Ed and Mary
“From the Shoe Factory to Downers Grove, with visits to Lake Geneva, Ed and Mary have been involved with GWC these years…an amazing
all
story indeed.” Celebrating
Early in my tenure as president of Aurora University, I began to learn the names of important George Williams College educators. This was a high priority for me. I know that the history of small private colleges is best understood through the stories of faculty, staff and students. The litany of George Williams College names is long and distinguished. We all know them well, and we understand the important and prominent places that Ed and Mary Langbein occupy on this roster. In the case of the Langbeins, I enjoyed an opportunity to learn firsthand. I am not quite sure when I met them for the first time. But I am certain that they had a powerful impact on my own life very early in my presidency. They shared wonderful stories of the past — of tying knots and using the Mabel Cratty fireplace as a climbing wall. Their recollections of September Camp quickly seemed like me own. Why? Mary and Ed bring a remarkable authenticity to all that they do. To put it in the vernacular of the 1970s... they are the real thing. Because of the way they related to me, I could imagine how they engaged their students. Not long ago I received a letter from a 1973 graduate of George Williams. He reflected on this very point. He wrote of the many at GWC who “touched the minds and hearts of students,” devoting special attention to the ways that Ed and Mary shaped his own experience at GWC and his life for years afterward. I am grateful to the Langbeins for their friendship, their generous spirits and their powerful examples. I know GWC because I know them.
— Rebecca L. Sherrick, PhD President What is so great about Ed and Mary?
I remember Ed and Mary when we were students together at GWC during the transition from Hyde Park to Downers Grove. I do not know of any other couple from our era who achieved such a sustained positive impact among students and faculty over decades. They are most deserving of our gratitude, recognition and deep appreciation.
“They are most deserving of our gratitude, recognition, and deep appreciation.”
Paul ’78 and Sandy Atkins Who would’ve imagined years ago while I was prone on the dance studio floor taking a class in neuromuscular relaxation (I’ve told Ed many times that I taught those skills to juvenile offenders in Northern Wisconsin so that they can learn to chill out!) with Ed Langbein that at some point in my future, Ed and Mary would be neighbors at Wagon Trail Campground in Door County. And that we would become traveling companions with our respective campers from the Gulf Coast to the north shore of Lake Superior. And that these experiences would lead to a deep friendship where Ed and Mary would share their love and intimate knowledge of camping, good coffee and good beer. We have been impressed and impacted by their extensive network of former students, and the love shown by and for them. With their volunteer efforts in their community, they serve as role models and ongoing evidence of the GWC ideal. We are fortunate indeed to count Ed and Mary as friends.
I would like to wish both Ed and Mary well! I didn’t have much contact with them except in a class or two at the Hyde Park Campus! I do remember Ed as a grad assistant helping Dr. Norris with a couple of classes!
Helen Metanchuk ’76
Thank you Ed and Mary for everything!!!
John Shepherd ’66
Larry Johnson ’72
I would just like to share that in my opinion Ed and Mary Langbein were two of the most dedicated, kind and caring, people I’ve ever met! I enjoyed taking classes from them both. Mary was my adviser and her advice was always honest, insightful and encouraging!
Sorry I can’t be with you all this year! God Bless you and the alumni!!
Taking Lifesaving and WSI was difficult for me but with Ed’s skillful instruction and caring attitude I got through it! I remember the Midnight Ride in Ed and Mary’s cycling class that ended up at their house for breakfast! They were both role models for me even until this day! I love and respect them both so much!
Diane (Sedlacek) Taylor ’84
Mary and Ed cared greatly about their students and both were outstanding educators. We were fortunate to be able to learn from them.
What’s so amazing about Ed and Mary Langbein is their integrity, devotion to the physical education profession, patience to teach young adults who need reminders about respect and etiquette at times, and wisdom freely offered!
Norris Lineweaver ’67
Gail (Jacoby) Orser ’78 Ed and Mary were an awesome team. They gave so much support to students. And their commitment to GW never wavered. They both were loved by students, respected by other faculty, and at the heart of GW.
Congratulations on lives well lived and love well cherished and may their journey together remain examples to us all that caring, devotion and the true values in both life and love are joyously attainable. What wonderful examples they are to us all and the generations to follow.
“Those experiences in the pool, at September Camp and in swim classes gave me the blueprint for much of my professional life.”
Judy (Bjorklund) Sides ’70
Those experiences in the pool, at September camp and in swim classes gave me the blueprint for much of my professional life. I’m always amazed when former students or athletes tell me how I influenced their lives. Now I’m happy to share that same sentiment with you. Thank you for everything. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve thought of you over the years.
“They both were loved by students, respected by other faculty, and at the heart of GeorgeWilliams.”
Ken Mattison ’68 From the Shoe Factory to Downers Grove with visits to Lake Geneva Ed and Mary have been involved with GWC all these years…an amazing story indeed. Hats off to these two loving and caring kids, young adults and now mature seniors who have been steadfast in their values of education and caring not only for each other but for the lives they have touched along the way and their commitment to truly living the values learned early on by the faculty and staff who undoubtedly lit their respective pathways.
I graduated from GWC in 1970 as an HPER major. In my last year, (maybe the last 2 years) I was a diver on the swim team. Other divers recruited me, namely Susan Linkletter and Kathy Riley. I had always been in the gym with the gymnasts but there was no woman’s team so diving made sense. I was not great (at all) but I loved learning to dive and I loved the team. You had me swim some relays when needed which had to be desperation on your part because to this day I can’t do a flip turn. But, the experience on that team shaped much of my future life. I was a diving coach until about 5 years ago. I coached at both the university and high school levels and was lucky to have some pretty amazing athletes. So, for me, that serendipitous move to the pool was one of the biggest events of my life. As coaches, you were wonderful. As teachers my biggest memory that I’ve told classes about over and over was when we were tied hands to ankles (or hands and ankles?) and put into the pool to “survive”. Of course, I never did that exercise with anyone but it certainly gave me confidence in the water. Nor did I ever have anyone put a motor back together on a motor boat. But, I did become an adventure course facilitator which to me was modern day September Camp.
Colette (Barton) Ansley-Treonis ’74 Mary and Ed are an amazing couple. They support each other and always were there to get the students to grow as individuals and knew how to have a good time. I would not have made it through Flag Football in the Spring of 1973 as I sprained my right ankle. But Mary made sure I could still participate in what I could do with a sore ankle. Ed made sure I did not drown in Advanced Swimming and Lifesaving even though he was dead weight in the water when I had to rescue him. My years at GWC I will always remember fondly and made some great friends.
“As educators, the Langbeins always challenged their students and embodied theideals of George Williams College.”
Chuck Coughlin ’70, ’73 Well, I’m not sure it is easy or impossible to answer the question, “What’s so amazing about Ed and Mary Langbein?” The reason it’s so damn hard to describe how amazing they are is because they make it look so easy. They simply care about people, are great role models, motivational teachers, brilliant coaches, and effective administrators. They each could have been successful on any career path they chose, but for those of us at George Williams College, we had the good fortune of their decision to teach. And I mean teaching and leading in every part of their lives. Mary and Ed share knowledge, their skills, their wisdom and the positive energy each time you have an opportunity to be with them. Two people have rarely demonstrated so clearly the values we know were expressed at GWC. I had the privilege of being a student, athlete, colleague, and now a friend of Mary and Ed. Watching and listening to them is a master class in “class.”
Doug Kohl ’74 When I think of Mary and Ed, I remember the quote, “My teacher thought I was smarter than I was – so I was.” They understood that learning was about creating an environment where you wanted to expand your knowledge and your world. Our chief want in life is someone who will help us be all we can be. Mary and Ed live this out every day.
I had the privilege of being coached in basketball for 4 years by Mary. Ed taught me how to sail at September Camp in Lake Geneva. While Mary was coaching basketball and Ed was coaching swimming we had a joint team party at the home of my parents. There was much laughter and genuine caring on both their parts for all the athletes they coached.
What’s so special about Ed and Mary Langbein?
For some strange reason blinking street signs and other purloined objects would find their way on the front porch of the Langbein home. Perhaps an unusual homage to our coaches but delivered in the dark of night with only the best of intentions by various teammates!
Maya Angelou said, “At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” Ed and Mary made us feel important and empowered to face an ever changing world. They still do. And being with them is fun.
As educators, the Langbeins always challenged their students and embodied the ideals of George Williams InCollege.lateryears long after graduating from GW in 1971 I am so pleased to say that Ed and Mary have remained dear friends and more importantly role models for me. It was an honor to have had these two amazing people not only teach me, but continue to exemplify the meaning of friendship and loyalty for more than 50 years.
Margo Patinos ’71
“Ed and Mary made us feel important and empowered to face an ever changing world.”
In the late 1970’s, I had the opportunity to work at George Williams College as the Registrar. Of course, I had the pleasure of working with Ed and Mary as colleagues. In the days before email or texting, it was not unusual to receive a handwritten note of encouragement or appreciation from one of them. Their support to this young professional was Edinvaluable.andMary are truly influential teachers and education leaders. They represent the very best of our George Williams College traditions and values. I am grateful that I was able to learn from them not only as a student, but as a colleague.
Ron Gierut ’79 Outside of my parents, Ed Langbein was probably the most influential person in my life. He didn’t know it and I didn’t realize it at the time, but as I reflect back, he was just being “Ed”. Until I saw Ed running shirtless around campus, I didn’t realize adults could be fit and stay in shape. This was life-changing for me. I wanted to be like Ed when I grew up.
“Outside of my parents, Ed Langbein was probably the most influential person in my life.”
I was a Springboard Diver while at GWC. Ed was my coach. I wasn’t the most fearless diver. In fact, I was scared out of my mind most of the time. Ed’s patience with me was endless. As I stood on the end of the diving board trying to build the courage to do the next, hardest dive, Ed never made me feel like the big chicken I was.
I never heard a bad word spoken about Ed…never. Thank you, Ed Langbein.
I never knew Mary (no classes with her), but I had Ed a few times. Ed expected me to succeed, but also to work hard. Perhaps this was illustrated best in life saving class. I was a skinny 18-year-old and he partnered me up with a heavy man who didn’t float. In Ed’s first aid class I spent hours in the library memorizing. And then there was September Camp. Did I really trust him enough to jump off the side on the cliff?
Larry Borgione ’74
Jill Westberg ’78
While I had only one class with Ed and Mary in my 4 years as an undergrad, for me, it was one of the most memorable. Ed and Mary were the primary instructors for the “September Camp” course I completed. With a well-managed team of grad students, they delivered a significant amount of hands on content in a condensed time period to students with diverse skill levels and did so with competence, humor, patience and care. After graduating I applied the knowledge from “September Camp” to start a lakefront rowing program at one of the Cleveland YMCA’s resident camps.
Kathy (Broehl) Brooks ’69 Congratulations Ed and Mary! Thanks for all you have done for GWC. I was especially touched that you remembered me when someone met with me here in California and showed you the picture of my September Camp knot board that hangs on my bedroom wall. Enjoy your well-earned celebration.
“Ed and Mary are truly influential teachers and education leaders. They represent the very best of our George Williams College traditions and values.”
Barbara (Grubb) Groves ’71, ’77 You both are always present in my wonderful memories of GWC. You made me always feel valued and you explained complexities making them easy to understand. Great memories of Lake Geneva and all the outdoor education experiences. I wish you both a very happy and healthy lives. You deserve the best because you are the best.
“Thank you both for the influence you had on me and literally hundreds and hundreds of other folks. You are both truly amazing.”
InLangbein?myexperience
Thank you both for the influence you had on me and literally hundreds and hundreds of other folks. You both are truly AMAZING!
Think about this for a minute…. You oversee a beautiful natatorium at a small college in an Iconic athletic building in the suburbs of Chicago, it’s the start of the fall semester in 1970. Not only are you in charge of the classes and programs that provide college credits and certifications such as scuba diving and lifeguarding, but you also actually teach most of them. Ah, but wait, you are also responsible for the scheduling, the hiring of staff, the maintenance and 6-7 day/week operation of a pool accessible to the college community. You also serve as the head coach of the swim teams and are always there for practices, preparations for home meets and most of the time, you drive a van for away meets. Then you or someone says, “Why don’t we start a men’s water polo program?” There had always been good high school and recreational water polo in the Chicago area under the auspices of the AAU, and the last 3 or 4 years several Y’s downstate and throughout the Midwest had started water polo programs. Close by colleges, like Chicago Circle (I hated those bastards), U of I Chicago, and most of the Big Ten schools at the time, had fall water polo programs, mostly as conditioning for the upcoming swimming season. Now, in Downers Grove your men’s swimming program had several good and fast swimmers and you had at least one high school All American water polo player enrolling that fall, so why not start a polo program at GWC? So, while my memory is a little shady and I certainly would yield to any corrections or clarifications, my best recollection of that first water polo practice, in the fall of 1970, was that Ed hadn’t ever conducted a water polo practice, probably had never played or coached in a game, and probably didn’t know all of the Whichrules.leads
Randy Bugos ’73
me to the question “What’s so amazing about Ed Langbein?”
What’s so amazing, considering his inexperience with the sport, is that for the next three years, he coached, molded, and shaped a rag tag group of small college players into a cohesive team that not only competed very well against those huge, Big Ten schools but ended up beating several of them. It really was amazing.
The answer about what is so amazing about Mary is easy. It’s amazing that she has put up with and stayed married to Ed for all these years.
both Ed and Mary are very solid and authentic people! Their morals and their principles are clear, which they express with compassion. They truly care about helping this world be a good, healthy place in which to live, made evident by their actions and their voice. They serve to be beneficial to humanity. They are role models…in this era of conflict and social distancing, we need more people like Ed and Mary. As a frequent student of Ed’s I learned a lot!...academically and about life….for which I am deeply grateful.
Jeff Ross ’79 How wonderful! Two people so deserving of special recognition! What’s so amazing about Ed and Mary
Tom ’76 and Jane (Ward) Fidler ’78
“Their love for life itself, love for the outdoors, love for new adventures, and love for humanity has truly rubbed off and made us who we are today.”
Elaine (Richmond) Jones ’70, ’79 What is so amazing about Ed and Mary Langbein is their obvious love of GWC, the outdoors, and sharing their outdoor skills and talents with others. They always taught with great dedication and empowered their students to work hard and achieve at a high Theylevel. had a way of motivating you to push yourself to accomplish more than what you thought you could. Even though class challenges were hard at times, you felt that they really cared and really wanted to help you succeed at meeting those challenges. For me, they fostered a great love of the outdoors, water sports and a desire to continue learning new things throughout my life. Having experienced classes with them on campus and through the “September Camp” experience, I know how they contributed to some of my fondest memories of my years at GWC. So happy to celebrate them!
My best time was during our swim instructor course. Ed had us work with special needs kids, teaching them to swim. The attention Ed shared with us took time; as I looked back my teaching career, I am grateful Ed pushed us. He demanded a lot and was one of the most giving teachers I had. Thanks Ed.
Alexander Richmond ’70
“Having experienced classes with them oncampus and through the September Campexperience, I know how they contributed to some of my fondest memories of my years at GWC.”
Harry ’64, ’69 and Mary (Wiseman) Walter ’66 What’s so amazing about Ed and Mary…. Commitment and Dedication to... 1. Lifetime of Discoveries 2. GWC 3. Long term goals 4. Creativity 5. Love of the outdoors 6. The earth 7. Friendship 8. Each other Mary and I have known Ed and Mary for more than 60 years, meeting them at the old GWC Campus in Hyde Park. Mary got to know them through working with Man and His Land when she was employed by Nelson Weiters. Harry had the pleasure of working with them at the DG Campus as AD when Ed coached swimming and Mary coached Women’s Basketball. It is a credit to them for all of their successes in the past, and especially now. Mary and I will always treasure their friendship. Congratulations for this honor you are about to receive!
Both Ed and Mary were not only great teachers, but amazing mentors! What we have learned/acquired from “being in their presence” has shaped our adult beings. Their love for life itself, love for the outdoors, love for new adventures, and love for humanity has truly rubbed off and made us who we are today. You both are amazing individuals that we love dearly!
*You recognize each new day as a gift and make the most of that day.
Following our graduation, we kept in touch for a number of years, but then lost contact. Imagine my delight, sometime around 2005, when I ran into Ed while we were both volunteering at the Morton Arboretum plant sale! The rest, as they say, is history. We feel so fortunate to see you a couple of times each year when you are in Door County at your campsite.
*You see the world in Technicolor and in all its glory, and you encourage your friends to do so as well.
*When faced with the before and after line that falls into each life, you don’t say “Life’s unfair!” but rather “Let’s saddle up and ride!” or in your own words “Bring it on, our plans cannot be rained out!”
*To paraphrase the words of Anna Quindlen, “you show up, you listen, you laugh and you recognize you are the sole persons with full custody of your lives.”
Thank you for deepening our spirits and leaving us refreshed each time we’re together. We look forward to many new adventures with you in the years ahead!
This incredible kindness and your further encouragement, Ed, prompted me to try out for the GWC swim team as a junior, having never swum competitively in my life! It was at this point that Tom and I met Mary, as the two of you invited the team to your home for pizza after each swim meet. Even after I washed out mid-season as a mediocre back stroke, you kept me involved with the team. The hospitality and graciousness you both extended was a true gift!
*Your love for one another is palpable and you work at your marriage, because we all know true love is work. (Tom agrees with this one!)
“You see the world in technicolor and in all its glory, and you encourage your friends to do so as well.”
Tom ’71 and Penny (Ohde) Beerntsen ’71
Congratulations on the long overdue recognition for your many years of service and your impact on the thousands of students whose lives you enriched! We’re very sorry that we can’t attend the luncheon in person, but wanted to send our reflections on the question posed by the alumni office: “What’s SO amazing about Ed and Mary Langbein?” (It would have been SO much easier to ask what’s NOT so amazing about Iyou!)came to GWC as a transfer student in early 1969 to join Tom, who enrolled as a freshman in ‘67. Although I was a decent student, I struggled with the pressures of college and was especially apprehensive about starting over in a new setting. I enrolled in a couple of Ed’s PE classes and had a meltdown during the practical portion of the finals. Enter Ed, whose calmness was contagious and who gave this struggling student a second chance at the final exams. (You had me remove a splinter from your hand while you were on the phone — and I passed!)
So here’s what SO amazing about the two of you:
*You love outdoor adventures and share yours, encouraging us to do likewise.
I close, dear friends, with a quote from Gibran’s The Prophet: “And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit….And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”
Ed Langbein found handholds and footing to scale the wall without hesitation. I don’t remember how he returned down. I met Mary Sholley while she was a graduate student at GWC. At some point on the Downers Grove campus, likely in 1968, I heard she and Ed were a number. That was history in the making. And today it’s something to celebrate!
Thanks for the memories.
Jose Zayas ’74 Ed and Mary Langbein are an amazing couple; they reflect George Williams College values and make this world kinder, more loving, and a fuller blessing to us within each circle of friendships.
I think I first noticed Ed Langbein during my stay at September Camp (Camping 101) in 1965. I was attending a lecture by Nelson Wieters, and the topic was rock climbing. Mr. Wieters was describing the activity when he shouted, “Ed, climb the fireplace!” The rock fireplace extended to the ceiling in that hall.
I took to swimming as a young boy at my local inner city YMCA. Looking back, swimming became my way of getting out of the city and opening up new opportunities in life. At the time, I thought I was a pretty good swimmer. Then I came to GWC where I met peers, who had been competitive swimmers for years. They were very skilled as well as academically Whentalented.Ichose to join the swim team at GWC, I really had no idea what I had signed up for. The competition was tough and I felt like a “Fish out of water”, pun intended. However, Ed Langbien was not the conventional swim coach that I had had at the YMCA and in high school. He was a scientist and teacher, who took the time to teach and train me in the different disciplines of aquatics. Wherever he thought I could help, I did. With his encouragement, I kept swimming, and discovered something about myself. I learned that more than being an individual competitor, I was part of a team. With Ed’s help I explored many areas of aquatics, including team management, stroke technique, interval training and water polo. More challenging areas were distance swimming and competitive diving. I came to feel that I was contributing to the team effort. An extension of this was participation in the Lake Geneva program with its unique experiences and challenges. Ed helped me get my first job out of college and over a 9-year period I directed swimming programs and conducted training sessions for the YMCA. Later, I worked in teaching and school administration. I’m retired now, but still work part time at the YMCA where I began working in 1976. In 2026 I will complete 50 years there.
Ed and Mary had a great influence on me while I was at GWC. Those lessons learned have shaped to be the man that I am and my son also. Thank you for all you have done for so many.
Barb (Batson) Thomas ’68
“Ed and Mary Langbein are an amazingcouple; they reflect George WilliamsCollege values and make this world kinder, more loving, and a fuller blessing to us within each circle of friendships.”
Jim MacRunnels ’79
Andy Velez ’76
Ed Langbein had a very lasting influence on me — I became a YMCA Aquatic Director, vacationed for a decade of annual Caribbean Islands scuba trips, taught CPR to instructor trainers. I enjoyed annual canoe and kayak vacations while backpacking in primitive areas & several Great Lakes. So many skills, such a great instructor and inspiring man. Thanks Ed.
Among their many accomplishments in their professional lives: Mary was instrumental in getting Title IX passed in 1972. (Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial Ed’sassistance).numerous research projects added to the understanding of athletes under stress and was instrumental in developing a robotic wheelchair system that helps even the most severely impaired quadriplegic or neurologically damaged patient the ability to move about the home unassisted. Ed and Mary are gardeners, they are readers, they are volunteers in their community; they are campers and outdoor enthusiasts; they are artistic and musical. Have you taken up a hobby to further better yourself?
Ebie Morris ’73
“What makes Ed and Mary so amazing is that they are living their best lives and have been pulling us all along with them for years.”
Ed Langbein, 50+ years of influence on me. So many names/titles: mentor, women’s swim team coach, lifeguard supervisor, aquatic show faculty advisor, professor for classes: neuromuscular relaxation, adaptive aquatics, SCUBA, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, rappelling and knot tying.
Yes, he actually held my hand to encourage and calm me during part of my scuba check out dive in Lake Yes,Geneva.Eddid talk me through a back dive off the 3-meter diving board. He convinced me to swim a back stroke event at Indiana University, an event I had never competed in Hebefore!arranged for the life guard core to go to the newly opened Good Samaritan Hospital and learn the closed cardiac massage technique, now known as CPR.
Ed sees potential in us and presses us to not make excuses. Mary guides us through life challenges with intuition and wisdom. Mary laughs out loud. Ed admirably marches forward with determination and a positive attitude that is mind boggling. They walk every day; they move more than many people decades younger than them in the pursuit of lifelong wellness. Have you moved your body today?
What makes Ed and Mary so amazing is that they are living their best lives and have been pulling us all along with them for years. They do it without judgment and they do it with your best interests in Whenmind. they each taught and coached at George Williams, they gave fully of themselves to us as students and athletes. I have vivid memories of, and gained valuable life skills from the many classes I took from each of them.
Julie (Wieters) Jonas ’79 They are mentors; they are teachers; they are lifelong learners; they are role models. They are kind and caring and gentle. They are strict when it counts and they speak up when it’s necessary. I know, because I have known them since before they were married. I was a flower girl in their wedding, and I toasted them several years ago at their 50th wedding anniversary. Ed and Mary are family to me.
Their influence has rippled out far and wide and has made a huge impact on their students, colleagues and friends whose careers and life interests include physical education, medicine, wellness, research and Theymore.undoubtedly touched my life. They are shining examples of how to make a difference in this worldthe type that counts, the type that makes us all better!
Thank you, Ed and Mary! From your GWC Friends
