Julie Baker, Administrative Assistant for Jazz Studies, Dies at 61</h1> <article> <h1>Julie Baker, Administrative Assistant for Jazz Studies, Dies at 61</h1> <p>eburnett — Thu, 14 May 2026 14:54:35 +0000</p> <span>Julie Baker, Administrative Assistant for Jazz Studies, Dies at 61</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-05-14T10:54:35-04:00" title="Thursday, May 14, 2026 - 10:54">Thu, 05/14/2026 - 10:54</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Julie Baker, the Administrative Assistant for ��سԹ�’s Division of Jazz Studies and a key member of the conservatory’s Facilities Operations team, died May 12. She was 61.</p><p>Born in ��سԹ� and a longtime resident of nearby Lorain, Baker arrived at the conservatory in summer 2011 and quickly became a fixture in the newly opened Bertram and Judith Kohl Building, the long-awaited home of ��سԹ�’s historic jazz program.</p><p>A vital member of the conservatory’s administrative team, Baker played a key role in day-to-day operations as well as conservatory tours to New York City in 2013, 2019, and 2023, and its 150th anniversary tour to Chicago in 2016. In addition to her twin roles with Jazz Studies and conservatory operations, Baker was a member of the leadership team for ��سԹ� College Office and Professional Employees (OCOPE), a key union on campus.</p><p>“Julie Baker was a deeply beloved colleague and friend,” says Dean of the Conservatory <a href="/william-quillen" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ae2f8811-f23e-458f-87e3-6d455d557536" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="William Quillen">Bill Quillen</a>. “We will forever remember her smile, her laughter, and her unbounded kindness. Most of all, we will remember her deep love for and devotion to the students, whom she regarded as family.”</p><p>Baker delighted in the company of her own large family, and she loved motorcycle riding with her husband of 39 years, Allen. </p><p>“It is difficult to fully capture the impact Julie has had on our community,” says <a href="/greta-williams" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="7705647f-079f-4baa-a74f-2189e1cf17d3" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Greta Williams">Greta Williams</a>, the conservatory’s Manager of Academic Operations and Assistant to the Dean, and a longtime friend of Baker. “For so long, Julie has been at the very core of the conservatory and the jazz department—steady, dependable, and deeply committed to the success of our students and faculty.</p><p>“Julie approached every responsibility with care, precision, and a quiet strength that inspired those around her. She was someone I could always rely on, no matter the circumstance, and her judgment and insight reflected a rare intelligence and thoughtfulness. Julie brought that same determination to every challenge she faced. Her absence will be felt in many ways and across many layers of our community.”</p><p>Baker is survived by her husband; son Johnathan (Phinney); daughters Christina (Phinney), Maria, and Angelina; five grandchildren; and countless other loved ones. </p><p>Calling hours will be held at 11 a.m. this Saturday, May 16, at the Church on the North Coast (4125 North Leavitt Road, Lorain), followed at noon by a funeral service. <a href="https://www.reidyfuneral.com/obituary/juliann-baker">Learn more in this memorial.</a></p><hr><p><em>Support is available for all members of our campus community. Students are encouraged to contact </em><a href="/counseling"><em>Counseling and Psychological Services</em></a><em> or drop by during walk-in hours (9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. weekdays). Faculty and staff are invited to connect with ��سԹ�’s</em><a href="https://oberlincollege.sharepoint.com/sites/HR/SitePages/Emp.aspx"><em> Employee Assistance Program</em></a><em>. For additional information, </em><a href="/campus-resources/support"><em>visit the Campus Support Resources page on ��سԹ�.edu.</em></a></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Dedicated employee was deeply beloved by students and colleagues across campus.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-14T12:00:00Z">Thu, 05/14/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2597">Faculty and Staff</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2412">Obituaries</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Michel Debost, Legendary Flute Professor and Performer, Dies at 92</h1> <p>eburnett — Wed, 06 May 2026 13:59:02 +0000</p> <span>Michel Debost, Legendary Flute Professor and Performer, Dies at 92</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-05-06T09:59:02-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - 09:59">Wed, 05/06/2026 - 09:59</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Michel Debost, an internationally celebrated flutist who taught at ��سԹ� from 1989 until his retirement in 2011, died May 2 in his native France. He was 92.</p><p>Debost leaves behind a legacy as an exemplary performer, teacher, and colleague. As a young musician, he studied at the Paris Conservatory, where he won first prize in flute, an honor followed by top honors in the international competitions of Prague, Munich, Moscow, Geneva, and Turin.</p><p>He was the longtime principal flutist of the Orchestre de Paris from its founding in 1967 until 1989, a legendary soloist, and a revered professor at the Paris Conservatory, where he succeeded fellow luminary Jean-Pierre Rampal. He recorded a wealth of flute repertoire for EMI and a variety of other labels.</p><p>"As a musician, he was, of course, extraordinary: a truly commanding flute player with a huge, resonant sound, exceptional control of the air, and a deep musical intelligence," says Professor of Clarinet <a href="/richard-hawkins" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="c3e1fd70-d852-412f-b8b9-41f42d375b11" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Richard Hawkins">Richard Hawkins</a>, a longtime colleague and friend of Debost.</p><p>At ��سԹ�, Debost developed Prima Vista, a woodwind quintet reading course that remains a central part of the first-year curriculum.</p><p>"Students consistently point to it as a transformative experience, and Michel had a remarkable gift for teaching the art of sight-reading with both rigor and encouragement," says Hawkins.</p><p>Among the generations of ��سԹ� flute students taught by Debost are Grammy Award-winners Claire Chase ’01, who went on to co-found the International Contemporary Ensemble, and Molly Barth ’97 of Eighth Blackbird.</p><p>“He taught with tremendous passion throughout his career, and his devoted students demonstrate success across a remarkably wide range of careers and playing styles,” says Professor of Flute <a href="/alexa-still" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="3e1a79cf-02ac-4e57-9622-e4380853f2f0" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Alexa Still">Alexa Still</a>, who succeeded Debost on the ��سԹ� faculty.</p><p>Hawkins reflected on Debost’s impact with colleagues on the morning after his passing. "Many of us found ourselves thinking about Michel, his larger-than-life personality, and his extraordinary capacity to work tirelessly with so many students," he says. "He was a wonderful colleague—gracious, elegant, and always impeccably dressed in suits and ties—and he was especially kind to me when I first arrived at ��سԹ�."</p><p>Debost is survived by his wife, renowned flutist and professor Kathleen Chastain, who also taught at ��سԹ� from 1993 until her retirement in 2013.</p><p>A memorial in honor of Debost will be planned at ��سԹ�, with details to follow in Campus Digest.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">French-born master launched a wealth of standout ��سԹ� musicians as a 22-year member of the faculty.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-06T12:00:00Z">Wed, 05/06/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2412">Obituaries</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35911">Flute</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/richard-hawkins" hreflang="und">Richard Hawkins</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/alexa-still" hreflang="und">Alexa Still</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/winds-brass-and-percussion" hreflang="und">Winds, Brass, and Percussion</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Remembering Former Visiting Assistant Professor Leila Ben-Nasr</h1> <p>azaleski — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:09:07 +0000</p> <span>Remembering Former Visiting Assistant Professor Leila Ben-Nasr</span> <span><span>azaleski</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-12-10T14:09:07-05:00" title="Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - 14:09">Wed, 12/10/2025 - 14:09</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Leila Ben-Nasr, a former visiting assistant professor of comparative American studies, died on November 28, 2025. No cause of death was given.</p><p>Ben-Nasr taught at ��سԹ� from fall 2022 through spring 2024, leading classes including Introduction to Comparative American Studies, Contemporary Arab American Literature, and Afro-Asian America: Intraminority Connections in Historical Perspective. </p><p>According to Ben-Nasr’s ��سԹ� profile, her research interests included comparative U.S. ethnic literature, 20th- and 21st-century American literature, Arab American studies, Asian American studies, postcolonial and diaspora literature, and folklore studies.</p><p>Ben-Nasr also worked as a high school Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate English teacher at John Piersol McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was a visiting assistant professor at Bates College. She recently taught English as a Second Language at the John Marshall School of Engineering.</p><p>“She possessed a kindness and generosity that magnetized people to her,” read her obituary. “It was common for former students—from high schoolers she taught in the ’90s to recent college graduates—to reach out to her, eager to share their latest life updates.” </p><p>Ben-Nasr earned a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology at Westminster College, a master’s degree in English from Millersville University, and a doctorate in English at Ohio State University. </p><p>She is survived by her parents, a sister, and two brothers. Read more about her life and achievements in her <a href="https://www.snyderfuneralhome.com/obituary/dr-leila-ben-nasr/">online obituary</a>.</p><hr><p><em>Students who would benefit from support resources are encouraged to reach out to </em><a href="/counseling"><em>Counseling and Psychological Services</em></a><em>. Additional </em><a href="/campus-resources/support"><em>campus support resources</em></a><em> are also available if needed.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Beloved educator taught multiple courses in ��سԹ�’s comparative American studies department</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-12-07T12:00:00Z">Sun, 12/07/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2412">Obituaries</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Robert W. Fuller ’56, 10th President of ��سԹ� College, Dies at 88</h1> <p>azaleski — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:29:25 +0000</p> <span>Robert W. Fuller ’56, 10th President of ��سԹ� College, Dies at 88</span> <span><span>azaleski</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-29T10:29:25-04:00" title="Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - 10:29">Tue, 07/29/2025 - 10:29</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p dir="ltr">Robert “Bob” Works Fuller ’56, the 10th president of ��سԹ� College, died July 15, 2025, in Berkeley, California. He was 88. </p><p dir="ltr">Fuller first arrived at ��سԹ�—at age 15—on a Ford fellowship. He was likewise just 33 years old when he was appointed ��سԹ�’s president in 1970 via unanimous selection, making him the college’s youngest president. </p><p dir="ltr">When Fuller returned to campus in the role of chief administrator, he described what it was like to rediscover ��سԹ� after 15 years away in an essay published in the December 1970 <em>��سԹ� Alumni Magazine</em>:</p><p dir="ltr">“The commitment to academic and artistic excellence in itself is really a dual goal that no other institution has. Simultaneously with this commitment to intellectual excellence, there is the compassionate concern for mankind that permeates everything that occurs here. Many schools have one of these goals, and many have the other, but no school I know has both and recognizes so explicitly the interdependence of these two goals.”</p><p dir="ltr">During his tenure, Fuller worked diligently on initiatives in the spirit of his remarks, many of which transformed ��سԹ�’s campus and curriculum.</p><figure role="group" class="image_resized align-left"> <div class="media-embed-resized" style="width:419px;"> </div> <figcaption>Tommie Smith and Robert W. Fuller, pictured in California many years after their respective tenures at ��سԹ�. Photo courtesy of Robert W. Fuller's family.</figcaption> </figure> <p>He tripled the enrollment of minority students, expanded coed residence halls, and hired Black head coaches, including the Olympic gold medal sprinter Tommie Smith. Fuller also supported construction of the Seeley G. Mudd Learning Center, which remains a cornerstone of campus today, as well as students’ feminist and gay liberation movements. In 1971, Fuller created the Committee on the Status of Women, on which his then-wife Ann L. Fuller was a member; the committee's research and work eventually led to the hiring of more women on the faculty and in administrative positions. Under Robert Fuller’s leadership, ��سԹ� also eliminated distribution requirements and incorporated student representation into the institution’s decision-making structure. </p><p dir="ltr">Fuller promoted the development of the modern dance program and the hiring of the first professional string quartet in the conservatory. He also established an Education Commission, through which several programs were created, including the innovative and beloved Inter-Arts Program, which fostered opportunities for interdisciplinary campus collaboration across multiple art forms. And as chairman of the Honorary Degrees Committee, Fuller recommended that trustees establish the Distinguished Community Service Award, which is now awarded annually to ��سԹ�-area residents who have made significant contributions to the community. (Ann L. Fuller received this award in 1991.)</p><p dir="ltr">“President Fuller’s contributions to the college met the moment, particularly how he created academic programs that responded to student interest,” says ��سԹ� President Carmen Twillie Ambar. “Among his many achievements, he created a Master of Fine Arts degree, which today can be seen as a precursor to our new BA/BFA program. My condolences to his friends and family.”</p><p dir="ltr">Born in Summit, New Jersey, Fuller earned an honorary bachelor’s degree from ��سԹ� at his 1970 presidential inauguration ceremony. He later earned a doctorate in physics at Princeton University. With the theoretical physicist John Wheeler, he coauthored a foundational paper on wormholes, “Causality and Multiply Connected Space-Time.” The paper’s emphasis on quantum topology inspires quantum gravity researchers today. </p><p dir="ltr">Fuller also taught physics and mathematics at Columbia University, as well as at Barnard and Wesleyan, and he coauthored the book <em>Mathematics of Classical and Quantum Physics</em>, which is still in print. After leaving ��سԹ� in 1974, he traversed the globe, devoting himself to causes he believed in, like arms control and world hunger. Later, he wrote several influential books based on the concept of “Dignity for All,” which he pioneered based on his travels and career experience.</p><p dir="ltr">Fuller returned to ��سԹ� several times, including by participating in reunion activities at the invitation of the Class of 1974. “We invited him to our 25th reunion, where he gave a packed auditorium of classmates, seniors, and others a speech on rankism,” says Jan Heininger ’74. “We invited him to join us for our 50th reunion in 2024 as an honorary member of the class and participant in our extensive weekend of activities, as well as a separate session with him on what makes ��سԹ� unique. We mourn his passing.”</p><p dir="ltr">Fuller leaves his beloved wife of 35 years, Claire Sheridan; children Karen, Ben, Noah, and Adam Fuller ’00; first wife Ann L. Fuller; and four grandchildren. For more information on his life and work, visit <a href="http://www.robertworksfuller.com/"><u>www.RobertWorksFuller.com</u></a> and his <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/25/books/robert-w-fuller-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.aE8.aLm-.VcdqvUtSQMTZ&smid=url-share"><em>New York Times </em>obituary</a>.</p><figure role="group" class="align-center"> <div> </div> <figcaption>Robert W. Fuller, wearing No. 21 in the back row, was on ��سԹ�'s basketball team in the 1950s. Photo courtesy of Robert W. Fuller's family.</figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Physicist and author presided over the institution between 1970 and 1974.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-07-29T12:00:00Z">Tue, 07/29/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2412">Obituaries</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2583">College of Arts and Sciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">After leaving ��سԹ�, Robert W. Fuller became a celebrated author.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pull-images field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yes</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Courtesy of the ��سԹ� College Archives</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-42545" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <style> figure.align-center { display: table; } figure.align-center figure { width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Larry Shinn, Former Danforth Professor of Religion, Dies at 83</h1> <p>eburnett — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:05:35 +0000</p> <span>Larry Shinn, Former Danforth Professor of Religion, Dies at 83</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-22T15:05:35-04:00" title="Tuesday, July 22, 2025 - 15:05">Tue, 07/22/2025 - 15:05</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p dir="ltr">Larry Shinn, who taught religion at ��سԹ� for 14 years, died April 2, 2025. He was 83. </p><p dir="ltr">During a tenure that started in 1970, Shinn held multiple positions before being named the Danforth Professor of Religion in 1982. He taught courses on the study of religion (Religion as a World Phenomenon), on the religions of India (Hindu and Buddhist Traditions in India and The Life and Teachings of Gandhi), and on methodology (Psychology and Religion as well as Approaches to the Study of Religion). </p><p dir="ltr">After arriving in ��سԹ�, Shinn was also ordained as an elder in the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Throughout his tenure at the college, he promoted the world relief work of the Methodist Church (UMCOR) by holding seminars and giving talks and sermons on world hunger in area churches. He also served as an interim pastor for several local congregations. </p><p dir="ltr">During his last two years at ��سԹ�, Shinn traveled throughout the United States, visiting more than a dozen Hare Krishna temples, engaging in participant study and interviewing Hare Krishna devotees. </p><p dir="ltr">“Larry Shinn was an immensely popular teacher on campus,” says Fairchild Professor Emeritus of Religion and East Asian Studies James Dobbins. “At a time when the study of religion at ��سԹ� tended to focus on philosophy, history, and ethics, he sought to present it through the lens of anthropology and psychology—emphasizing what people actually feel and say and do in their religious life.”</p><p dir="ltr">After leaving ��سԹ�, Shinn served as a professor of religion and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bucknell University. In 1994, he became the eighth president of Berea College, a position he held until his retirement in 2012. Born in Alliance, Ohio, he earned a bachelor’s degree at Baldwin-Wallace College, a bachelor of divinity at Drew Theological School, and a doctorate at Princeton University.</p><p dir="ltr">To read more about Shinn and leave a remembrance, <a href="https://murial.life/larryshinn">visit his memorial page</a>.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Popular faculty member taught at ��سԹ� from 1970 to 1984.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-07-22T12:00:00Z">Tue, 07/22/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2412">Obituaries</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2583">College of Arts and Sciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25421">Religion</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/religion" hreflang="und">Religion</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy ��سԹ� College Archives</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Heidi Scott ’23, Talented Scientist, Athlete, and Musician, Dies at 27</h1> <p>eburnett — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:03:34 +0000</p> <span>Heidi Scott ’23, Talented Scientist, Athlete, and Musician, Dies at 27</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-08T13:03:34-04:00" title="Tuesday, July 8, 2025 - 13:03">Tue, 07/08/2025 - 13:03</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p dir="ltr">Heidi M. Scott, a member of ��سԹ�’s Class of 2023 who was pursuing advanced studies in virology, died June 5. She was 27. </p><p dir="ltr">At ��سԹ�, Heidi studied biology and developed an interest in viral pathogenesis and immunology as well as virus-host immune interactions. She was a member of the track and cross country teams and played oboe in the Arts and Sciences Orchestra.</p><p dir="ltr">Heidi was in the process of earning her master’s degree in virology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, with plans to start a PhD program in the fall. She loved the outdoors—especially the mountains—and playing the oboe. She used her artistic talent to make greeting cards to raise money for Kingston 4 Paws Service Dogs.</p><p dir="ltr">Heidi is survived by her parents, Chris and Neal; sister Nicole; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and co-workers. A celebration of life will be held July 19 at 10 a.m. at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts at Queen’s University.</p><p>Learn more in this <a href="https://www.directcremationservices.ca/memorials/heidi-scott/5602275/index.php#details">memorial for Heidi</a> and in this <a href="https://www.queensu.ca/gazette/stories/queen-s-remembers-heidi-m-scott">story published by Queen’s University</a>.</p><hr><p dir="ltr">Students who might benefit from extra support are encouraged to reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services at 440-775-8470 (after hours at 855-256-7160) and the Multifaith Chaplaincy at 440-775-8103. Additional resources are available on the <a href="https://45bb17f8496b48a0ab25e88825365f2e.svc.dynamics.com/t/t/yVCyxXXPVmulYatG8aWyzxxawLjA5ODrM2FRGqHNbxsx/JIq9UHg5R9hsU1hIoql33H2csUTper6fwXaYABi9TF4x">Campus Support Resources</a> page. Faculty and staff are invited to reach out to ��سԹ�’s <a href="https://45bb17f8496b48a0ab25e88825365f2e.svc.dynamics.com/t/t/x07TtJbjTH0tlIDoFxixfm9YsnPCvcrUd7hZsfbD4dox/JIq9UHg5R9hsU1hIoql33H2csUTper6fwXaYABi9TF4x">Employee Assistance Program</a>.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Biology alum was pursuing graduate studies in virology at Queen’s University.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-07-08T12:00:00Z">Tue, 07/08/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2412">Obituaries</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Longman Professor Emeritus of English and Creative Writing David Young Dies at 88</h1> <p>azaleski — Tue, 06 May 2025 15:25:25 +0000</p> <span>Longman Professor Emeritus of English and Creative Writing David Young Dies at 88</span> <span><span>azaleski</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-06T11:25:25-04:00" title="Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 11:25">Tue, 05/06/2025 - 11:25</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Longman Professor Emeritus of English and Creative Writing <a href="http://www.davidyoungpoet.com/index.html" target="_blank">David Young</a> died on Saturday, May 3. He was 88.<br> <br> An esteemed poet, translator, editor, and scholar, Young taught at ��سԹ� between 1961 and 2003, leaving an indelible mark on students with his courses on English Renaissance literature, poetry, and creative writing. He cofounded the biannual poetry journal <a href="https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/field/" target="_blank"><em>FIELD</em></a> and served as the publication’s editor for 50 years; additionally, he was the cofounder of ��سԹ� College Press and founder of ��سԹ�’s London Program (now known as the <a href="/oberlin-in-london" target="_blank">Danenberg ��سԹ�-in-London Program</a>).<br> <br> Young was the author of more than 40 books of poetry, translation, and literary criticism, including the career-spanning poetry collection <em>Field of Light and Shadow: Selected and New Poems</em> (Knopf), which was released in an expanded edition in 2023. He received multiple prestigious awards for his work, including a Pushcart Prize, a Witter Bynner Translation Fellowship, the Ohioana Book Award in Poetry, and a Cleveland Arts Prize. Young was also a 1979 Guggenheim Fellow in poetry and in 1982 received an NEA Fellowship in Poetry.</p> <p>As celebrated as he was in the literary world, Young was principally known in ��سԹ� as a teacher, says David Walker ’72, Emeritus Professor of English. “David had a profound influence on countless students, many of whom have gone on to major careers as poets and teachers. In the 24 hours since I posted the news of his death on Facebook, alumni have posted literally hundreds of expressions of love and gratitude for his teaching. I met him as an 18-year-old ��سԹ� freshman, and he never stopped teaching me. What an amazing life.”</p> <p>Young earned a bachelor’s degree at Carleton College and both a master’s degree and doctorate at Yale University. <br> <br> A celebration of Young’s life will be held at a later date; <a href="https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/42375888/david-p-young/oberlin/ohio/cowling-funeral-home">learn more and share tributes here</a>.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Award-winning poet, translator, editor, and scholar influenced generations of ��سԹ� writers.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-05-06T12:00:00Z">Tue, 05/06/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2412">Obituaries</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2414">Faculty</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Longman Professor Emeritus of English and Creative Writing David Young was an esteemed poet, translator, and teacher.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yevhen Gulenko</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Shirley Sikora, Night Manager of the ’Sco, Dies at 65</h1> <p>eburnett — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:28:03 +0000</p> <span>Shirley Sikora, Night Manager of the ’Sco, Dies at 65</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-06-11T12:28:03-04:00" title="Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 12:28">Tue, 06/11/2024 - 12:28</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Shirley Adkins Sikora, a fixture in ��سԹ�’s Wilder Hall student union for 37 years, died June 3 at her home in Norwalk. She was 65.</p> <p>Hired in 1983 to manage evenings at the Dionysus Disco—the basement-level club known more widely by its shorthand nickname, the ’Sco—Sikora quickly developed a warm rapport with her student employees. In addition to mentoring them on how to run the club, she delighted in teaching them how to crochet, scrapbook, and pursue other creative interests in their free time. Among generations of students, the lady who checked student IDs at the door came to be known affectionately as “Mama ’Sco.”</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Shirley Sikora, with ��سԹ� President Marvin Krislov, at a 2015 Service Awards celebration. (photo by Dale Preston ’83)</figcaption> </figure> <p>Sikora, who was celebrated at a Service Awards function in 2015, retired from ��سԹ� five years later.</p> <p>“Shirley was the soul of the ’Sco, working tirelessly, sometimes for weeks without a break,” says <a href="/node/32631">Tina Zwegat</a>, ��سԹ�’s director of student involvement and orientation, who worked with Sikora throughout her career. “Alums always looked forward to seeing her at the door of the ’Sco when they returned to campus for visits. She was a fixture on campus who made them feel like they had come home.”</p> <p>Sikora is survived by her husband, James Sikora. Learn more in the <em><a href="https://obituaries.norwalkreflector.com/us/obituaries/norwalkreflector/name/shirley-sikora-obituary?id=55283523">Norwalk Reflector</a></em>.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Longtime employee was beloved by student workers and all who frequented the Wilder Hall club.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-06-11T12:00:00Z">Tue, 06/11/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2412">Obituaries</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2551">Staff</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">In fall 2018, ’Sco student employees paid tribute to Shirley Sikora by painting a Tappan Square rock in her honor. Sikora, who retired from ��سԹ� in 2020, died on June 3.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Sean Lehlbach</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Alison Ricker, Former Science Librarian, Dies at 70</h1> <p>eburnett — Thu, 16 May 2024 15:18:49 +0000</p> <span>Alison Ricker, Former Science Librarian, Dies at 70</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-05-16T11:18:49-04:00" title="Thursday, May 16, 2024 - 11:18">Thu, 05/16/2024 - 11:18</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Alison Ricker, Head of the ��سԹ� College Science Library since 1983, passed away May 14 after suffering a fall in her home over the weekend. She was 70.</p> <p>Ricker retired from ��سԹ� in August 2023, completing a 40-year career in which she played a pivotal role in the Science Library’s transition from a primarily print-based collection to being an invaluable resource for online research. In 2001, she ushered it into its current space in the then-newly built Science Center.</p> <p>Also that year, Ricker was honored with the Academic Library Association of Ohio’s Jay Ladd Distinguished Service Award. Her years at ��سԹ� were marked by extensive involvement in academic initiatives, campus organizations, and social causes.</p> <p>A longtime member of Musical Union, Ricker took part in the conservatory’s January 2023 tour to New York City, singing in the chorus on ��سԹ� alum R. Nathaniel Dett’s <em>The Ordering of Moses</em> at Carnegie Hall.</p> <p>Ricker was a graduate of Alma College and earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Rhode Island. Before arriving in ��سԹ�, she was librarian at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Savannah, Georgia.</p> <p>“Alison was the consummate Science Librarian, steeped in her subjects, always mindful of student and faculty needs, innovative, and collegial,” says <a href="/node/365211">Valerie Hotchkiss</a>, Azariah S. Root Director of Libraries. “And she did it all flawlessly while also serving as a leader in several civic welfare organizations and devoting herself to her family. We have lost a remarkable human being.”</p> <p>Ricker is survived by her husband, Azariah S. Root Emeritus Director of Libraries Ray English, and their sons, John and Michael.</p> <p>A funeral will be held at Christ Church (Episcopal) ��سԹ� at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 22. It will be followed by a secular celebration of life at First Church in ��سԹ� (UCC).</p> <p>Read Ricker’s full obituary in the <em><a href="https://chroniclet.com/news/392795/alison-scott-ricker/">Chronicle-Telegram</a></em>.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Forty-year employee led key library transitions, was active in numerous campus organizations.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-05-16T12:00:00Z">Thu, 05/16/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2412">Obituaries</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2582">Science Library</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3449">��سԹ� College Libraries</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Marcia Colish, Frederick B. Artz Emerita Professor of History, Dies at 86</h1> <p>eburnett — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:05:52 +0000</p> <span>Marcia Colish, Frederick B. Artz Emerita Professor of History, Dies at 86</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-04-18T12:05:52-04:00" title="Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 12:05">Thu, 04/18/2024 - 12:05</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Marcia Colish, a professor of history at ��سԹ� from 1963 to 2001—including 17 years as the Frederick B. Artz Professor of History—died April 9 in New Haven, Connecticut. She was 86.</p> <p>Born in Brooklyn, New York, Colish graduated from Smith College in 1958 and earned a PhD from Yale University in 1965, two years after she began teaching at ��سԹ�. She became an internationally recognized voice in Medieval European intellectual history and the author of nine books, including two-volume studies of the Stoic Tradition and of Italian theologian Peter Lombard, and <em>Medieval Foundations of the Western Intellectual Tradition</em> (1997), which synthesizes her teaching and research.</p> <p>In the 1960s, Colish led the campaign to abolish ��سԹ�’s nepotism rule, which prevented both members of a couple from serving on the faculty. In the early 1990s, she was a leading voice in the campaign to reform an antiquated sexual harassment policy.</p> <p>“In all my years in academia, I have never met a more formidable intellect or a more supportive colleague,” says <a href="/node/5936">Leonard V. Smith</a>, Colish’s successor as Frederick B. Artz Professor of History.</p> <p>“All of us have lost a friend, colleague, and scholar of rare accomplishments,” adds Grover Zinn, Danforth Emeritus Professor of Religion.</p> <p>Colish donated her body to the Yale University Medical School. Friends and family are planning a memorial mass at St. George’s Catholic Church in Guilford, Connecticut, and a shiva in New York City.</p> <p>Read more about Colish and share remembrances at <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nytimes/name/marcia-colish-obituary?id=54926822">legacy.com</a>.</p> <hr> <p><em>Special thanks to Leonard V. Smith for his extensive contributions to this story.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Renowned scholar and teacher also made lasting contributions to campus culture over a career spanning 38 years.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-04-18T12:00:00Z">Thu, 04/18/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2412">Obituaries</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2583">College of Arts and Sciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/history" hreflang="und">History</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of ��سԹ� College Archives</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>