/#respond Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:08:32 +0000 /articles/lawrence-mourns-passing-allen-crawford-west/ Professor Allen West (left) and Professor David Cook (right) instruct students in the classroom. (1968)

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麻豆影院 University Professor Emeritus Allen Crawford West passed away on Oct. 30, 2025. He was 95 and thought to be the University鈥檚 second-oldest surviving professor emeritus at the time of his death.

West was born on Sept. 21, 1930, in Beirut, Lebanon, and came to the U.S. with his mother and siblings in 1941. Educated at Phillips Academy Andover and Princeton University, West served three years in the U.S. Army. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1960 from Cornell University. He taught at Williams College and came to 麻豆影院 University in 1966 where he taught chemistry for the next 27 years until his retirement in 1993. He regularly was published in the Journal of Chemical Education.

In the spirit of the multi-interested Lawrentian, West was also an enthusiastic poet and served as university chaplain from at least 1987 to 1993, offering the invocations and benedictions at all of the university鈥檚 matriculation convocations and commencement ceremonies.

An honorary Master of Arts degree was awarded to West upon his retirement honoring his years of dedicated service to the institution. A portion of the citation for that honor gives insight into West鈥檚 approach to teaching and his impact at 麻豆影院, noting that he 鈥渆xemplified the virtues and rewards of effective teaching, both in the classroom and laboratory, and have been a wise and caring counselor to generations of 麻豆影院 undergraduates.

鈥淵ou have taken seriously the pedagogical challenges of first-rate science education and have met them. Your lectures and laboratories have led students to observe chemistry not only in the confines of Youngchild but in the world beyond and to comprehend its application in their everyday lives. Before it became a vogue, you moved toward a lecture-lean, experience-rich approach to the subject. Your final demonstration in General Chemistry became something of a campus event, drawing crowds to witness wonderful explosions and myriad colors鈥攁nd to listen to your very own musical rendition of the periodic table of elements.

鈥淎nd no testimony to your years at 麻豆影院 would be complete without mention of your magnificent Freshman Studies lectures on Kuhn, in which the phlogiston theory became vital and viable.

鈥淎bove all, you have been the exemplar of the liberally educated person, as your poetry, musical talents and tastes, and full participation in the life of the college attest.鈥

West was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Emily Mountz West (1999), his son Daniel Colton West (2014), and his grandson Michael Crawford Bennett (1990). He is survived by his daughters Margaret Bennett and Katherine Walles (David) and daughter-in-law Kelly Myers West, as well as three grandchildren, Jennifer Bennett, Andrew Walles (Elizabeth), and Christopher Walles (Katie), and a great granddaughter Sawyer Grace Walles.

West moved to Cambridge, MA in 1994 with his (now deceased) wife Emily, where he served as a tutor at a local high school and volunteered at Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. He moved to Brookhaven at Lexington retirement community in 2007 where he was active in a variety of activities, including performing with the Brookhaven Players and singing with the Chorale. On one of his many trips on the Brookhaven shuttle to attend movies and musical performances, he met Betsey Farber, who was his sweetheart for the next 10 years until his death.

Donations in West鈥檚 memory may be sent to The Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118 or online at . A memorial service will be held at Brookhaven at Lexington at a future date.

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麻豆影院 mourns passing of Garth Bond, who taught Lawrentians for 20 years /articles/lawrence-mourns-passing-garth-bond/ /articles/lawrence-mourns-passing-garth-bond/#respond Fri, 18 Jul 2025 18:01:36 +0000 /articles/lawrence-mourns-passing-garth-bond/ Garth Bond (2024)

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麻豆影院 University is mourning the passing of Garth Bond, a beloved member of the English faculty for 20 years. Garth passed away on July 9, 2025, at age 53 due to complications from his long battle with leukemia.

Garth’s wife, Julie, shared a few words about Garth on her Facebook profile.听

鈥淕arth was optimistic, positive, and future-focused,鈥 she wrote. 鈥淚n the last year, Garth spent many months in the hospital, and he coped extremely well, displaying an inner strength that is really remarkable.鈥

Garth came to 麻豆影院 after teaching in the Writing Program at Temple University. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity University and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, and he joined the 麻豆影院 faculty as a visiting instructor in the English department in 2005. He started on the tenure track soon thereafter.听

A specialist in medieval and early modern literature, his research and teaching heavily听involved classic English literature from Shakespeare and others of the Renaissance to 16th- and 17th-century British poets.

The course听History of the Book听was introduced by Garth, who was also a past director and frequent instructor in the听First-Year Studies听program. He received the Freshman Studies Teaching Award in 2020.

鈥淲e deeply mourn the loss of Garth, a treasured member of our English department and shining light in our academic community,鈥 said President Laurie A. Carter. 鈥淭hrough his profound love of literature and storytelling, he inspired our students to think critically, write boldly, and engage deeply with the human experience. Garth’s legacy will live on in the conversations sparked by his teaching.鈥

鈥淗e (Garth) loved teaching and treasured the camaraderie and friendship in our community,鈥 said Peter Blitstein, Provost and Dean of the Faculty and associate professor of history. 鈥淭hose of us who were close to Garth know that he gave even more than he received from us. He was a kind, thoughtful friend, and colleague.鈥

Garth Bond teaches First-Year Studies (2022)

David Gerard,听John R. Kimberly Distinguished Professor of the American Economic System and associate professor of economics, recalled the first time he taught听First-Year Studies;听they were covering听The Tempest, and Garth was to deliver the faculty lecture.听

“The Actors from the London Stage were on campus to perform the play and to conduct hands-on acting workshops,” Gerard said. “That was the year we had a giant class of 450 first-year students, so we moved the lecture to the (Memorial) Chapel. The place was buzzing. Garth brought the house down with a lecture that featured two student actors and a big log. It was an incredible liberal arts experience.”听

Celia Barnes, associate professor of English, said Garth was one of the first people she met at 麻豆影院 when she arrived in 2010, and they shared adjacent offices for more than a decade.听

鈥淕arth鈥檚听capacity to听think expansively, to entertain听contradiction, and听to listen without judgment made him a treasured colleague, teacher, and friend, and I think our students loved him for the same reason,鈥 Barnes said. 鈥淗e modeled for them that critical thinking isn鈥檛 about certainty or fixity but about curiosity and openness. Garth taught us to think more humanely and more generously, and that鈥檚 such a lasting gift.鈥

Ariela Rosa, 麻豆影院 class of 2015 and former associate director of corporate, foundation, and sponsored research support, remembered her time as a student in Garth鈥檚 classes, first studying Shakespeare and then Milton before completing her capstone. As a nontraditional student pursuing an English degree, she said she worried about her preparedness and ability to participate in class.听

鈥淕arth was so patient with this听complex听of mine and guided discussions so thoughtfully that I was able (and even excited) to participate without fear,鈥 Rosa recalled. 鈥淚n our capstone course,听centered听on the topic of failure, Garth supported my analysis of the first two听Rocky听films. I will never forget the various discussions we shared during office hours. At those times, we were just two people nerding out over a deep analysis of movies we had both enjoyed.鈥澨

Even after she was no longer Garth鈥檚 student, Rosa felt his influence in her daily life.

鈥淗e never once forgot my birthday, and he was among the first to cheer when I had exciting news,鈥 Rosa said. 鈥淣o matter what was happening, you could always count on Garth being there, even if just in the background, rooting for you. This is what it felt like to be his student, his colleague, and his friend.鈥

In addition to his passion for English literature, Garth brought his love for activity to campus. A devoted fan of professional soccer leagues here and abroad, he was a frequent participant in pick-up games with students and colleagues.

The faculty pick-up soccer group, Garth Bond pictured in the middle back (2010)

David McGlynn, professor of English, met Garth when McGlynn was hired by 麻豆影院 in 2006. McGlynn then participated in the search that hired Garth the following year. Since then, they have been fast friends.

鈥淕arth was endlessly curious. A person could ask his opinion or thoughts about almost any topic, and he鈥檇 have an insight or an opinion to share,鈥 said McGlynn. 鈥淗e buzzed from one topic to the next, paced his office, gestured with his hands, and made us all laugh. He loved soccer, but he could hold court about hockey, college sports, or the Olympics.鈥澨

For his love of literature, teaching, soccer, and everything in between, Garth will be deeply missed by the 麻豆影院 community.

鈥淕arth really valued community,鈥 Julie wrote. 鈥淗e loved being at 麻豆影院. He loved his soccer community. If one of his students published a book, he bought four copies. If he saw someone he knew on the sidewalk, he ran out the front door and chased them down. He loved supporting local businesses. Garth would walk the halls at Froedtert and update the nurses on soccer scores. He ran down the hall to say goodbye to his favorite janitor before coming home two weeks ago.鈥澨

A celebration of Garth鈥檚 life and career is being planned for Saturday, October 4, 2025. Stay tuned for details.

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麻豆影院 mourns passing of Minoo Adenwalla, who taught and mentored Lawrentians for 64 years /articles/mourning-loss-professor-emeritus-minoo-adenwalla/ /articles/mourning-loss-professor-emeritus-minoo-adenwalla/#respond Thu, 09 Jan 2025 14:28:39 +0000 /articles/mourning-loss-professor-emeritus-minoo-adenwalla/ Minoo Adenwalla (麻豆影院 University Archives)

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麻豆影院 University is mourning the passing of Minoo Adenwalla, a revered member of the government faculty for 43 years before retiring in 2002. Adenwalla, who continued to teach courses in retirement until 2023, died January 5, 2025, at age 97.

Initially hired to teach political theory, Adenwalla taught courses on Indian politics and nationalism, constitutional law, civil liberties, and the Supreme Court. He regularly taught First-Year Studies (then Freshman Studies) and he was among the 麻豆影院 faculty who helped launch the London Centre program in the early 1970s.

鈥淚t is with deep sorrow that we mourn the loss of Minoo, a dedicated educator of our 麻豆影院 students, whose unwavering commitment and passion has touched the hearts and minds of generations,鈥 President Laurie A. Carter said. 鈥淗is legacy of hard work, wisdom, and inspiration will forever be cherished in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Minoo鈥檚 family and loved ones during this difficult time.鈥

Minoo Adenwalla

Claudena Skran, Edwin & Ruth West Professor of Economics and Social Science and professor of government, applauded Adenwalla for his impact on generations of Lawrentians.

鈥淪tudents who took Professor Adenwalla’s courses appreciated his attention to detail, his efforts to improve their arguments, and the great care that he took in writing letters of recommendation,鈥 Skran said. 鈥淎s a faculty member,听he was a supportive colleague and friend for many, and he helped connect students, faculty, and alumni through more than six decades.听He will be greatly missed.鈥

Including his years teaching following his retirement, Adenwalla spent 64 years in 麻豆影院 classrooms. He joined the 麻豆影院 faculty in 1959. Drawing on his experience in the colonial and early post-colonial periods and on his doctoral work at Northwestern University, he brought to 麻豆影院 a deep knowledge of both Eastern and Western traditions in political philosophy.

In 1991, he was awarded 麻豆影院鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Teaching. Then-President Richard Warch said of Adenwalla: 鈥淚n your every effort鈥攆rom Freshman Studies to Constitutional Law, from the History of Political Thought to your seminars on Gandhi鈥攜ou teach that every experience can instruct us in the practical science of politics. We salute you in all your personae: as Dr. Adenwalla feared for your provocative erudition, as political commentator on American life in The Commerce (Bombay鈥檚 equivalent to the Wall Street Journal), as an aristocratic Parsi known for your gentlemanly care and concern, and as an adviser and friend with reputation for both gracious advice and firm, paternal guidance.鈥

His influence in and out of the classroom鈥攁mong students and fellow faculty鈥攈as been felt for generations. He was cited for his leadership among faculty, including service to the Tenure Committee and chairing the Government Department for many years.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been astounded by Minoo鈥檚 ability to recall and stay connected to his students,鈥 Jason Brozek, Stephen Edward Scarff Professor of International Affairs and associate professor of government, told The Lawrentian in 2023. 鈥淗e鈥檚 had multiple generations of Lawrentians in his classroom, and I swear he knows what every one of them is doing now. Building those sorts of personal bonds is something I aspire to as a professor.鈥

Eric Schacht 鈥90 was a student of Adenwalla鈥檚 and now serves as university counsel at his alma mater. He said he returned to 麻豆影院 in part because of the influence of Adenwalla.

鈥溌槎褂霸 University has given me so much, and the primary reason I returned 32 years after graduating is so that I can be part of making the 麻豆影院 experience as special and illuminating for today鈥檚 students as it was for me,鈥 Schacht said. 鈥淣o faculty member was more challenging and dedicated in providing that illumination to me than was Professor Minoo Adenwalla.听Minoo dedicated his life and career to our amazing university鈥攆or thousands of students in hundreds of classes in eight different decades. For that, every Lawrentian past, present, and future should be grateful and inspired.鈥

麻豆影院 is planning a future celebration of Adenwalla鈥檚 life and career. Stay tuned for details.

The family is encouraging memorial gifts to the Minoo Adenwalla Professorship in the Social Sciences at 麻豆影院 University. .

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麻豆影院 mourns passing of coaching legend, trailblazer Mary Heinecke Poulson /articles/lawrence-mourns-passing-trailblazer-mary-heinecke-poulson/ /articles/lawrence-mourns-passing-trailblazer-mary-heinecke-poulson/#respond Mon, 12 Aug 2024 18:40:40 +0000 /articles/lawrence-mourns-passing-trailblazer-mary-heinecke-poulson/ Mary Heinecke Poulson works with 麻豆影院 tennis players in the 1980s. (麻豆影院 University Archives)

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麻豆影院 University has lost one of its legends.听Hall of Fame coach Mary Heinecke Poulson died Aug. 7 in Appleton. She was 94.

A member of the faculty at Milwaukee-Downer College and then 麻豆影院, Poulson’s presence was felt in many ways. She mentored generations of students, continuing long after her retirement in 1993. She was instrumental in the building of women’s athletics at 麻豆影院, and her impact in the Fox Valley community was deep and lasting.

鈥淲e want to express our condolences to the Poulson family,鈥 Director of Athletics Jason Imperati said. 鈥淢ary was a fixture in the Department of Athletics for decades and a pioneer in establishing women’s varsity athletics at the university. Her influence on 麻豆影院 athletics was vast, and she will be missed.鈥

Mary Heinecke Poulson

Current 麻豆影院 men’s and women’s tennis coach Eric Schacht, a 1990 麻豆影院 graduate, was a star player for Poulson听and maintained a close relationship with his former coach.

鈥淐oach Poulson was one of the most influential figures in my life,鈥 Schacht said. 鈥淪he has had a lasting impact, not just upon me as a tennis player, but upon me as a coach, as a parent and, most importantly, as a person.鈥

Poulson’s 听details a life filled with athletic excellence, intellectual pursuits, and service to community. Poulson’s memorial service is set for Aug. 15, at First English Lutheran Church, 326 E. North Street, Appleton, at 11:30 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the church. Following the service, a luncheon will be held 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Warch Campus Center.

麻豆影院 will celebrate Poulson’s legacy at a future date to be determined. Stay tuned for details.

鈥淭he fundamental tenet of Coach P’s coaching was to put primary focus on the well-being and happiness of the student-athlete, secondarily upon the cohesion and collaboration of the team, and lastly about the outcome of the matches, tournaments, and meets,鈥 Schacht said.听鈥淚n my 30 years of coaching at the high school level, and now in my coaching at LU, I have carried Coach P’s wisdom, knowledge, philosophies, kindness, and caring in my heart and mind. I will forever strive to make the impact on others that she made upon me.鈥

Poulson听is a charter member of the 麻豆影院 Intercollegiate Athletic Hall of Fame and served as the head coach of five teams during her time at 麻豆影院. Poulson听had been teaching and coaching at Milwaukee-Downer College but came to 麻豆影院听in the fall of 1964 as part of the college’s consolidation with Downer. Poulson, who had been the chair of physical education and health department at Downer, didn’t think she would be at 麻豆影院 for very long.

鈥淚鈥檇 come up for a year, see how things went, and then look for something else,鈥 Poulson told former Sports Information Director and fellow Hall of Famer Rick Peterson in 1996. That one year turned into 29 at 麻豆影院.听

When women’s tennis went varsity in 1974, Poulson was there to lead the Vikings, and she coached the team through the fall of 1992. The 麻豆影院 women would capture seven conference titles, winning five straight in the Wisconsin Independent Colleges-Women’s Athletic Conference from 1975-79. Poulson’s Vikings also won Midwest Conference crowns in 1985 and 1986. During Poulson’s tenure, the Vikings compiled a dual record of 86-73 and won 46 singles and doubles conference titles.

Poulson听took over guidance of the men’s tennis program in 1972 and coached that team for 21 seasons. 麻豆影院 posted a record of 94-95 under Poulson and won seven Midwest Conference titles in singles and doubles.

An accomplished fencer, Poulson was the driving force behind 麻豆影院’s fencing programs. She oversaw the elevation of the men’s and women’s fencing teams from club status to varsity in 1985. She coached both fencing teams until her retirement in 1993. Poulson also coached the women’s basketball team for two seasons from 1979-81. 麻豆影院 compiled a 19-14 record under Poulson.

Poulson听and former 麻豆影院 head football coach and Director of Athletics Ron Roberts were听instrumental in creating the听Wisconsin Independent Colleges-Women’s Athletic Conference in 1975. It was the first collegiate women’s conference of its kind in Wisconsin and included fellow Midwest Conference members Beloit College and Ripon College. The WIC-WAC paved the way for the Midwest Conference to adopt women’s athletics and for the formation of the Lake Michigan Conference (now the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference).

Inducted into 麻豆影院’s Hall of Fame in 1996,听Poulson was recognized by the United States Fencing Coaches Association with its Coach of the Year honor and was inducted into the Fox Valley Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006.

鈥淲ithout Mary’s guidance and influence during the infancy of 麻豆影院 women’s athletics, we would not have the robust women’s athletic program that we have now. We owe her a debt of gratitude for all she contributed,鈥 Imperati said.

Born in 1930 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Poulson听met her future husband at 麻豆影院. John Poulson had come to 麻豆影院 in 1968 and served as the head men’s basketball coach and assistant football coach on听Roberts’ staff. They married in 1977 and had 16 years together before John’s death in 1993.听

An extremely active member of the 麻豆影院 community, Poulson was honored multiple times for her service and mentoring. Mary and John Poulson helped found the Noonhour Philosophers in 1980. The Noonhour Philosophers had听weekly community speakers featuring area experts and scholars designed to stimulate thought and spirited discussion. For nearly 45 years, she organized the schedule and arranged for the speakers.听She spent more than three decades volunteering with the local Meals on Wheels program and was active for many years as a volunteer with LEAVEN, the Fox Valley Girl Scout Council and the Appleton Ecumenical Network. Starting in 2000, Mary served as coordinator for the annual Fox Cities Crop Walk.

Also an accomplished athlete, Poulson was a standout fencer and tennis and badminton player. She was a five-time Wisconsin state open fencing champion and six-time closed state champion. Poulson was ranked as high as 13th nationally and competed in six national championship tournaments.听She also was a 10-time state badminton champion and won the Midwest senior title three times. She was nationally ranked from 1972-76 and competed in a pair of national badminton championships. As a teenage tennis player, she was ranked as high as fourth in the state.

A graduate of Valparaiso University, Poulson earned a bachelor’s degree in English. She went on to earn a Master of Education from Miami (Ohio) University.听听

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麻豆影院 University mourns passing of professor emeritus Chong-do Hah at age 96 /articles/lawrence-mourns-passing-professor-emeritus-chong-do-hah/ /articles/lawrence-mourns-passing-professor-emeritus-chong-do-hah/#respond Tue, 09 Jul 2024 20:16:11 +0000 /articles/lawrence-mourns-passing-professor-emeritus-chong-do-hah/ Chong-do Hah

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麻豆影院 University is mourning the passing of Chong-do Hah, a beloved professor of government who taught generations of Lawrentians during a brilliant 42-year career.

He passed away June 24 at the age of 96.

Born in Koje, Korea, Hah moved to the United States in 1952. He earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree at Indiana University, a master鈥檚 degree at the University of Virginia, and a Ph.D. from Indiana University before joining the 麻豆影院 faculty in 1961. He served on the faculty until retiring in 2003 (and taught some classes for a number of years following retirement).

Hah was widely respected for his intellectual rigor and global expertise, and he remained connected as a mentor to many of his students long after they graduated from 麻豆影院.

鈥淎s leader of the Government Department, Professor Hah stood for high standards and innovative thought,鈥 said Claudena Skran, Edwin & Ruth West Professor of Economics and Social Science and professor of government. 鈥淗e mentored many students who later pursued academic careers.鈥澨

Chong-do Hah teaches a class at 麻豆影院. (麻豆影院 University Archives)

Jon Greenwald, a retired senior U.S. diplomat who spent the 1998-99 academic year teaching at 麻豆影院 as the Scarff Distinguished Visiting Professor of Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, called Hah a great scholar and mentor. Hah was among the first people he met upon arriving at 麻豆影院.

鈥淚 had served 30 years in the State Department and U.S. Foreign Service but never taught,鈥 Greenwald said. 鈥淗e took me under his wing, mentored, guided, and encouraged me, becoming in the process for me the embodiment of the school that I fell in love with that year and with which I have retained a close relationship for more than a quarter century: a warm and welcoming place, devoted to the liberal arts and human values, with broad curiosity about the world but above all grounded in teaching its students. I’m grateful that he made me one of his students.”

Skran worked alongside Hah in the Department of Government for more than a decade. Hah chaired the department for much of that time.

鈥淥ne of the first teacher/scholars at 麻豆影院 to recognize the importance of Asian studies, Professor Hah taught many students to better understand Chinese politics and society,鈥 Skran said.

Hah was an advocate for 麻豆影院鈥檚 Povolny Lecture Series in International Studies and the Scarff professorship, both of which bring visiting scholars to campus.

鈥淚n so many ways, Professor Hah set the standard of what a 麻豆影院 faculty member could and should be,鈥 Skran said.

A 1990 faculty awards nomination letter speaks to how beloved Hah was at 麻豆影院: 鈥淚n an era when some undergraduates view rigorous method and social science research skeptically, Chong-do transmits with great skill the virtues of methodological rigor to his students. His courses are immensely popular because they demand and secure more from most students than they think they can produce.鈥

A celebration of Hah鈥檚 life is being planned for this fall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to consider making a donation in his memory to the Mojmir Povolny and Chong-do Hah Library Fund at 麻豆影院.

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