Cover: Students in Lori Miles’ 373A, Advanced Sculpture and Sustainability
and imagination to
Inside cover: Class of 2028
Outside back cover: Mae Crosby ‘25, an English writing and film studies double major, is a storyteller working behind the scenes on D3TV and Green Center stage productions.
As we embark on a new year at DePauw University, the energy and momentum are palpable.
The Creative School, a cornerstone of DePauw’s evolving academic landscape, has launched. This school, the third of our three-school model, represents a bold innovation in shaping the next generation of collaborative thinkers, problem-solvers and visionaries. By seamlessly integrating arts and technology, the Creative School will equip our students with the versatile skills needed to thrive in a complex world and tackle challenges we have yet to imagine.
Adding to our momentum, I am proud to share that DePauw recently received a $32 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. in response to requests for proposals for the Campus and Community Collaboration initiative. This grant will help fund “Growing Green and Gold Together,” a key component of the “flourishing university” goal of the DePauw Bold and Gold 2027 strategic plan. By supporting four exciting projects enhancing the vibrancy of Greencastle and DePauw, this substantial investment will positively impact our ability to attract and retain the best and brightest students, faculty and staff and uphold our commitment to be an exceptional place to live, learn and work. This grant enables DePauw to reaffirm our important partnership with Greencastle and the bright future that we share together.
These most recent achievements, as well as so many others over these past four years, would not be possible without the unwavering support of our alumni and friends. Your continued engagement, generosity and passion for DePauw form the bedrock
of our success. Whether through referring a potential student, offering mentorship, making financial contributions or championing the transformative power of a DePauw education, your involvement profoundly impacts our students’ lives and shapes the positive trajectory of our institution. You are the catalysts that propel us forward.
As we look to our future, I am filled with optimism. The launch of our Creative School and the recent Lilly Endowment grant build upon the other objectives of our strategic plan that have come to fruition since the plan’s announcement in 2022. Your enduring commitment to DePauw helps us position our graduates to continue to lead, inspire and make meaningful contributions to society, and for DePauw to be, as our motto states, “the light and splendor of the common good.”
This vision for our future builds upon our past and is an evolution of all of the great traditions we love about DePauw. The DNA of our rich history integrates the work of generations of DePauw students, faculty and staff, enabling us to meet the needs of today’s students and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges. We are doubling down on what makes DePauw unique: our commitment to a small residential campus where transformative relationships are forged and each of our lives is changed.
Thank you for being an integral part of the DePauw family. Here’s to another year of growth, achievement and unwavering Tiger pride!
With warm regards,
Lori S. White President, DePauw University
Fall 2024 Vol. 87 / Issue 1 depauw.edu
STAFF
Vice President for Communications and Strategy and Chief of Staff
Sarah Steinkamp
Senior Director of Communications
Bob Weaver ’93
Creative Director
Kelly Graves
Alumni News Editor
Donna Grooms
EDITORIAL BOARD
Emily Chew ’99, associate director of strategic communications and donor relations; Scott Cooper, project manager; Amy Kwas ’93, vice president for development and alumni engagement; Gaelyn Sicher-Ford, director of enrollment marketing strategy; Drew Humphrey ’07, university writer; Brittney Way Cooper, university photographer.
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Rebekah Kirkman, Chris White, Eli Kean, Ryan Millbern
Access a digital version of DePauw Magazine at depauw.edu/magazine.
CONTACT
Email: communicate@depauw.edu
DePauwUniversity depauwu
DePauwUniversity
Dean Marcus Hayes, Board of Trustees Chair Doug Smith ’85, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dave Berque, Student Body President Eli Federman ’25, Anne Gregg ’25, Professor Ivelisse Rodriguez and President Lori S. White at the Creative School launch event.
Greenwood, Indiana
You were referred to DePauw. Tell us about that.
Jeff Main ’89, a family friend and financial advisor of many years – he was the first. I had cast a wide net, looking at schools nationwide. I applied to DePauw late with Jeff’s enthusiastic support. Then my dad’s best friend, Mike Dooley ’89, heard and he lit up at the news.
Your dad told him?
I was working in the Johnson County prosecutor’s office. Mike was there. I have law school as a possible plan for the future.
What have you found at DePauw?
Even before I got here, the enthusiasm of the alumni had made an impression. I realized there was so much respect for DePauw from adults in the professional world. And when I got here, I found an opportunity to get involved and develop relationships.
New friends?
New friends, from all over. And also the support from alumni, professors ... just instant and so strong. When I reach out with a question, it’s such a supportive culture. It feels like even people I am just getting to know are invested in my education.
YOUR RECOMMENDATION IS GOLD
Since its founding, the university has enrolled some of its most outstanding students with the help of DePauw alumni and friends. If you know a student you think would excel on DePauw’s campus, please let us know by visiting depauw.edu/recommend or email admission@depauw.edu.
“When I talk to graduating seniors, often a friend’s child, it’s always a pleasure for me to put DePauw forward and to articulate just how special a place DePauw is. I’ve been in that position maybe a dozen times over the years. If I see an intellectual curiosity and drive … a person eager to learn new things, I’m inclined to recommend my alma mater.
Recommending that Lucy Roesener look at DePauw was easy. I saw in her a DePauw mindset – a student willing to be challenged and one who brings something to the table. DePauw students are academically top-notch and widely accomplished, whether that’s in sports, volunteerism, music … they have pushed themselves and are willing to try something new.”
– Jeff Main ’89
THIS YEAR’S MONON BELL CLASSIC, the 130th in the series, takes place in Greencastle on November 16. In 2023, DePauw brought the bell home with an electrifying 33-30 double-overtime victory. (Quarterback Nathan McCahill ’25 celebrates.)
FOUR FORMER STUDENT-ATHLETES, two coaches and a national semifinalist team will be inducted into the DePauw Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 26. Inductees include:
• Leslie Dillon Ballantyne ’06, women’s cross country, track and field
• Paige Gooch Bolander ’14, women’s golf
• Adam Cohen ’89, men’s swimming and diving coach
• John Cook ’10, men’s swimming and diving
• Amanda Stier Janszen ’09, women’s swimming and diving
• Scott Riggle, men’s and women’s tennis coach
• 1979-1980 women’s tennis team
JOE SCHOEN ’01, New York Giants general manager, was featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” The television series followed Schoen and his team through offseason deals and developments.
espite achieving the dream of competing as a Division I track and field athlete, Katie Moore ’25 felt unsettled after two years at IUPUI (now IU Indianapolis). “I wasn’t home, and I knew it,” she recalls. “Something was missing.”
So she took a risk and transferred to DePauw, a school that had previously recruited her, and where her older brother Drew Moore ’23 had thrived as a student-athlete. “It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make. I had to uproot everything and take a chance on a new school, a new team.”
In just one season as a Tiger, this communication major from Lawrenceville, Illinois, has found her place. “I didn’t know how I would fit into the team,” she admits. “But I’ve been so supported and welcomed by everybody. It feels like I’ve been here forever.”
She’s also racked up some impressive athletic accomplishments. Moore has already been a part of multiple school record-setting relay performances, she secured a dramatic conference championship in the heptathlon, and she qualified for nationals in the 400-meter hurdles, earning the distinction of second team All-American.
Her secret to success, she argues, is the collaborative partnership she has forged with her new combined events coach and mentor, Peter Crary.
“Such a big part of track and field is trusting your coach,” she explains. “He has fully invested his time and energy into me since the minute I committed. He believes in me more than I believe in myself. He’s the reason I’m doing what I’m doing.”
Crary shrugs off the praise. “If you could take Katie’s heart and bottle it and sell it, you’d be a billionaire,” he suggests. “That’s something I don’t think coaches can train. She’s talented, she’s competitive, and she has the drive that makes a good athlete great.”
That drive has served Moore both on and off the track.
After transferring to DePauw, she quickly realized she would need to adjust to new demands in the classroom. “I had to change some things and prioritize school a little bit more,” she admits. But she is proud of the grades she has earned in addition to her contributions on campus to D3TV, WGRE and The DePauw newspaper.
As a member of DePauw’s track and field coaching staff since 2003, Crary knows that this level of commitment is an essential part of success at the Division III level. “It takes a lot of work,” he says. “Most people don’t realize how much extra these student-athletes do. As coaches, we’re always telling them how impressed we are by them.”
That humility is central to Crary’s coaching philosophy, and it’s a big part of what has built such high levels of trust between him and his athletes. “I’m just along for the ride,” he says. “It’s their journey, and I want to help them get to where they want to be.”
Moore hopes her journey will include more success with her team, more championships and records, and eventually, a career as an NFL sideline reporter. But right now, she knows that at DePauw, she’s exactly where she belongs.
“It’s all about taking risks. And this is the best one I’ve ever taken.”
– KATIE MOORE ’25
A $32 MILLION GRANT from the Lilly Endowment’s College and Community Collaboration (CCC) initiative will support several shared development projects between DePauw University and the City of Greencastle. These projects anchor the joint “Growing Green and Gold Together” plan, a collaborative vision to enhance the quality of life for city residents and cultivate deeper partnerships between the university and community.
Launched by Lilly Endowment Inc. in 2023 to empower collaboration between educational institutions and community stakeholders, the CCC initiative recognizes that colleges and universities often serve as anchors of their communities, playing a crucial role in their ongoing vitality. Funding provided through this initiative is intended to benefit local residents and businesses as well as the faculty, staff and students of the respective universities.
“An investment in DePauw is an investment in Greencastle, and vice versa; we thrive and flourish together,” said Dr. Lori White. The “Growing Green and Gold Together” project will significantly boost local businesses in downtown Greencastle. The development of new residential units and public spaces will increase foot traffic and economic activity in the area, benefitting existing businesses and attracting new entrepreneurs.
The five-year project will be chronicled in these pages and online (scan QR code):
DEPAUW UNIVERSITY was recently accepted into Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL), a distinguished nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting student-centered colleges and universities that prioritize the undergraduate experience. The organization’s founding was inspired by the book of the same name, written by retired New York Times education editor and 1933 DePauw graduate Loren Pope.
The Colleges That Change Lives organization noted that DePauw distinguished itself through its:
• Commitment to a student-centered college experience.
• Strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences.
• Dedicated faculty focused on teaching and mentoring.
• Diverse range of transformative educational opportunities.
As a new member of CTCL, DePauw joins a select group of 45 institutions known for their ability to provide life-changing undergraduate experiences. This membership will enhance DePauw’s visibility among prospective students and families seeking colleges that offer exceptional, personalized education.
FROM AUGUST 13-15, the Prindle Institute for Ethics partnered with the Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard University and the McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society at Stanford University to host a retreat for undergraduate students on the topic of civil disagreement and dialogue. Over 50 students from campuses all around the country participated as part of the Intercollegiate Civil Disagreement Partnership – Harvard University (MA), Stanford University (CA), St. Philip’s College (TX), Santa Fe College (FL), and California State University Bakersfield (CA). Facilitated by faculty and staff from the Prindle Institute and participating partner institutions, the retreat focused on how to build community, how to engage in productive dialogue across differences and how to facilitate difficult conversations on college campuses.
THE DEPAUW WOMEN’S CENTER celebrated its 20th anniversary this fall. On September 24, the center kicked things off with a panel discussion at Kresge Auditorium. The panel discussion was a live presentation of the Conversations with Women Leaders podcast, done in conjunction with the School of Business and Leadership. The panel discussion, organized by Women’s Center Director Sarah Ryan, featured women in leadership positions at DePauw and was moderated by Kathy Vrabeck ’85. Panelists included President Lori White and Vice Presidents Dionne Jackson, Amy Kwas ’93, Beth Petrie, Sarah Steinkamp and Andrea Young. MILESTONES
THE DEPAUW UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP recently celebrated its first anniversary. “As we look back on our inaugural year it is important to take time to reflect and evaluate our impact and identify successes and challenges,” says dean John Clarke. He adds, “it’s a good time to extend gratitude to the community that has shaped our journey and, as we evaluate, refine our strategies to be even better. As we look ahead, we remain committed to excellence, with our alumni playing a vital role in achieving our shared vision. Here’s to the future!”
Scan QR for video.
WGRE-FM continues its celebration of 75 years
WGRE STUDIO, 1952. DePauw University archives. See more WGRE history at DePauw Archives and Special Collections’ Digital Exhibit.
DEPAUW ALUMNI WERE HONORED on Sept. 27 as part of Old Gold Weekend.
• Old Gold Goblet, recognizing eminence in life’s work and service to DePauw University: Thomas “Tom” Mote ’74
• Young Alumni Award, given to an alumnus under the age of 40 who has demonstrated leadership in career and civic associations and has shown strong loyalty to DePauw University: Adam Gilbert ’10
• Alumni Citations, given to multiple alumni each year to recognize outstanding professional achievement in areas such as performing arts, entrepreneurship, science, technology or media:
• Chuck Brooks ’79
• Brittany Hizer ’04
• Renee Predmore Wynn ’85
DEPAUW ALUMNI FILMMAKERS were prominent at January’s Slamdance and Sundance film festivals. DePauw alumni participating included Pete Ohs ’05, Alex Thompson ’12, Linh Tran ’17 and Minkyo Park ’21. “Ghostlight,” which Thompson co-directed with Kelly O’Sullivan, was a hit premiere at Sundance. Thompson was assisted on set by Tran and Park. Pete Ohs’ “Love and Work” premiered at Slamdance, where Tran’s feature debut, “Waiting for the Light to Change,” was Grand Jury prize winner in 2023.
The DePauw film community is strong and collaborative. “Some of the most unique up-and-coming voices in independent filmmaking have come through DePauw. Something is definitely going on right now in Greencastle,” said Alex Thompson.
IF YOU PREFER to read DePauw Magazine on your tablet or another screen, you can access digital copies of this and past magazines at depauw.edu/magazine.
DON’T FORGET – we rely on your submissions to populate our Class Notes. Please submit a note about a new job, marriage, award or any other life event to classnotes@depauw.edu.
“My challenge to you is that you use your privilege for something larger than yourselves. Live your life so that your time here is a blessing to others.”
DOUGLAS HALLWARD-DRIEMEIER ’89, 2024 Commencement speaker
@DePauwU DePauwUniversity
Bob
Weaver ’93,
senior director of communications
“The Overstory” by Richard Powers I didn’t intend it to be the “Summer of Trees.” I had just checked out an eco-parable, “Greenwood,” when my kids presented me with “The Overstory” by Richard Powers for my birthday. I had missed this book when it was published in 2018. The raves on the cover moved it to the top of my reading list.
“The Overstory” is the intertwined fictional stories of nine Americans, their relationships to trees and forests, and their sometimes ruinous path to environmental activism. Patricia Weatherford, one of the novel’s central characters, is based on Suzanne Simard, a Canadian scientist among the leaders in making groundbreaking discoveries of the amazingly complex ways trees and forests operate. In Weatherford’s story alone, “The Overstory” held my attention.
The novel has a grand, generational sweep while at the same time delivering an intense immersion in the details of the characters’ lives and the questions their actions pose – like, “just how important are trees?” The magic of this novel is its ingenious presentation of this idea of interconnectedness –among humans, among trees, among humans and trees. That magic and this dive into this world of trees communicating, moving, interacting and existing (with and without human intervention) delivered so much more than I had anticipated. Highly recommend.
PUBLISHED & PRODUCED
Chuck Brooks ’79 “Inside Cyber: How AI, 5G, and Quantum Computing Will Transform Privacy and Our Security”
Sarah Gormley ’94 “The Order of Things”
FACULTY WORKS
Humberto Barreto, professor of economics and management
“Gateway to Business Analytics with Microsoft Excel” PALNI open-source textbook grant initiative
Sarah Masterson ’06 “Snapshots of Forgotten Adventures: Rediscovering the Piano Music of Philippa Schuyler”
Mark Cox ’78 “Knowing: Poems”
Dave Hersh ’94 “Reignition: Transforming Stuck Startups into Breakout Winners”
Tod F. Stuessy ’65 “Isolated Wonder: A Scientist in the Robinson Crusoe Islands”
Chase Wright ’19 “Letting Go” Sophomore album from rising country artist.
By Chris White, senior professor of English, Creative School Special Programs
In my 22 years teaching creative writing and film at DePauw, some of my proudest moments are when I get to talk with prospective students. I tell them about the lively arts presence on campus, about classes from painting to voice to acting to poetry to documentary film production, and the talented, diverse and accomplished working artists who make up our faculty. I tell them how our alumni become educators and administrators and editors and marketing execs and influencers and activists (the list goes on), and that yes, many go on to create critically acclaimed, awardwinning books, films, music, production companies, performances and art pieces.
For me, the most intriguing part of the story is that our alumni tend to be successful in a particular way. They don’t just create novels or international reporting that win Pulitzer Prizes or make films that win the biggest awards at the biggest film festivals –they create works that challenge, enlighten and change the way people think and feel. And this, I tell our prospective students, is no accident. It’s because our alumni took classes in political science, history, Africana studies, philosophy, gender studies, computer science and literature – classes all across the curriculum. The proof of the way the liberal arts model works is right there in the depth and breadth of the products our alumni make and the kind of work they do in the world. This phenomenon is nothing new; DePauw has been nurturing arts leaders the world needs far longer than I’ve been around to witness it. But the dream of the Creative School takes it further.
The Creative School model was born from both the awareness of the incredible strengths already at play at DePauw and asking questions like: what is missing; what can be enhanced? Over years of meetings, lunches, lively debates and hiring committees, I have witnessed answers to those questions rise up and take shape. Answers like: developing new spaces where students across creative disciplines walk the same halls and interact with professors who have different expertise – and offering classes and cocurricular opportunities that immerse students in collaboration and multidisciplinary thinking. The Creative School envisions a world in which, for example, theatre students may act in a film, with a score composed and performed by music students, with art direction by an art and design student, with a screenplay crafted by a writing student, and a director and crew from film and media arts. Maybe business and leadership students create the budget, raise funds, create marketing, and work on getting the film into festivals.
You might say the Creative School takes the spirit of the liberal arts model and applies it to the creative arts. It considers the fact that an artist’s skill set must be flexible, with knowledge in more than one discipline in our highly interdisciplinary and fluid contemporary arts culture. It says, if you want to make films, it will benefit you greatly to have training in music and acting and finance and art history. If you want to write creatively in our digital world, it will benefit you to learn about design, marketing, social media promotion, performance, and writing for the screen. If you want to succeed in any arts-related discipline, you’ll need collaborators, you’ll need scope, and you’ll need community. It asks the final, all-important question: what can we do together? The Creative School will give DePauw students the space, training and freedom to find out.
“The Creative School model was born from ... the awareness of the incredible strengths already at play at DePauw.”
By Ryan Millbern
When Marcus Hayes sees an open space, he analyzes it for its potential as a place to dance. “In my mind, I want to perform this ballet across-thefloor combination,” Hayes said. “I have so many friends who hate going shopping with me because I can’t stay still.”
When he thinks about his daily routine – brushing his teeth, making coffee, tying his shoes – every seemingly mundane movement becomes fodder for a possible creative act, an expression, a production. “It’s literally the way I see the world. It’s always with me, even if I’m not physically in the dance studio.”
It’s a way of seeing the world that Hayes, dean of DePauw University’s newly launched Creative School who has devoted his academic life to the study of dance, hopes to instill in all DePauw students. “I want students to find that way of having creativity be an important part of their lives,” Hayes said. “How does it allow them to see the world? I want all students to have that appreciation for beauty.”
By taking courses in a variety of disciplines in the Creative School, DePauw students develop an appreciation for beauty by examining what makes a work of art beautiful, what constitutes innovation in creative expression and how artistic taste is refined over time. But beyond acknowledging artistry across various mediums, Hayes hopes students see the myriad opportunities for creative input – and possible career paths – embedded in everything around them.
“Take the iPhone,” Hayes offered. “It’s a perfect marriage of science and business, but also design. It feels good in your hand; someone had to think about that, and the way the screen functions and how the pixels render. If you listen to popular media, you’d think we should get rid of the arts. But then who will design the next car? The next clothing brand? The next iPhone? People think you have to do something ‘practical’ that leads to great success. Why can’t you have great success as an artist?”
To Hayes and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dave Berque, the launch of the Creative School builds on the interdisciplinary creative collaboration that has always happened on DePauw’s campus. It’s also a recognition of today’s generation of creatives, many of whom are multihyphenates – the writervideographer-painter, the app developer-musician, the entrepreneur-graphic designer-actor. These students came of age in the era of the content creator, and for many of them, their outlets for creative expression live at the intersection of art, technology and business, where rigid labels and the parameters of traditional academic subjects are less important than the actual making.
“I like that the Creative School is an organizational category that doesn’t seem like it’s interfering with important disciplinary boundaries,” said Harry Burgan, a 2024 graduate English major and writer. “It’s creating a space to provide collaboration between them.”
Burgan has done a lot of thinking on the topic. His senior thesis, “Modernism(s), the Arts, and the Dance of the Critical I,” addresses a wide range of questions at the heart of educating artists and art’s role in society, including: “Is there a critical making that is different from critical thinking?”
Burgan reflected on what happens when his girlfriend, Kaylynn Gropp ’23, a painter, studies a painting versus what happens when he views the same work of art. “I can read lots of art history, and I can approach it from all my different ways of knowing, but Kaylynn’s going to have a more direct, tactile imagination of
“I
like that the Creative School is an organizational category that doesn’t seem like it’s interfering with important disciplinary boundaries. It’s creating a space to provide collaboration between them.”
– Harry Burgan ’24
what it would be like to paint in a way that I never could,” Burgan said. “With art you learn a form, but your learning of the form is deeply personal. Kaylynn’s embodied memory of painting would be different from mine, and thus, her appreciation for the work is deeper.”
The Creative School will afford students from all majors opportunities to engage in critical making, to experience an appreciation for different art forms and ways of expression that can only come from actively composing. “When I was in college, most of my peers consumed media; we didn’t produce it,” said Berque. “Our students now really want to create things.”
In composition classes like Music and the Related Arts, students in the Creative School will make music, scripts, paintings and stories. In the process, they will internalize an understanding of the composition process, study how it applies across a variety of creative pursuits and develop the embodied memory of the form to which Burgan refers.
Dean Hayes believes this experience will provide students with a nuanced understanding of the creative process, which will enhance their education – and improve their post-graduate prospects –regardless of their academic major. “Let’s say you’re a businessperson leading in a creative field,” Hayes said. “I want you to be able to speak to designers and understand how they see the world – and I need designers to understand the language of business and entrepreneurs. It’s also true for the sciences and the humanities. We have to learn how to speak to one another so we can get to the good stuff.”
Faculty in some areas are working to develop curricula for Creative School disciplines that increase collaboration between and across disciplines while maximizing opportunities for collaboration on projects. Caroline Jetton, director of DePauw’s Institute of Music, collaborated with other faculty to revamp their curriculum
to allow more flexibility for music students and more opportunities for non-music majors to benefit from music courses. “We wanted pursuing music to feel more manageable for students in our program, so we had to ask, ‘What is essential?’” Jetton said. “We were thoughtful and intentional and are proud of what we’ve created.”
Jetton noted that there has been a mourning period for many faculty members as the School of Music became the Institute of Music, but that the curricular flexibility in the new Creative School model will enable expansion for everyone involved.
“Our faculty will have opportunities to create topics courses based on their passions and to look for opportunities to collaborate,” Jetton noted.
“For instance, could a theater and a music course have some kind of overlap? If so, what would that look like? There’s synergy when you have multiple perspectives involved that creates something bigger than the sum of its parts. Everyone feeds off that.”
Maggie Perry ’24, an art history major with minors in Hispanic studies and museum studies, is a testament to the power of the creative collaboration happening on campus. Perry worked as an art reviewer for A Midwestern Review and served on the board of DePauw’s annual Art Walk. While at DePauw, she participated in four internships, including serving as the Arts of Africa curatorial intern at the Brooklyn Museum as part of the New York Arts Program. There she worked extensively on two exhibitions, “Sakimatwemtwe: A Century of Reflection on the Arts of Africa” and “Africa Fashion,” conducting research, designing exhibitions and working on the exhibition catalogs.
Her diverse experiences led to her Honors Scholar thesis, which focused on accessible art engagement practices. Her thesis drew on art history, museum studies, education studies and anthropology and included research and practical applications on disability justice, barriers to participation and universal design.
“Creativity brings together people from across campus, from all disciplines, from all majors,” Perry said. “This is my passion for inclusive accessibility. How can we get as many people into the conversation to be creative together? That’s where the most innovation happens.”
“Creativity
brings together people from across campus, from all disciplines, from all majors. This is my passion for inclusive accessibility. How can we get as many people into the conversation to be creative together? That’s where the most innovation happens.”
–
Maggie Perry ’24
Interdisciplinary collaboration on creative projects requires students to continually provide and receive criticism. To iterate and compromise. To reevaluate and refine their approach. Along with aesthetics and composition, critique is a third component of the Creative School curriculum that Hayes believes will benefit students from all majors.
“Artists give and receive feedback every day in ways that people in other disciplines rarely do,” Hayes said. “When you’re in the process of making and you’re receiving a lot of feedback, you have to develop a thick skin. We keep talking about soft skills. When we’re intentional about the learning outcomes of studying in the creative arts, we get a different result.”
Business students in a creative writing workshop will learn to give constructive criticism to classmates that will enable them to be more empathetic managers. Scientists in a painting course will understand that sometimes the best way to break through a challenging phase of a project is to experiment with different approaches. An artist exposed to the scientific method may find
Watch what DePauw students have to say about creativity.
that a more systematic approach to solving a creative problem will bear fruit.
“In our three-school model, a strong College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is central,” Berque said. “We are doubling down on the liberal arts by bringing some of those methodologies –problem-solving, critical thinking, cultural awareness, ability to communicate ideas, teamwork – into the School of Business and Leadership and the Creative School to become a national model for how that can be done.”
Permeating the Creative School will be a focus on technology: providing students with the latest video-editing and graphic design software, affording them access to state-of-the-art recording studios, VR simulators and maker spaces. For Hayes, the focus on technology is less about stockpiling the latest and greatest gadgets to appeal to prospective students, and more about giving DePauw students what they need to produce their most relevant and original work.
“Adobe is releasing a version of their Creative Suite to every high school in America,” Hayes said. “If every high school student is graduating with a basic understanding of that software, how do we push the skills and knowledge that they may already walk in the door with?”
The Creative School’s focus on technology also addresses the proverbial elephant in the room of any current discussion of creativity: AI and its implications for the ways in which human beings create. “I don’t think AI will ever be able to make art better than a human being [can],” Hayes noted. “We have to think about how we use it as a tool that makes what we make better. I want our graduates to be tastemakers, the people at the forefront who are determining what we’re making and how we’re making it.”
Innovators aren’t interested in replicating what has been done before. When the models of the past no longer apply, they stand ready to shed convention, cut across the grain and forge their own paths. Even in times of great change, when the stakes are the highest, they are prepared to take calculated risks. In fact, they must be.
“Our mission includes calls for us to produce the leaders the world needs,” Berque said. “It’s not accidental that ‘the world needs’ is part of that statement. We are trying to think about not just a philosophical education but also one that’s going to help students do good in the world after they graduate. Part of a good global experience is a creative and artistic experience. Creativity is one of the things that makes humans human. Producing graduates who are creative is something we have always done and done particularly well. These graduates are also what the world needs.”
• COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
• SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP
• THE CREATIVE SCHOOL
“We’re
just starting to understand how the different schools might collaborate. The fact that a student might do a cocurricular program like management fellows while pursuing a major in the Creative School and a minor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is tremendously exciting – and something you just wouldn’t find at another institution.”
– JOHN CLARKE, dean of the School of Business and Leadership
When DePauw’s Bold & Gold 2027 Strategic Plan was unveiled two years ago, it called for the establishment of a three-school model as a centerpiece of its focus on academic renewal: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Leadership and the Creative School.
This three-school model builds on the success of DePauw’s legacy of academic excellence and is a response to the rapidly changing future that our graduates are entering. Recognizing both the challenges faced by higher education as well as the abundant opportunities for its transformational impact, the three-school model is an initiative to attract, retain and empower leaders the world needs.
The three-school model offers increased academic opportunities while also expanding the potential for interdisciplinary connections. Because all majors, minors and programs aligned with each school are open to all DePauw University students, these schools bring together diverse insights from across numerous fields of study.
“We have already seen some proposed changes to majors through these new opportunities to collaborate,” explains university registrar Scott Spiegelberg. “We also have some new majors and minors inspired by the new schools – such as design studies, business analytics, finance, entrepreneurship and leadership.” By adding new areas of study such as these, DePauw is equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead in tomorrow’s changing world.
“This three-school model threads the liberal arts and sciences throughout every student’s experience as academic bedrock. Institutionally, the liberal arts are DePauw’s past and our future – the grounding for our academic innovation, for our interdisciplinary approaches and for unlocking every student’s potential.”
– LORI S. WHITE, president
When the School of Business and Leadership launched in 2023, it unveiled a renovated space in Harrison Hall uniquely designed to support student learning, foster community, and give every DePauw student access to the resources the school has to offer.
The Creative School will have a less centralized physical footprint, given the nature of the disciplines it encompasses. Existing spaces such as the Peeler Art Center, the Green Center for the Performing Arts and the Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media will be prominent hubs of the Creative School, with additional plans for building renovations currently in progress.
This model enhances DePauw’s historic commitment to the liberal arts, serving as a strategic way to strengthen and enrich that foundation. Dave Berque, professor of computer science and vice president for academic affairs, describes it as DePauw “doubling down on its liberal arts approach to education” and extending that approach to new curricular areas. With these structural changes, DePauw is affirming its identity as an institution where every student receives a broad educational foundation.
“The three-school model is a reinforcement of the liberal arts philosophy, designed to help students find fluency across various disciplines. We want them to have a significant learning experience by moving porously across all three schools. This will help them to become skilled collaborators and team members as they transition into their various careers.”
– MARCUS HAYES, dean of the Creative School
None of the three schools functions as a silo that keeps students sequestered from the rest of the university; instead, they invite students and faculty to move beyond traditional academic boundaries and explore their interests with unprecedented breadth. This is a model that facilitates cross-pollination and the pursuit of holistic understanding.
“Fostering a mindset that engages with broader, more profound issues begins with the liberal arts. This foundation equips scientists to grapple with societal complexities, business leaders to look beyond mere profit, and artists and musicians to delve into history and culture. I aspire for all DePauw students to fully experience the rich offerings of each of our three schools.”
– BRIDGET GOURLEY,
dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The addition of the School of Business and Leadership and the Creative School is not a shift toward new priorities, but rather the formalization of a legacy already in place. “Business isn’t new to DePauw,” notes John Clarke, dean of the School of Business and Leadership. “This school helps allow people from the outside, like prospective students and parents, to recognize that business is something we do well – and have been doing well for a long time.”
In the same way, the Creative School realigns and repurposes DePauw’s longstanding commitment to excellence across the artistic spectrum: music, theatre, visual art, writing, media and more.
“All students are admitted to and graduate from DePauw University – not one of the schools. All faculty are faculty of DePauw University – although they can affiliate with one or more schools. The schools are an organizational structure that allow us to speak about common curricular areas and promote collaboration. They are not isolating.”
– DAVE BERQUE, vice president for academic affairs
Bridget Gourley, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, notes that many of the changes within the threeschool model are externally facing, helping prospective students envision the extensive possibilities of a DePauw education. “We know DePauw offers a life-transforming experience, but if we can’t get someone here to have that experience, we’ve lost a huge opportunity.” The three schools offer a way to showcase DePauw’s strengths to the next generation of scholars, innovators and leaders.
DePauw students draw from a deep well of programs, centers and other cocurricular resources that support their academic journey, building fluency and competency in a number of ways.
“Management Fellows was a big component of what drew me here. You don’t have to be an economics or business major. The things you learn in the program apply to all different majors. You can really do whatever you want.”
– AINSLEY BORAS ’25
DePauw fellows and associates programs enhance an already extraordinary college experience. These immersive programs blend rigorous academics with hands-on learning, giving students a competitive edge in their chosen field. Whether students are passionate about media, business, environmental issues, scientific research, global studies or information technology, there’s a program designed to fuel their ambitions.
Students dive deep into their area of interest, gaining real-world experience through internships, research projects and collaborations with industry leaders. Students are part of a tight-knit community of like-minded peers and mentors who support and challenge them. These programs are one way DePauw sets up students to be the leaders and innovators the world needs. These programs include:
• Environmental Fellows
• Global Studies Fellows
• Honor Scholar Program
• Information Technology Associates Program
• Management Fellows
• Media Fellows
• Science Research Fellows
The three schools offer students ample opportunity to follow their curiosity and unlock their passion. A DePauw liberal arts education offers a stunning array of curricular opportunities including:
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Africana Studies+
Anthropology
Asian Studies+
Astronomy–
Biochemistry
Biology
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Chinese–Chinese Studies+
Classical Archaeology–Classical Civilization Communication
Computer Science
Data Science–
Earth Science
Education Studies
English (Literature)
Environmental Biology
Environmental Geoscience
Ethics in Society– +
Geology
German German Studies+
Global French Studies+
Global Health+
Greek
Hispanic Studies+ History
Independent Interdisciplinary+
Italian Cultural Studies+
Japanese–Japanese Studies+ Kinesiology
Latin
Latin American and Caribbean Studies– + Mathematics
Media StudieszNeuroscience
Peace and Conflict Studies+ Philosophy Physics
Political Science
Pre-engineering
Psychology
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Interpersonal Communication–
Romance Languages
Sociology
Statistics (Applied)–Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies+
World Literature– +
School of Business and Leadership
Accounting and Finance for Decision Making–Actuarial Science
Business Administration–Business Analytics Economics Entrepreneurship–Finance
International Business–Leadership–
Creative School
Art History
Design Studies
English (Writing)
Film and Media Arts+
Jazz Studies–
Museum Studies–
Music
Music Creation and Technology–
Musical Theatre–
Studio Art
Theatre
Career pathways in: Archaeology
Entrepreneurship
International Affairs
Journalism
Law
Medicine and Health Sustainability
–Minors only +Interdisciplinary
Our academic and cocurricular centers serve all students, including those in fellows and associates programs, as dynamic hubs of experiential learning. Here, students bridge classroom knowledge with real-world application through workshops, professional development opportunities, alumni engagement and more. Centers at DePauw include:
• The Kathryn F. Hubbard Center for Student Engagement
• The Robert C. McDermond Center for Management and Entrepreneurship
• The Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics
• The Eugene S. Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media
• The Tenzer Technology Center
• The Justin and Darrianne Christian Center for Diversity and Inclusion
• The Hartman Center for Civic Engagement
• Women’s Center
Five essays, with an introduction by Dr. Lori White, president of DePauw University
My best classes as an undergraduate involved sitting around a seminar table debating ideas. Those seminar discussions were robust, challenging, enlightening and hard. And they were only possible because of the collective diversity of students in the seminar who brought different perspectives – shaped by their individual backgrounds, experiences, ideologies and often intersecting identities. Moreover, I appreciated my professors for creating classroom environments that valued this freedom of expression, and who in turn modeled the passionate yet respectful conversations they had with their departmental colleagues whose scholarship and ideas were equally diverse (and sometimes in conflict with one another).
At DePauw, this is the type of educational experience we want to provide for our students. We embrace these principles of free expression and academic freedom (i.e., the ability for faculty and students to pursue inquiry unfettered by restrictions) as essential catalysts for intellectual growth, critical thinking and the advancement of knowledge.
In our increasingly complex society, commitments to free expression and to diversity and inclusion are not opposing forces; they are mutually reinforcing pillars of a robust academic environment. These commitments are also necessary for a thriving democracy, one that welcomes and includes the many voices that are part of our incredible nation.
At DePauw we are cultivating an intellectual ecosystem where viewpoint diversity flourishes, critical questions of our day are vigorously debated and students learn to engage in constructive disagreement under the guidance of invested campus partners, such as our Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics. These skills prepare students for success at DePauw and for meaningful participation in civic life as graduates. By championing the values of free expression, diversity and inclusivity, we are preparing our students to be thoughtful, engaged, ethical leaders of their generation who strengthen and renew our dynamic democracy.
The following essays contributed by our community members offer a breadth of perspectives and exemplify DePauw’s commitment to enriching intellectual dialogue. Each piece explores the necessity and challenge of fostering an environment where differing viewpoints can coexist and be debated respectfully. By sharing these insights, we aim to expand our comprehension and model the open, respectful dialogue essential for a liberal arts education that prepares students for meaningful participation in a diverse and democratic society.
In 1953, Russian-born British philosopher Isaiah Berlin published a short piece titled “The Hedgehog and the Fox: An Essay on Tolstoy’s View of History.” Berlin’s premise is taken from an aphorism originally attributed to the seventh-century B.C.E. Greek poet Archilochus (“πόλλ’ οἶδ’ ἀλώπηξ, ἀλλ’ ἐχῖνος ἓν μέγα”), and later recorded by Dutch humanist Erasmus in his Adagia (c. 1500: “Multa novit vulpes, verum echinus unum magnum”): “a fox knows many things, but a hedgehog knows one big thing.”
Berlin uses the aphorism to situate Leo Tolstoy among other great authors of Weltliteratur (Plato, Dante, Shakespeare, Hegel, Molière, Proust, Joyce), but the underlying dichotomy is relevant far beyond the study of literature.
Hedgehogs, Berlin proposes, “relate everything to a single central vision, one system, less or more coherent or articulate,” while foxes “pursue many ends, often unrelated and even contradictory … moving on many levels, seizing upon the essence of a vast variety of experiences and objects.” Berlin freely admits the limits of the framework – “like all over-simple classifications of this type, the dichotomy becomes, if pressed, artificial, scholastic and ultimately absurd” – and yet he spends the remainder of the article demonstrating its valuable explanatory power. The point is not to prove that hedgehogs are wrong and foxes right, or vice versa, or even to definitively sort all great writers into one camp or the other. The point is rather to explore the various ways that great intellectuals across history have organized their thinking.
Since I first encountered Berlin’s essay years ago, I have endeavored to pass some of its wisdom on to my students. I teach courses that address topics in world literature, global medieval studies, and intellectual history, and I frequently introduce students to cultures and time periods that are fundamentally different from their own. The content of these courses is not immediately “relatable” to students, to use a term that is popular in today’s discourse. But that is precisely the point.
This is, in theory, the very raison d’etre of the university: to produce, refine, and disseminate knowledge. This includes knowledge in its most traditional sense (facts, data, information, etc.), but it also includes ways of knowing – what philosophers call epistemology and humanists might call ideology, culture, or discourse. My duty as a professor is to effectively guide students on their own journey of knowing.
For example, I teach a first-year seminar called “Skepticism and Belief” in which I ask students to suspend their judgment about individual beliefs
By Amity Reading, Raymond Pence Professor of English, associate professor of English
and instead consider the very concept of belief itself. I encourage them: Don’t only ask, “is this true?” Ask instead, “what truth is here? How is this way of knowing valuable on its own terms?”
Likewise, in my recent course on global studies in the Red Sea region, I directly asked students to tackle the issue of campus protests staged around one of the most contentious political events of their lives to date – the conflict in Israel and Gaza. I split the class into two groups and I asked them to directly tackle the issue of free expression on campus from the perspectives of students, faculty and staff. Both groups were given the task of developing a campus public protest policy for an imaginary college or university – one group from the perspective of the most restrictive policy possible (no public gatherings, signs or permanent structures), the other group from the most permissive (all protests, signs and posters, and permanent structures allowed). Each group was asked to think about when and why they might be forced to modify their policies. Having them consider how they would react to campus protests from each of these subject positions, I asked them: What ethical values motivate your decision? How do you reconcile your position with the value of academic freedom espoused by colleges and universities the world over? How do you balance the need for safety (of persons and property) against the need for free expression? The results were astounding, as students demonstrated that they not only can but also want to engage in complex situations with nuanced appreciation. Both groups, as it so happened, arrived at roughly the same conclusion: free expression is of the utmost importance, but some clear policies must be in place to reasonably mitigate harm to people and property.
Given today’s bifurcated political and social climate, it is more important than ever to encourage students to truly dwell with views that differ from their own and to reflect critically on their personal positions. I recently attended an institute on academic freedom and freedom of expression held at the University of Chicago, and much of our conversation revolved around this very issue: how we reaffirm our shared intellectual values and strengthen our commitment to encouraging a plurality of viewpoints in our classrooms and on our campuses. To do this, we must all learn to understand and value both hedgehogs and foxes, and to become mindful of our own patterns of thinking in the process.
By Bodhi Hays ’25
I’ve always admired people who can hold their beliefs with passion.” While I wouldn’t call myself apathetic, I used to find it hard to hold fast to something in an argument. People make good points, a bit of self-doubt gets mixed in, and it’s easy to find yourself being swayed. Of course, we’ve all got things we do believe in strongly, but finding balance between stubbornness and an open mind is difficult. It’s that juggling act that makes free speech a meaningful value though, especially in an environment meant for learning like DePauw’s campus. For me, that balance came in my philosophy classes.
Everyone knows the stereotype of philosophy majors being argumentative to a fault. I’d say it’s how we show we care, but it’s just as often the case that someone’s got a chip on their shoulder. You can imagine this falling apart very quickly with upset students and annoyed professors all around, but philosophy as a discipline is geared toward it. Learning rules of logic and how to read sources in good faith obviously helps and is a necessary step for any conversation across different values, but the classroom setting is the most important. Spending a semester in a small group lets you learn how people think and get past the imaginary opponent you’re usually arguing with in your head. While this doesn’t mean everyone agrees, it does lead to a sense of respect in knowing that someone else’s values are coming from the same kind of thinking that brought you to your own.
That is probably the most impactful lesson I’ve taken away from my time at DePauw, that differences aren’t always the result of someone being wrong. While that isn’t always the case for questions of ethics and other values, many disagreements are built on equally good premises. Being able to acknowledge when the “other side” has a good point not only helps you understand your own beliefs, but fosters a way of seeing each other as a part of a social, political or academic community. When we stand by our beliefs and can defend them, we’re doing a service to ourselves and others by testing what we believe and seeing which answers ultimately stand out.
While DePauw and its students aren’t always perfect – sometimes it’s just too easy to shut something down for being too far out there – I think it has served me very well as an environment in which to learn how to defend what I believe while also keeping myself open to alternatives. The importance of free speech and properly engaging with others is a value I hope to carry into my professional life and one that I hope DePauw will continue to safeguard for students to come.
It’s
By Erik Wielenberg, Blair Anderson and Martha Caroline Rieth Chair in Applied Ethics and professor of philosophy
You enter a room of strangers and say: “So, what do y’all think about abortion?” Lots of things might ensue; thoughtful discussion about abortion is unlikely to be one of them. Frank discussion of polarizing topics is crucial for intellectual growth and developing the leaders the world needs, but such discussion doesn’t just happen. Teaching a class at DePauw is like getting to know a person: each class has its own unique personality. And, just like with a person, hard conversations with a class require a foundation of trust. It takes a shared understanding that the classroom is a place for trying out ideas, making mistakes, perhaps inadvertently causing offense – and that you won’t be punished for holding the “wrong” views. DePauw’s small classes and public commitment to free expression help make such goals achievable.
I try to show my students that my aim is not to convert them to my views but rather to help them articulate their own views and to think – really think – about views that conflict with their own. Sometimes I can sense from their hesitant silence that a number of students disagree with what’s been said but are reluctant to say so. I may try to anticipate the source of their disagreement – “some of you may not buy that because…” – and that often loosens the tongues of the skeptics. If an important perspective lacks a student spokesperson, I’ll fill that role. The students come to understand that whether the view I speak for is my own is irrelevant – it’s the ideas that matter. And in order to determine which ideas make the most sense, it’s important to be able to consider all kinds of arguments without worrying about offending the professor or disagreeing with the predominant views of the day. Psychologists Jonathan Haidt and Fredrik Bjorklund write: “If you are able to honestly examine the moral arguments in favour of slavery and genocide (along with the much stronger arguments against them), then you are likely to be either a psychopath or a philosopher.” For them, that’s a descriptive claim; for me, it’s a mission statement – and part of the mission is to show my students how to think like a philosopher.
By Jeffrey M. McCall, professor of communication
The Russian constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press. The same is true for China and North Korea. Practically speaking, of course, it matters little what is written on paper in those countries. Their citizens are clearly not free to express themselves in speaking or writing. There are repercussions for the brave souls in those countries who are willing to speak up. Those punishments send a chilling message to anybody else who might think about expressing unapproved messages.
Albert Einstein understood the challenges associated with free speech when he wrote, “Laws alone cannot secure freedom of expression; in order that every man may present his views without penalty, there must be a spirit of tolerance in the entire population.”
Princeton University professor Keith Whittington has written extensively about the importance of free expression in academia. He wrote in the Fordham Law Review, “Ultimately, realizing free speech principles on college campuses is a matter of culture as much as it is a matter of policy.”
Pretty much every college these days has fancy policies saluting freedom of expression and free inquiry. Those policies, however, have been generally insufficient in creating and managing an environment that allows open, reasoned discourse and scholarship. Wide majorities (more than 80 percent) of students around the country, including DePauw students, report they self-censor in the classroom, in living units and on social media. The fear of being “canceled” for expressing one’s views certainly disrupts the atmosphere for learning and limits the rhetorical sphere.
Surveys show that nearly two-thirds of college students approve of shouting down speakers and about half are OK with blocking fellow students from attending a campus speech. Of course, many colleges avoid such possible tensions by just not inviting any speaker who might challenge prevailing campus orthodoxies.
It is difficult for colleges to create a robust environment for free expression when hiring practices require litmus tests on sociocultural topics and administrations engage in activist opining on various hot-button issues of the day. The effect is a campus climate curtailed by groupthink, a terrible condition for any institution that wants to promote wide-ranging debate. Noted political observer Walter Lippmann warned of this problem a century ago when he wrote, “Where all think alike, no one thinks very much.”
Any campus that truly wants a healthy free speech environment must test itself. That’s what some DePauw students attempted last semester when they distributed flyers protesting recent curricular changes on campus. They were summarily hauled through a campus disciplinary process.
DePauw has work to do to provide an environment in which free expression and deliberation happens. That work needs to be done in hiring, in the curriculum and in campus presentations. Cultural critic G.K. Chesterton once observed that civilization hinges on being able to settle things by debate. But the debate must be robust, otherwise, he warned, “Freedom of speech means practically that we must only talk about unimportant things.” Higher education has to be a place where the important things can truly be debated from multiple perspectives, with the hope that reason will prevail.
By Town Oh, assistant professor of economics and management
In 2021, DePauw University ranked dead last on the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s campus freedom of speech index, marking it as the worst campus for free exchange of ideas and inquiry. This issue is not unique to DePauw; other liberal arts colleges are in the same boat. This was a shock to me and I wanted to investigate why. Thanks to generous support from the Asher fellowship, I undertook a project to identify the institutional characteristics that correlate most with a poor speech climate. My analysis revealed that the two biggest predictors are: 1) being a private elite institution and 2) having a large presence of arts and humanities majors – both defining features of liberal arts colleges. Although this paints a bleak picture for the future of liberal arts colleges, there are reasons to be hopeful. Liberal arts colleges like DePauw offer unique opportunities to address complex societal issues. I believe that behind the lower reported levels of freedom of speech is the noble effort to nudge students to engage in conversations on difficult and sensitive topics. Our curriculum, class size and majors are designed to do just that.
It is not necessarily that large public schools with big STEM programs are more tolerant of different ideas, but rather these schools often do not offer a venue to discuss difficult ideas. If you take the weights out of the gym, no one will ever leave the gym feeling like they struggled. The struggle that students face in expressing their opinions may be a positive sign that they are being challenged. Liberal arts colleges ought to capitalize on this strength and normalize the struggles students face while engaging in intensive dialogue, even when it may be offensive toward certain groups. If our aim is to help students navigate and make sense of a world that is full of offensive ideas and people, college should be the place where they learn how to handle these.
This is not to say that the school should just take a laissez-faire approach. There is a role that faculties and administrators can play in establishing minimal ground rules and providing a safe and fertile ground for free
expression. I believe DePauw has made much progress on this end.
Fast forward to 2023, DePauw has made an unprecedented leap to 41 out of 248 on the aforementioned speech index, nearly being the highest among all liberal arts colleges. This is perhaps the result of concerted efforts to mend the speech code that was previously quite restrictive. The true measure of success will be evidenced by how our students actually engage in class discussions. I applaud the efforts that DePauw has taken so far (this magazine edition being one of them) and want to encourage faculties and students to continue to prioritize diversity of thoughts and expressions in the classroom.
By Drew Humphrey ’07
The announcement earlier this year of a historic $200 million gift to support the DePauw Bold and Gold 2027 strategic plan garnered national attention and reinforced DePauw’s status as a leader among liberal arts institutions. With more than threequarters of those funds being directed toward the university’s endowment, the announcement also generated awareness of how endowed funds actually work – a topic that can often be overlooked or misunderstood.
An endowment is a collection of resources that have been given for a particular purpose to support the ongoing health of the university. Accompanied by a signed gift agreement, these funds bear certain legal and ethical restrictions on how they can be used.
Over the years, endowed gifts at DePauw have been designated for a number of different purposes, including scholarships, professorships and lectureships. But regardless of designation, what all these funds have in common is a long-term outlook.
“Donors give to an endowment because they want the institution to live in perpetuity and to continue providing an exceptional, world-class experience to students for generations to come,” explains Andrea Young, vice president for finance and administration. “They may not even be here to see the full impact of their gift.”
To achieve this sustained impact, DePauw’s endowment is managed by a team of external investment experts who employ an aggressive strategy that prioritizes long-term growth. The goal is to grow the endowment above the pace of inflation, using a portion of the annual returns on those investments to fund university programs and initiatives while leaving the principal amount of the gift untouched.
Andrea Young, vice president for finance and administration
An establishing gift is made and forms the principal.
The principal is protected, invested and grows.
A portion of the fund’s value is distributed annually.
According to Young, this gives the university an important level of stability amidst economic fluctuation and changing trends in higher education. “Having a robust endowment allows us to weather all sorts of storms. It allows us to innovate and thrive when other institutions might not have the resources to do that.”
Currently, endowed funds cover more than 40 percent of the university’s annual expenses. Not only does that number highlight the vital importance of maintaining these funds for future generations, but it also underscores how endowed gifts of all sizes have generously empowered DePauw to carry out its mission throughout its distinguished history.
“The size of DePauw’s endowment stands out, particularly when we consider our peers and other schools in the Midwest,” Young says. “It speaks to the extraordinary generosity of DePauw alumni, friends and people who care about this institution. Their contributions allow us to do extraordinary things.”
INDIANA, Andy Rieth had a plan in place since his earliest memories. He would follow his dad, uncles and grandfather in the family business of highway construction. His family wasn’t pushing it; it just felt like that was the path. Deposit paid and roommate selected – he was ready to enter the engineering program at the state university and, as many in his family had, become a civil engineer. Then something interrupted that inertia.
“DePauw kept tugging at me,” Rieth says. He was familiar with the school, and had applied and visited the campus, but he had to think it over.
What did it come down to? The choices. “As I contemplated getting a law degree, or another graduate degree or going into another endeavor, it felt like DePauw would keep all those doors open and maybe reveal some I hadn’t anticipated,” he says. “So literally at the last minute, I decided to come to DePauw. And it was a great choice for me.”
Rieth graduated magna cum
laude from DePauw with a degree in economics. He went on to get an MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and has enjoyed a successful career primarily as a corporate executive.
“The DePauw network is a remarkable thing,” says Rieth. He notes that his family is slightly amused at the breadth and enthusiasm of the DePauw network. “We were on the streets of Heidelberg, Germany, and I had a DPU hat on. A couple came up and said, ‘Are you from DePauw in Greencastle, Indiana?’ No matter where we go, it seems, there is a DePauw connection.”
“The absolute best part of any involvement with DePauw is interacting with the students,” Rieth says. “That’s the primary constituency I want to support and why we do what we do.” Rieth notes that he had the good fortune of being one of the first student-graduate trustees. “That was a gift to me on several
levels. I was immediately welcomed by the established trustees and got to see how invested they were in the success of DePauw students. And I was able to begin giving back to DePauw, a place where I had a fantastic undergrad experience.”
Rieth has served DePauw in a number of capacities, including recruiting students. “I love coming back,” he says.
“In recent company recruiting efforts, what I’ve found has made it so successful is the engagement of faculty and staff –and coaches! I met some great candidates at DePauw.”
“In some respects, I feel like I’ve never left DePauw.”
Rieth is executive vice president of Welch Packaging in Elkhart, Indiana, and a member of the DePauw board of trustees.
Scan the QR code to support DePauw students or visit depauw.edu/give.
1,001
alumni returned to campus
“But, at every point in time, DePauw has been the sum of its students, not its architecture. DePauw is neither unwavering nor static. It’s a kaleidoscope, the images of which continue to change as the world changes.”
– Gerry Sweeney ’74, 50th reunion class speaker
Scan the QR code to view the full speech.
271
alumni from across Indiana
5 alumni traveled from France, Germany, Japan, Jordan and United Kingdom
alumni from the 1950s attended: Jim Bogue ’52, James Rowlett ’54, Lee Douglas ’54, Alfred ’54 and Ruth Biggs ’54, Robert Erickson ’58
DePauw alumni gathered in Greencastle and locations nationwide to reunite, celebrate great memories, learn about DePauw’s bright future and, most recently, to welcome in the newest members of the DePauw family. Stay in touch by making plans to visit campus or one of our regional events.
President Lori S. White spoke to alumni about the three-school model in Skokie, Illinois, on June 12, 2024, with Marcus Hayes, dean of the Creative School; Bridget Gourley, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and John Clarke, dean of the School of Business and Leadership. The event was hosted by Kenneth Coquillette ’82 and Carrie Melind Coquillette ’82, and Marshall Reavis ’84 and Amy Zino Reavis.
DePauw Alumni
Signature Events 2024-2025
November 2024
#OneTeamDePauw Giving Campaign
November 8-10, 2024 Coming Together
November 16, 2024 Monon Bell Game
May 17, 2025
Welcome to the Alumni Association, Class of 2025!
June 5-8, 2025 Alumni Reunion Weekend
Scan the QR code for a full listing of upcoming events.
Class Notes publishes submitted updates about DePauw alumni’s careers, milestones, activities and whereabouts. Send your news to DePauw Magazine, P.O. Box 37, Greencastle, IN 461350037. Prefer digital? Fill out a form at depauw.edu/ classnotes, scan the QR code or email classnotes@depauw.edu.
Space considerations limit our ability to publish photos. Group photos will be considered if you include each person’s name (first, maiden, last), graduation year, and information about the gathering. Digital photos must be high-quality JPEGs of at least 300 DPI. Submitted hard copies cannot be returned. Questions? Contact communicate@depauw.edu
Find more alumni news at www.depauw.edu/ alumni/alumni-e-news/or scan the QR code.
George C. Thornton III is a member of a team of swimmers recently recognized by Guinness Records as the oldest team to swim across the English Channel. He was 81 years old at the time of the 2021 swim. Other team members included another man aged 81, a woman aged 72, and other swimmers aged 65 or older. While the event was in 2021, it took a couple of years to authenticate the ages as the oldest team.
James L. Andrew finished building a 15-foot skiff. Nancy Andreae Andrew won a prize at the Maryland State Fair for a quilt she made. (See photo.)
Roger Nelson was awarded the Beckenbach Book Award from the Mathematical Association of American for his book, “Nuggets of Number Theory.” Nelson is a professor emeritus of mathematics at Lewis & Clark College.
Karen Sandberg Craig relocated to the Midwest after 35 years in Arizona. Their horse farm is located on 12 acres in Sikeston, Missouri.
A group of ’67 ATOs have met annually in Greencastle every spring since 2017. (See photo.)
Sigma Nus from the class of 1968 visited their old home in May. (See photo.)
The brothers of Sigma Nu fraternity, class of 1969, got together for their 55th reunion in Las Vegas in May. A great time was had by all! (See photo.)
Jay S. Frye was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. He lives in Sarasota, Florida.
Thomas “Taj” Ainlay Jr. received the Sierra Club’s 2024 Volunteer Service Award, which honors volunteers for strong and consistent commitment to the environment or the Club over an extended period of time.
Anthony N. Minstein is the president of Local 11637, Louisville Federation of Musicians. As president, he works with city leaders, state officials and fellow trade locals improving the work life of professional musicians throughout the Louisville metro. He recently started a nonprofit (along with fellow alum Jonathan C. Hardy ’74) dedicated to bringing live music to underserved communities throughout central Kentucky and southern Indiana. Their local membership has grown to over 370 musicians, primarily due to the many live performance engagements the federation sponsors with grant funding and services for musicians. He continues to perform jazz with his own trio and plays sax, clarinet, flute and oboe in Broadway shows in Louisville. He is in his 30th year teaching business and management at the University of California Berkeley.
Mark Gadson ’76 released his latest single, Feel that Love Again. Mark credits his professors, fellow students and education, saying they “were a big part in paving his way as a successful professional musician.” Mark’s credits include work with Lynn Anderson, Andrea Coor, Benny Goodman, Bob Hope, Loreena McKennitt and Sarah McLachlan.
Delta Upsilon brothers reunited at the wedding of Richard S. Deutsch’s daughter, Maureen. (See photo.)
W. Tobin McClamroch is the chair of the board of trustees for Marian University. He is a partner with the global law firm Dentons.
Mark D. Cox has recently published “Knowing,” his seventh volume of poetry. He chairs the Department of Creative Writing at University of North Carolina Wilmington. (See Digest.)
Steve A. Steckler and Barbie Stanton were married (2023) at the Tred Avon Yacht Club in Oxford, Maryland. They were surrounded by friends from around the world, including fellow DePauw Lambda Chi Alpha grads James A. Stevens ’79 and R. Keller Staley ’79. The new Mr. and Mrs. Steckler, both recently retired from successful careers, spent their honeymoon sailing their yacht in the Adriatic Sea and visiting Barbie’s childhood home in Belgium. Steve and Barbie reside in their home on the Chesapeake Bay where Steve is finishing a new novel and both are working hard on their golf games. The couple enjoys frequent visits from their five children and their lovely new granddaughter, Elyse. (See photo.)
Jeffrey W. Heck was appointed Director of Security for the Hoosier Lottery. He is a retired Captain from the Indiana State Police and Boone County Sheriff’s Department. Jeff and his wife Debbie live in Zionsville, Indiana.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon members attending a golf outing in Peru, Indiana, included (from left to right) Jon Terpstra ’83, Nick Lee ’82, Jim Alling ’83, Bill Sharkey ’81, Matt Fischer ’82, Tom Weaver ’83, Skip Koesterman ’84, Phil Lane ’82, David Heyde ’81, Kevin Kellum ’82, Dominic Ransdell ’84, Steve Edwards ’84, Lance DeNardin ’86, Brad Thompson ’86, Kevin Perkins ’82, Brad Voelz ’87, Brent Thompson ’89 and John Perry ’85.
Members of Alpha Gamma Delta celebrating their 40th reunion included, from left to right, bottom to top: Janet A. Burris ’84, Paula John Bartel ’84, Amy J. Kinker ’84, Jean Kleinhelter Catron ’84, Kathleen Kirby Kibbe ’84, Michelle Melin Niemeyer ’86, Amy Ebner Buck ’84, Patricia Nunn Lynch ’85, Sandra Ratliff Rose ’84, Lori McGowen Van Meter ’85, Susan Mellin Coney ’84, Darlene Kane Reinhard ’85, Laura Clingman Backus ’86, Julie A. Cason ’84, Lisa K. Crawley ’84, and Catherine Ligon Durst ’84. Richard H. Rose ’85 took the photo.
Rob Apatoff is the Executive Director of the Kellogg Executive Leadership Institute at Northwestern University and a clinical professor. He is also a Senior Advisor for private equity leader Texas Pacific Group (TPG).
Members of Phi Delta Theta from the classes of 1979-1984 have been skiing together in various configurations since 1978. Their latest adventure was in Keystone, Colorado. (See photo, page 43.)
The SAE held their second annual golf outing at Rock Hollow Golf Course in Peru, Indiana. Plans for the third Saturday of August in 2025 are underway. Contact: John Terpstra, 219-588-8421. (See photo.)
Elise Schaaf Kermani is the managing director of Dunes Art Foundation, located in Michigan, Indiana. She is also an adjunct lecturer of Media Art at Empire State University in New York. She premiered her film “Without Fame” at the Agon International Archaeological film festival in Athens, Greece, May 22. The festival screened 63 films from 24 countries. Her film was one of two selected from the United States. (See photo.)
The women of Alpha Gamma Delta (Eta chapter) trekked to Miami in June 2024 for a cruise on Virgin Voyages to celebrate their 40th. They were to be a group of 30, but a few lastminute health issues had them
down to a group of 24, including intrepid husbands/SOs and a mom. They are pictured here on the stairs to one of the ship’s restaurants. (See photo.)
Six members of the class of 1985 plus one from 2019 recently traveled to Uganda. First stop was at Acres of Hope, a community for orphans and vulnerable children, providing shelter, food, medical care and education. A fabulous nine-day safari followed. The rest of the group of 11 consisted of spouses and kids. (See photo.)
Christopher R. Adams and his wife, Vivian, spent a sublime six days with Julie A. Camarillo ’89 and her husband Joe Cootey on the big island of Hawaii. Julie has been a teacher for over 30 years and currently teaches English at Hawaii Preparatory Academy. Chris and his wife recently retired from teaching science and special education in New Mexico. They explored the Waipio Valley on the big island of Hawaii. (See photo.)
Clifford B. Jones was voted into the Twentieth Century Orthopaedic Association. The association promotes orthopaedic innovation, education and research. Cliff is professor and chair of orthopaedic surgery at the Creighton Medical School Phoenix and chief of orthopaedic surgery at Dignity Health Arizona. (See photo.)
Laura Stebelton Mason is a speechwriter and editor to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. She resides in Pickerington, Ohio with her husband, Jeff, and daughter, Caroline.
Seven members of the DePauw Class of 1989 met recently in Mazatlán, Mexico, to view the total solar eclipse. All are members of Phi Gamma Delta. The group is planning its next trip to Spain in 2026 for another total solar eclipse. (See photo.)
James M. Hinshaw received the Indiana Lawyer Leadership in Law Distinguished Barrister Award on May 30, 2024. The award, for those in legal practice at least 20 years, recognizes attorneys for excellence in their dedication to the legal profession, their clients and their community. James is a partner at Dentons in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he has been a litigator since graduating from law school (IU Law in Bloomington) in 1992. He has chaired the firm’s Litigation Department for the past 15 years, previously chaired the firm’s committees for associate development and recruiting, and has served on numerous nonprofit boards in the community – including organizations that fight cancer, advocate for youth development and engagement, and support local school educational improvements. During his tenure, his firm
has grown from a locally focused firm in Indiana (Bingham Summers Welsh and Spilman) to a globally focused firm (Dentons Bingham Greenebaum), with more than 6,000 lawyers worldwide. James was a Sigma Nu during his time at DePauw, and later served as a member of its Housing Corporation and on the DePauw Greek Advisory Board as an alumnus for a number of years. (See photo.)
Correction: In the Spring 2024 issue of the DePauw magazine, the Gold Nugget for Troy and Pamela Anderson Smith (both class of ’90), incorrectly listed the class years of Michael R. Weber ’88 and Andrea Smith Ignelzi ’91. The staff regrets the error.
Stephanie Grieser Braming was recently named to Forbes “50 over 50” list. She is a chartered financial analyst who, in 2017, became the global head of William Blair Investment Management, a $72.4 billion investment operation. She sets the division’s strategic direction, including investment and distribution teams and P&L. She’s also president of the William Blair Mutual Funds
Members of the Class of 1985 traveling to Uganda included Michelle Mace Campbell (Michelle has been involved with Acres of Hope since 2011), Sibley Smith Frye, Janet Tucker Woods, Eric C. Frye, Tracey Fitzgerald Gionta and Nancy Rehm McCloskey. Not pictured: Grant M. Woods ’19.
Members of the Class of 1989 in Mexico. Left to right: Mark B. Willmert ’89, David C. Kimbell ’89, Robert J. Noecker ’89, Matthew A. Reinhard ’89, Brian Thornburg ’89, Philip R. Ratzer ’89 and John V. Hollensteiner ’89.
Alpha Gamma Delta reunion. Those attending included (front row from left) Jennifer Benson Gunter ’94, Ginger Orr Malcolm ’94, Germaine Winnick Willett ’94, Jennifer Wagner Sobocinski ’94, Deborah Russell ’94 and Beth Kieffer Rihtar ’95. Back row: Chris Martin Cleveland ’94, Katie Farnsworth ’93, Amy Brondyke ’94, Allison Stevens ’93 and Noel Gilcrest Rooks ’94.
Maggie James Ioannacci ’04 with classmates Meredith Haas Werne ’04, Amy Baker Hale ’04, Mary Zeiger Peers ’04 and Meghan Freeman ’04.
and chair of the William Blair SICAV Funds, and serves on the firm’s governing executive committee.
Anne Hardwick will serve as the first Board President of the newly established Fairland Historical Society in Shelby County, Indiana.
Matthew Lessall is in his 25th year in independent filmmaking as a casting director. He is also satisfying his passion for service and adventure as a flight attendant for United Airlines.
Communications Association (FCA) for an article about the poem “Desiderata,” by Max Ehrmann, an 1894 DePauw graduate. The article appeared in Delta Tau Delta Fraternity’s magazine, The Rainbow, of which Jean served as editor from 2016 to 2024.
That passion landed him a spot in United’s safety video. (See photo.)
David J. Hersh is the author of “Reignition,” which boasts real-life stories of successful turnarounds. (See Digest.)
Members of Alpha Gamma Delta Eta Chapter gathered on July 27, 2024 in Elmhurst, Illinois for a mini-reunion.
(See photo.)
Jean Lloyd earned a writing award from the Fraternity
Christel D. Young recently joined the BlueSky Tennessee Institute, a workforce development partnership between BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) and East Tennessee State University (ETSU), as a site director. She serves as ETSU’s lead for this 27-month bachelor’s degree program, which offers an opportunity to launch a career with BCBST upon graduation.
Krista L. Clark is the associate dean of academic affairs at the University of Cincinnati Clermont College. She has served as a professor of biology for 18 years, including as chair of the science and health department for nine years.
Brian R. Garrison was tapped to lead the Indianapolis office of Faegre Drinker. He is a labor and employment partner
who has been with the firm since 2005. He represents and counsels employers on a broad range of complex labor and employment matters. Outside the office he is on the board of directors of KIPP Indianapolis Inc., a member of the Penrod Society, and on the board of directors of United Way of Central Indiana. (See photo.)
Nici Kersey is co-founder and Vice President of Level Ump, Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports women and other underrepresented groups as they pursue career paths as professional baseball umpires.
Michelle Beckham Espinoza now practices immigration law before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. Michelle works at a nonprofit, the Hispanic Connection of Southern Indiana, and specializes in helping non-citizens who have been the victims of violence, victims of domestic violence, and spouses of U.S. citizens seeking to become permanent residents.
Megan Casey Glover was named to Inc.’s 2024 Female Founders 250 seventh annual list of women entrepreneurs
making significant waves in business.
Maggie James Ioannacci received the 2024 Chaucie’s Champion award from the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide (ICPYAS). This prestigious award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to prevention education, making a lasting impact on the community. Under Ioannacci’s leadership, Zionsville Community School Corporation has emerged as a model for comprehensive prevention education. She was joined at her award ceremony by fellow ’04 classmates. (See photo.)
Sarah E. Masterson is the author of “Snapshots of Forgotten Adventures: Rediscovering the Piano Music of Philippa Schuyler.” (See Digest.)
Ashley L. Baxstrom is the director of out-of-market media relations for Destination Cleveland. (See photo.)
Jacob J. Blasdel and Katherine Carrico Broshears ’10 were honored as part of Indianapolis Business Journal’s 2024 Forty Under 40 class on April 11, 2024.
Maj. Lauren Seal was selected for Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Vet Corps.
Amanda Giddings graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Indianapolis in May.
Andy Kehr joined the faculty at DePauw this fall as assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry.
Benjamin Moy recently composed the musical score for the Indiana-based featurelength film “Christine’s Wager,” which won the award for Best Film Score at the 2023 Burbank International Film Festival.
Alyssa A. Jewell is the senior manager of PR & Communications of Nickerson, a global full-service branding, marketing, PR and communications agency. She will lead the cultivation of media and public relations efforts for Nickerson’s clientpartners in the sustainability, property technology, built environment, and health-care industries.
DePauw alumni attending a gathering in Evansville, Ind., included (left to right) Andrew S. Pfaff ’12, Margaret G. Musgrave ’11, Jacob M. Ernst ’09, Bryan A. Edwards ’12, Ashley Ramsey Hannum ’11, Mitchel K. Hannum ’10 and Hailee M. Newton ’11.
Lacey Berkshire recently joined Faegre Drinker’s government relations and advocacy team based in Indianapolis.
Meg Galazzo is the Associate Librarian for History, Jewish Studies, and Religious Studies at Indiana University in Bloomington.
DePauw alumni and friends across Indiana gathered at the house of Margaret G. Musgrave ’11 and Andrew S. Pfaff ’12 in Evansville, Indiana. Marvins delivered to their Bourbon Party ’24. (See photo.)
Jacob P. Lane recently accepted the role of chief of staff for Richard Viguerie, who revolutionized American politics by pioneering direct mail fundraising. As the “Funding Father” of numerous causes, Viguerie’s marketing genius has inspired millions to participate in politics over the years. His firm, American Target Advertising, has raised billions for proliberty and freedom causes
through more than 4.6 billion letters. As a Civil War buff who has toured most major battlefields in Virginia, Jacob finds it incredibly fitting to land in Manassas, and is looking forward to continuing Viguerie’s legacy in this capacity.
Yanina Guevera recently completed their first-year residency in emergency medicine at UH Hospital in Cleveland. Yanina is an advocate for immigrant rights, health justice, LGBT rights, anti-racism work and health at every size (HAES).
Austin Bonta was elected Mayor of Portage, Indiana. (See photo, page 46.)
Kyle R. Robbins and Beth Queisser were married September 23, 2023. A group of DePauw alumni added great spirit to the wedding. (See photo, page 46.)
Amber Ellinger was promoted
DePauw alumni attending the wedding of Kyle R. Robbins ’13 and Beth Queisser included (first row) Lucy B. Cohen ’13, Kyle R. Robbins ’13 (groom), Beth Queisser Robbins, (bride, Indiana University ’16), Carolyn Raup Queisser ’58, Katharine G. Funke ’15, Katherine S. Spataro ’15, Edson Ramirez Jr. ’13; (second row)
James M. Vann IV ’13, Kimberly Dickow Vann ’13, Katarina Wilson Crook ’13, Alice Reath Robbins ’76, Myron H. Burr Jr. ’13, Andrew J. Seama ’15, Taylor W. Wagner ’13, Alexander J. Layden ’15, Thomas D. Semba ’15; (third row) Zachary W. Price ’13, John “Jack” Quinn III ’13, Eric A. Malm ’14, Timothy J. Connor II ’14, Nicholas C. Nunley ’15, Karl D. Sullivan ’14, John “Jack” Woods ’16, Criswell B. Burrough ’18, Samuel E. Swafford ’12, Austin J. Elsbury ’14, Dennis S. Spooner Jr. ’15. Not pictured: Jane Boatman Geller ’89, Robert L. Coburn II ’13, Elizabeth G. Hineman ’14, Nicholas W. Foglton ’14, Brandon T. Bekkering ’15, Anna C. Funke ’18, Robert “Jake” Konovsky III ’13, Betsy Corrigan Konovsky ’13, Max T. Guenther ’14 and Cody R. Crook ’13.
to Director of Service Enchancement at CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions.
Rachel Hanebutt received a Ph.D. in community research and action from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.
Emily Kaufmann is the assistant director of communications for the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office.
Nicole DeCriscio ’16, launched The Owen News, Indiana’s first nonprofit newspaper.
Kelly M. Keefe was featured on the NBC Kelly Clarkson talk show. Kelly, who works in marketing for a car dealership in northern Illinois, was interviewed on the Clarkson show for her work in animal rescue.
Jacob M. Labus and Claudia Gruett (Butler ’21) were married April 13. Claudia surprised Jake with a Monon Bell groom’s cake. He and his Delt football fraternity brothers were very excited. (See photo.)
DePauw Magazine marks the death of alumni, faculty, staff and friends. Obituaries do not include memorial gifts. When reporting a death, please send as much information as you have about the person and his or her affiliation with DePauw to: Alumni Records
DePauw University P.O. Box 37 Greencastle, IN 46135-0037, or jamahostetler@depauw.edu.
1942
Marjorie Gahan Beardsley, 104, Salemtowne, North Carolina, June 19. She was a member of Alpha Phi and a community volunteer. Survivors include a daughter, Karen Beardsley Taylor ’70, and a son-in-law, Perry L. Taylor Jr. ’70 She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Beardsley ’42, a sister, Jeannette Gahan Wenzel ’49, and a brother-in-law, Manfred J. Wenzel ’49
1944
Leonard W. Huck, 101, Phoenix, Arizona, July 7. He was a member of Sigma Chi, a Rector scholar and a member of the Washington C. DePauw Society. He was the former president of Arizona’s largest bank and a civic leader in the Phoenix area. He enjoyed international travel with his wife and children.
1948
Mary Yokel Broecker, 97, Metamora, Illinois, March 3. She was a retired medical technologist and a community volunteer. She enjoyed singing, gardening, traveling and playing bridge.
Maureen McCormick Carkeek, 96, Greencastle,
Indiana, December 5, 2022. She was an adjunct professor of music and taught organ and piano at DePauw for more than 70 years. She also taught hundreds of preparatory piano students. She was the organist and choirmaster at St. Andrew’s church and organist in the present church. She was director of the children’s choir at Gobin Methodist church and assistant organist for many years. Survivors include a son, David D. Carkeek ’79. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur D. Carkeek ’48.
Beverly Ford Van Buren, 97, West Columbia, South Carolina, April 7. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. She was a community volunteer and an excellent bridge player. She was preceded in death by her father, Ledger D. Ford, Class of 1920, and her husband, Tracy H. Van Buren ’50
Carolyn Repp Knapton, 97, Chico, California, March 15. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was a school librarian and a community volunteer. She was an avid reader and enjoyed being part of a book club. She was preceded in death by a brother, C. David Repp ’59
1950
David R. Pauley, 97, Normal, Illinois, May 30. He was a member of Sigma Nu. He was an elementary school principal. He enjoyed golf and photography. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert L. Pauley ’49.
Nancy Payne Rick, 95, Nashville, Tennessee,
November 4. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. Survivors include a sister, Donna Payne Hoenes ’54. She was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Rick ’50, and a brother-in-law, Henry J. Hoenes Jr. ’54.
1951
George V. Burbach, 93, Chapin, South Carolina, June 2, 2023. He was an attorney. He enjoyed traveling and being active in his church. He was preceded in death by his father, George F. Burbach, Class of 1926
Martha Soldwedel Claudon, 94, Jupiter, Florida, June 6. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was an elementary school teacher and a community volunteer. Survivors include a son, Timothy J. Claudon ’91. She was preceded in death by a sister, Gretchen Soldwedel Gill ’58.
Sandra Brooks Jordan, 94, Athens, Georgia, March 7. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and the Washington C. DePauw Society. She was a high school home economics teacher. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, sewing and collecting antiques. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles R. Jordan ’50
1952
Carol Meyn Beese, 93, Edina, Minnesota, June 6. She was president and executive director of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce. She served on numerous community organization boards.
James K. Chamness, 94, Holland, Michigan, March 16. He was a member of
Lambda Chi Alpha and a Rector scholar. He was a pediatrician and a member of various professional medical organizations. He enjoyed watching sports, reading mystery novels and fishing. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Frey Chamness ’53, a son, David W. Chamness ’76, and a daughter, Jean Chamness Russner ’86
John H. Coats, 93, Kalamazoo, Michigan, February 8. He was a member of the Men’s Hall Association. He was a research scientist. He enjoyed music, travel, genealogy, woodworking and gardening.
Barbara Miller Meeker, 94, Munster, Indiana, February 7. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was a professor emeritus of Purdue University and a professional artist. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Burton Miller, Class of 1917
Thomas E. Parfitt, 93, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, April 12. He was a member of Sigma Nu. He had a career with Harris Bank in Chicago. He was a community volunteer. He enjoyed playing tennis, golf and bridge. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diana Evans Parfitt ’56
Rosemary Kirk Morledge Peters, 93, Santa Barbara, California, December 20. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She had a career as a registered nurse. She was a community volunteer.
Elizabeth Rauch Taylor, 94, Denver, Colorado, January 10. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. She was an elementary school teacher and gave piano lessons. She enjoyed music and travel.
Joann Wine White, 93, Mickleton, New Jersey, April 18. She was a member of Delta Zeta and the Washington C. DePauw Society. She worked at the University of Pennsylvania in admissions and as director of financial aid. She was a community volunteer. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald A. White ’52
Clyde H. Dornbusch, 93, West Columbia, South Carolina, April 23. He was a member of Delta Chi and Phi Beta Kappa and was a Rector scholar. He was a professor of English and an administrator at Ohio Northern University. He and his wife traveled extensively in the United States and abroad. He was a community volunteer. Survivors include his wife, Joan Falquet Dornbusch ’54.
Kenneth W. Griffith, 92, Dyersburg, Tennessee, May 1. He was a member of the Men’s Hall Association. He was a minister of the gospel for more than 50 years. He enjoyed playing chess, singing songs and writing poetry.
Barbara Thomas Price, 92, Port Huron, Michigan, May 18. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta. She was a substitute teacher and a community volunteer. Survivors include her husband, Douglas N. Price ’51.
Dolores Baldridge Ray, 92, Geneva, Illinois, September 5. She was a member of Delta Gamma. She was an elementary school librarian.
Nora Meece Sullivan, 93, Bloomington, Indiana, April 15. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. During her working career, she was
a television copywriter, a teacher, an academic advisor and director of undergraduate certification. She was a community volunteer.
Jane Ehmann Murphy Wood, 92, Indianapolis, Indiana, May 10. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was active in many organizations and a professional volunteer.
John E. Brown, 92, Walkersville, Maryland, March 19. He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. He had a dual career in Christian and college teaching.
Anne Prindle Johnson, 91, Kettering, Ohio, April 1. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta and the Washington C. DePauw Society. She was an elementary school teacher. Survivors include a sister, Janet Prindle Seidler ’58, a daughter, Kathy Johnson Moran ’79, and a granddaughter, Jennifer A. Johnson ’11. She was preceded in death by her husband, David S. Johnson ’53.
Marilyn Shanks Klingaman, 91, Carmel, Indiana, May 24. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and the Washington C. DePauw Society. She was a school and community volunteer. She enjoyed golf, gardening and tennis. Survivors include a son-in-law, Thomas M. O’Neil ’69, and a grandson, Scott T. O’Neil ’10
Everett L. Laury, 91, Danville, Illinois, February 24. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was a lawyer and a community volunteer. He enjoyed watching sports. Survivors include a brother, Robert L. Laury ’60
Carol Ritter Law, 91, Englewood, Colorado, May 14. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was a community volunteer. She enjoyed painting, golf, book clubs and bridge. She was preceded in death by her father, Gordon T. Ritter, Class of 1929.
Patricia Warner Stutz, 91, Fishers, Indiana, March 25. She was a member of Alpha Phi. She worked as a secretary. She was a pianist and taught piano for many years. She enjoyed travel and sports. Survivors include a son, Jon Stutz ’91, a grandson, Jaxon K. Stutz ’23, and a granddaughter, Sophia F. Stutz ’26
Lester S. Barritt, 90, La Grange Park, Illinois, April 20. He was a member of Delta Upsilon. He had a successful career managing office buildings and commercial buildings. He enjoyed tennis, golf, travel and summers in Wisconsin. Survivors include a daughter, Deborah Barritt Lyons ’80, a son, David S. Barritt ’78, and a daughter-in-law, Joan Richardson Barritt ’79
Cordelia Shupe Jackson Burton, 90, Marysville, Ohio, June 7. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. She was an elementary school teacher and community volunteer.
Raymond L. Dirks, 89, New York City, New York, December 9. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. He was a Rector scholar, a former member of DePauw’s Board of Visitors and a 1981 Alumni Citation recipient. He was a leading insurance-stock analyst and co-owner of Dirks Brothers Ltd. In 1973, he exposed massive
fraud at Equity Funding Corp., leading to a decade-long battle with securities regulators in a landmark inside-information case that was decided by the Supreme Court. Survivors include a brother, Lee E. Dirks ’56. He was preceded in death by his uncles George E. Dirks, Class of 1929, Robert E. Dirks ’34 and Hubert E. Dirks ’34
Frank A. Morrow Jr., 92, Lebanon, Indiana, January 21. He was a member of the Men’s Hall Association and a Rector scholar. He was a professor of philosophy, a lawyer and a court commissioner for 22 years. Survivors include his wife, Mary Moorhouse Morrow ’57
Beverly Lewis Nicholson, 90, Columbus, Indiana, March 30. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi and Phi Beta Kappa. She was a reference librarian. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard P. Nicholson ’55
John P. Tagett, 90, Delton, Michigan, May 2. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and a Rector scholar. He was a physician. He enjoyed watching college football and basketball, traveling and photography. He was preceded in death by a son, Mark G. Tagett ’80
Thelma Grosvenor Trudgen, 90, Indianapolis, Indiana, January 26. She was a member of Alpha Phi. She was a teacher and community volunteer. She enjoyed reading, bridge and travel. Survivors include her husband, Spencer F. Trudgen ’55; a son, David S. Trudgen ’91; daughters Anne Trudgen Dillon ’81 and Valerie Trudgen Hooton ’86; a niece, Cynthia D. LeMaster ’82; a grandson, Robert S.
Dillon ’15; a son-in-law, John J. Dillon III ’82; and a brotherin-law, Charles R. LeMaster ’52. She was preceded in death by a sister, Marilyn Grosvenor LeMaster ’52, and a brother, Homer M. Grosvenor ’58
Kay Farr Driscol, 90, Lorain, Ohio, June 20. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta. She took an active part in many community organizations. She enjoyed golf, tennis, skiing and biking. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul E. Driscol Jr. ’58
David L. Genger, 89, Madison, Ohio, May 17. He was a member of Sigma Nu and a Rector scholar. He was an attorney. He enjoyed sports and music.
Suzanne Brown Longacre Gideonse, St. Petersburg, Florida, July 11, 2023. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta. She was an Atlantic County planner. Her most memorable life adventure was sailing around the world for nine years with her husband John.
Louise Brown Hoogenboom, 89, Saint Peter, Minnesota, February 4. She was a member of Delta Gamma. She was a librarian for Saint Peter Public Library. She enjoyed camping, skiing, canoeing, reading and knitting. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard E. Hoogenboom ’54
Virginia Mezey Sorley, 89, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, February 2. She was a member of Alpha Phi. She was a Central Intelligence Agency librarian and a community volunteer. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, music, dancing, books and travel.
Gary G. Barnes, 87, Oak Park, Illinois, March 14. He was a member of Sigma Chi and a Rector scholar. He had a career in home restoration. He enjoyed restoring antiques, woodworking, jazz music, camping, hiking and tennis.
Robert G. Burney, 87, Sperryville, Virginia, March 7. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He was a member of the Washington C. DePauw Society. He was a physician. He was a talented photographer. Survivors include a daughter, Susan Burney Fletcher ’83; a sister, Kay Burney Butler ’62; and nieces Karen Butler Connell ’92 and Elizabeth Butler Pruett ’89. He was preceded in death by a brotherin-law, Rhett W. Butler ’62, and his mother-in-law, Edith Priddy Wisner ’31
Richard W. Gethin, 88, Casper, Wyoming, June 4. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He had a career in sales.
Phyllis Paulson Kirbabas, 87, Cleveland, Ohio, May 18. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta. She was a French teacher and an artist. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, painting, gardening and reading. Survivors include a sister, Connie Paulson Greenwald ’57.
Marie Bromer Moore, 88, Sun City Center, Florida, June 11. She was involved in health and fitness programs for seniors using her 30 years as a certified massage therapist to lead her classes. She carried her passion for dance and swim into her classes. She was president of Orchesis and later became a Stephen minister. Survivors include her husband, Richard
W. Moore ’58. She was preceded in death by brothers Henry E. Bromer Jr. ’44 and William W. Bromer ’49.
Charles E. Ray, 88, Carmel, Indiana, April 12. He was a member of Delta Chi. He was a business owner. Survivors include his wife, Frances Bagby Ray ’59; sons Andrew C. Ray ’85 and Steven M. Ray ’88; and daughter-in-law Mary Struck Ray ’90.
Keith C. Schroeder, 88, Springfield, Illinois, March 8. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta. He was a division vice president of Franklin Insurance Company and a community volunteer. He enjoyed bowling and golf.
Rosemary Davis Berner Shaw, 88, Seattle, Washington, May 9. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She was an orthopedic trauma nurse and a professional cellist. She was preceded in death by her mother, Doris Leavitt Davis, Class of 1926.
Gayle Wanegar Taliaferro, 87, Pennsylvania, April 10. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. She was a research scientist. Survivors include a sister, Norma A. Wanegar ’61. She was preceded in death by her father, Norman G. Wanegar, Class of 1927, and her mother, Docia Botkin Wanegar, Class of 1926.
1959
Eugene N. Brewer, 86, Scarborough, Maine, April 23. He was a member of the Men’s Hall Association and a Rector scholar. He was a molecular biologist and a writer of novels. He wrote 23 novels; the best known was “K-Pax,” which
was made into a movie. He was interested in cosmology, enjoyed chess, and was a runner.
Emily Parker McNamara, 86, Bloomington, Illinois, June 20. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was a retired editor of textbooks and professional publications.
Whitney Fearer Morrill, 86, Greencastle, Indiana, March 31. She was a member of Alpha Phi and the Washington C. DePauw Society. She was a former member of DePauw’s Alumni Board of Directors. She was a registered nurse. She enjoyed birding, animals, running, mountain climbing and cross-country skiing. She was a community volunteer. Survivors include her husband, John E. Morrill ’57; a sister, Martha Fearer Highsmith ’66; a brother-in-law, Robert F. Highsmith ’67; and a granddaughter, Hannah C. Morrill ’17. She was preceded in death by a brother, William P. Fearer ’54.
Margaret Stahl Tomlin, 85, Noblesville, Indiana, February 24. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. She was a teacher and community volunteer. She enjoyed traveling, reading and quilting.
Tom H. West, 85, Palm Harbor, Florida, October 26. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and a Rector scholar. He was a member of the Washington C. DePauw Society. He was a general and vascular surgeon. He enjoyed fishing, acrylic painting and reading.
1960
Pamela Mills Casagrande, 86, Lawrence, Kansas, April
14. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was director of religious education at St. John’s Church in Lawrence. She was a community volunteer, an accomplished cook and a master gardener. Survivors include a sister, Diana Mills Reeder ’63. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Antonia M. Casagrande ’85
Martha Jarvis, 85, Prairie Village, Kansas, May 6. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. She had a career as a high school teacher. She was an accomplished flutist and talented photographer. She enjoyed traveling.
Frank S. Foster III, 88, Lexington, Kentucky, February 25. He was a product management manager. He enjoyed racing go-karts, flying remote-control model planes, building soap box derby cars, fishing, playing racquet sports and gardening. Survivors include a brother, Charles Foster ’61.
C. Sumpter Logan, 86, Asheville, North Carolina, November 21. He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. After graduating, Sumpter was hired on with GTE, where he continued to work in various management positions for 60 years. For several of those years he was President of GTE Airfone. Before retiring from GTE, Sumpter obtained his MBA from University of Chicago, and then a degree in arbitration, an area in which he continued to work for several years. Sumpter was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, and served in integral positions on the board of
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Sumpter’s greatest love was his family, and especially his wife of 63 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Linda Ware Logan ’61
Louis W. Harmening Jr., 84, Elmhurst, Illinois, March 22. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He was registrar and associate professor of American literature, emeritus, at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Survivors include his wife, Janet Bloxsome Harmening ’61; sons Jeffrey L. Harmening ’89 and Andrew J. Harmening ’91; and daughtersin-law Lisa Morse Harmening ’89 and Diane Delaney Harmening ’93.
Dale D. Anderson, 83, Canton, Ohio, January 26. He was a member of Delta Upsilon. He was inducted into DePauw’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. He was a businessman. He enjoyed golf, travel and watching basketball. Survivors include a son, Brendan D. Anderson ’88.
John B. Childers, 81, St. Petersburg, Florida, July 8, 2023. He was a member of Delta Chi and a Rector scholar. He had a distinguished career in the United States Congress.
Robert P. Demange, 82, New York City, New York, April 1. He was a member of the Men’s Hall Association. He worked for the United States Social Security Administration. He enjoyed long-distance running, swimming, sailing, volleyball and puzzles. He enjoyed New York life, especially the restaurants, music and culture.
Robert K. McCleaster, 83,
North Canton, Ohio, January 31. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He was a music teacher and band director. He was a commercially rated pilot and a certified flight instructor.
Thomas F. Smith III, 83, New Bern, North Carolina, April 20. He was a member of Delta Chi. He worked in sales and later as a consultant in the computer industry. He enjoyed skiing, power boating and sailing.
John E. Suster III, 84, Chicago, Illinois, March 12. He was a member of Sigma Nu. He was a business owner and a sports fan. Survivors include his wife, Susan Dodge Suster ’62, and a son, Bradley B. Suster ’90. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dewey D. Suster ’64
Ruth Hargate Tracy, 83, Cleveland, Ohio, January 7. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta. She taught English as a second language.
Richard L. Williams, 83, Muncie, Indiana, January 24. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He was an educator and enjoyed teaching English, French, creative writing and drama. He had a talent for design and enjoyed designing and renovating buildings.
Robert F. Brown, 82, Newark, Delaware, May 18. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Phi Beta Kappa and was a Rector scholar. He retired as a professor emeritus of philosophy from the University of Delaware. He enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, classical music, the study of the stock market and trips to Atlantic City with his wife.
Bonnie Oeler Fields, 82, San Jose, California, March 3. She was a member of Delta Gamma. She was an English teacher, worked with the Girl Scouts of America, taught the first yoga classes at the University of Utah, edited religious publications and was an assistant to several tech moguls in Silicon Valley. She was an avid skier and a partner/owner of Rocky Mountain Ventures and restaurateur in Park City, Utah.
Judy Hotz Massa, 82, Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, March 5. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta and an Alumni Citation recipient. She was a music director for Voice of America and had a weekly radio show.
Nancy Markham Ragatz, 82, Englewood, Colorado, May 11. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi. She worked as a calligraphist and was a community volunteer. She enjoyed book and bridge clubs, playing tennis, biking, traveling and time with family and friends.
John F. Throckmorton, 82, Huntley, Illinois, and Ocala, Florida, January 30. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Martha Throckmorton on April 28, 2020. He was a member and senior class president of Delta Chi fraternity. He worked as a management consultant for A.T. Kearney in Chicago, Illinois, for 35 years. Upon retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends and serving in his church communities. He was a cherished dad to four loving daughters, eight grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren who called him “Papa Great.” He was thrilled
to attend his 60th reunion at DePauw last summer with his daughter Jean Throckmorton Puyear ’93. Survivors include a daughter, Jean Throckton Puyear ’93, and a son-in-law, Cory D. Puyear ’93
1964
Barbara Goes Brennan, 82, Naples, Florida, February 1. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. She was a nursing instructor. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter A. Goes ’36, and her mother, Nancy Baker Goes ’37.
Philip C. Hauck, 80, Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 5, 2023. He was a member of the Men’s Hall Association and a former member of DePauw’s Alumni Board of Directors. He was a facilitator of peer groups for business leaders and president of Envision Greater Green Bay. He played tennis and golf. Survivors include his wife, Kathrine Harris Hauck ’64; a son, Brian P. Hauck ’98; a sister, Sally Hauck Allen ’67; a nephew, Benjamin P. Allen ’92; and a niece, Pamela Anderson Smith ’90. He was preceded in death by his father, Hugh S. Hauck, Class of 1929
Maxine May Hubbard, 81, Des Plaines, Illinois, May 30. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta. She was an elementary school principal. Survivors include a sister, Mickey May Shemansky ’68.
1965
L. Terry Chappell, 81, Bluffton, Ohio, February 12. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and a Rector scholar. He was a physician and practiced medicine in a variety of settings. He was a community volunteer.
Nancy Ferguson Davis, 80, Avon Lake, Ohio, December 28. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. She was a nurse and a community volunteer.
Norman D. Steffenson, 80, Tucson, Arizona, March 15. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. He had a variety of careers including business adventures, writing, leading tours of Tucson and hospice chaplaincy. He enjoyed athletics, books, playing and teaching bridge, and time with family and friends.
Philip J. Stephenson, 80, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, February 20. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta and a Rector scholar. He was a music teacher. He enjoyed crossword puzzles and the outdoors.
Hugh B. Thomas, 81, Northville, Michigan, May 28. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was an attorney.
1966
Willam T. Habig, 80, Indianapolis, Indiana, March 15. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He had a career in health administration and was a community volunteer. He loved motorcycles, MGs and his first Camaro. He enjoyed his family, history, antiquing and puzzles.
Ellen Clark Nelson, 79, Madison, Wisconsin, February 1. She was a member of Delta Gamma. She was the art director of Artspace in Lima, Ohio. Later, she was art director at the Paramount Center in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. She was a community volunteer and worked to connect local artists to their community.
1967
David C. Hinshaw, 79, Highland, Indiana, April 26. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He had careers in banking, advertising and real estate. He was an active member of the United States Army for over 30 years, earning the rank of colonel. He was an active member of community and professional organizations.
T. Scott Johnston, 78, Toledo, Ohio, May 17. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. He was an attorney and a member of professional organizations He enjoyed squash, golf, hiking, biking, tennis and fly-fishing. Survivors include a brother, James G. Johnston ’70
Thomas W. Lontz, 79, Hemet, California, April 13. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega.
1968
Juliann “Bunny” Bergmann, 77, Phoenix, Arizona. She made her living as a freelance writer, owning her own company, JB Writes. However, she would say her greatest accomplishments were her two daughters, Kristi and Niki. Her father was Dr. Fred Bergmann, professor of English at DePauw for 46 years. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She loved her four grandchildren: Nico, Marshall, Annika, Rosie. In a previous memoriam, Bunny’s sister-in-law, Margaret Harrison Bergmann ’75, was incorrectly listed as preceding her in death. The editor regrets this error.
Anne Frankel McDermond, 77, Sandusky, Ohio, January 19. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. She was a special education teacher. Survivors include her husband, Maurice L. McDermond Jr. ’67; a son,
Maurice L. McDermond III ’94; a daughter, Sarah McDermond Henken ’02; a brother, John D. Frankel ’71; nephews John C. Frankel ’03 and David W. Wood ’89; nieces Elizabeth Frankel Messier ’10 and Julie Wood Russell ’03; a sister-in-law, Sandra McDermond Wood ’61; and a brother-in-law, James W. Wood ’59. She was preceded in death by her inlaws, Maurice L. McDermond ’34 and Miriam Brandt McDermond ’34
Carl C. Polster, 77, Kirkwood, Missouri, June 11. He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. He was an attorney. He enjoyed bridge, church, doing pro bono work, walking and traveling. Survivors include his wife, Ann Cunliff Polster ’68, and a grandson, Ethan P. Chamberlin ’25.
1969
Alexander Leszunov Jr., 76, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, August 28, 2023. He served in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and was retired from Metals USA.
Tyler B. Somershield, 76, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, February 7. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta and a former member of DePauw’s Alumni Board of Directors. He had a career at the Cleveland Clinic starting as the administrator of the urology department and ending as a patient liaison. He was a community volunteer and a devoted Cleveland sports fan.
Richard D. Thomas, 77, Spring, Texas, February 23. He was a lawyer and a business owner. He was an avid golfer and basketball fan. Survivors include a brother, William K. Thomas ’67
Richard W. Hanford Jr., 74, Edinburg, Virginia, February 20, 2023. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega. He was a civil engineer.
Francis F. E. Morse, 76, Schuylerville, New York, January 4. He was a member of the Men’s Hall Association. He was a lawyer. His true passion was raising, training and racing standardbred horses.
Virginia Hays Burney, 74, Fishers, Indiana, May 1. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta and a member of the Washington C. DePauw Society. She worked in the field of education, working with teachers to enhance the education of gifted children. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and traveling abroad. Survivors include her husband, Bryan T. Burney ’71 She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Thomas E. Burney ’40
Wendy B. Gifford, 74, Chicago, Illinois, February 22. She was a member of Alpha Phi and the Washington C. DePauw Society. She was an expert in the field of codes, standards, regulations, and industry and legislative affairs. She wrote 13 historical romance novels under the pen name of Blythe Gifford. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marian Ellis Gifford ’40
David M. Perkins, 75, Racine, Wisconsin, March 14. He was a member of Delta Upsilon and the Washington C. DePauw Society. He was a businessman and president and chief executive officer of Racine Federated Inc. He was
a community volunteer. He enjoyed reading, traveling, golfing and sports. Survivors include his wife, Catherine Cann Perkins ’71, and a son, Charles W. Perkins ’98. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Perkins ’67.
Eric R. Heller, 74, Holland, Michigan, March 9. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta and a Rector scholar. He was a businessman and an active community volunteer. He enjoyed genealogy, playing the clarinet, puzzles, fishing, planning family trips and pets. Survivors include his wife, Megan Trovillion Heller ’72. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Raymond Heller, Class of 1924
S. Robert Trottmann III, 74, Saint Louis, Missouri, January 30. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. He had a career in business management and was a community volunteer. He played tennis, ran marathons, and later in life took up boxing.
John F. Bergmann, 72, Scottsdale, Arizona, June 13, 2023. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. He was the son of Jean and Dr. Fred Bergmann, DePauw professor of English for 46 years and chairman of the English Department for 21 of those years. He had a great love of music and was always involved with bands. His college band, Wakefield Summit, often performed on campus or in the surrounding areas. He had a career with Hyatt, Marriott and Classic hotels as director of human resources, but always had a band on the side. Besides his love of music, he enjoyed
traveling and his friends and family. Survivors include his wife, Margaret Harrison Bergmann ’75. He was preceded in death by a sister, Juliann Bergmann ’68
Patrick R. Doherty, 73, Dallas, Texas, June 5. He was a member of Sigma Nu. He had a career in accounting. He was a life-long tennis player and competed at the collegiate level. He was a community volunteer.
Steven K. Harding, 72, Noblesville, Indiana, April 28. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He worked in the insurance and medical fields. He enjoyed sports and family get-togethers.
Kathleen R. McCormick, 72, Traverse City, Michigan, March 5. She was preceded in death by her father, Roy C. McCormick ’40, and her mother, Ruth Zitzlaff McCormick ’40
Portia H. Hinshaw, 72, Boulder, Colorado, February 15. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She was a math and English teacher and director of a private elementary school. She enjoyed running and making jewelry.
Paula A. Albright, 70, Arlington Heights, Illinois, July 5. She was an attorney.
Doris Mahoney Miller, 85, Greencastle, Indiana, May 14. She was an elementary school teacher and a community volunteer. Survivors include a son, Frederick W. Miller ’81, and a daughter-in-law, Melinda Morlan Miller ’82
Kurt B. Ofer, 68, Cooperstown, New York, May 26. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega. He was an architect. He enjoyed biking, sailing, tennis, cross-country skiing and music of all kinds.
Lynn S. Romas, Brazil, Indiana, April 6. He was a high school science teacher and assistant principal. He was a community volunteer. He enjoyed travel.
Ladonna Eaton Smith, 67, Town of Dunn, Wisconsin, June 8. She was a geologist. She enjoyed gardening, baking, kayaking and traveling with family. Survivors include her husband, Paul D. Smith ’79.
Nancy Miller Buser, 85, Roachdale, Indiana, June 16. She was an elementary school teacher. Survivors include a daughter, Joan Buser Knapp ’82, and a grandson, Neal A. Knapp ’08
James M. Bane II, 64, South Bend, Indiana, March 9. He was a member of Sigma Nu. He was a salesman. He enjoyed golf, camping trips and coaching and watching his son’s sports. He was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Bane Peterson ’83.
Herbert A. Benton, 60, Elwood, Indiana, June 28. He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. He worked as a greenhouse manager for 35 years. He enjoyed camping, reading and fishing. Survivors include a sister, Charity Benton Myers ’76, and a brother-in-law,
D. Scott Myers ’75. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul T. Benton ’49
Wallace J. Nichols, 56, Davenport, California, June 10. He was a marine biologist, ecologist, writer and lecturer. He began his career as a defender and advocate of sea turtles. He was the author of “Blue Mind,” the 2014 bestseller about the therapeutic benefits of being near large bodies of water.
Carrie Tuttle Park, 55, Medina, Ohio, November 17. She was a member of Alpha Phi. She was director of Junior Leadership Medina County. She was an avid traveler and visited all the states, 25 countries and countless UNESCO World Heritage sites.
John D. Kitch III, 51, Fort Wayne, Indiana, May 21. He was a member of Alpha Tau
Omega. He was an attorney. He was a voracious reader and music enthusiast and enjoyed playing golf.
Emily Hunteman Ulrich, 48, Lafayette, Indiana, January 26. She was a senior editor at Purdue Marketing and Media and later a research analyst for Purdue For Life Foundation. She enjoyed music, reading, music history, walking, drawing and art museums.
Adam K. Hilkert, 37, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, February 20. He was an activeduty Army captain. He was an accomplished musician, songwriter, composer, conductor and educator. He enjoyed video games, biking, roller coasters, concerts and movies. He volunteered at care facilities and provided free music lessons to students and friends.
John A. Dittmer, 84, Greencastle, Indiana, July 19. He retired in 2003 as professor emeritus of history from DePauw. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. He taught at Tougaloo College, where he completed his first book, “Black Georgia in the Progressive Era.” In 1980 he moved to Providence, Rhode Island, where he taught for six years at Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and where he began researching and writing his second book, “Local People,” a history of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. “Local People” earned several awards, including the Bancroft Award for American history. He accepted a teaching position at DePauw University in 1985. His third book, “The Good Doctors,” was published in 2010. He enjoyed playing tennis and golf and walking. He enjoyed sports, especially basketball.
