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In Memoriam

We are saddened to note the passing of emeriti who played essential roles in the development, growth, and evolution of their academic departments. Below we note their names as news of their passing reaches us. Please reach out to the Executive Board if you have updates to share. Links to obituaries are greatly appreciated.

Al Wahrhaftig, Professor Emeritus, Anthropology

Colleagues, we are saddened to report another death among our beloved emeritus colleagues, AL WAHRHAFTIG, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology. He died this week after a long battle with bladder cancer.

Albert Lavenson Wahrhaftig

Professor Emeritus, Anthropolgy

January 15, 2021

Albert Lavenson Wahrhaftig, 85, passed away at his home in Sebastopol on Friday, January 15, 2021. He led a long, full life enriched by a fulfilling career, an extended family, travel, music, books, a life-long love of RC airplanes, and an ever-present curiosity about the world.

Born in Oakland in 1935, Dr. Wahrhaftig received an undergraduate degree in Architecture from Stanford University, followed by a Ph.D. in Anthropology from University of Chicago. In addition to a 30-year career as ...

Anthony (Tony) Mountain

Professor Emeritus, Hutchins

February 24, 2022

Anthony (Tony) Mountain, collapsed suddenly and passed away last night at his home in Sebastopol. Tony was considered by many to be “the soul of Hutchins” and he was loved by generations of students and colleagues. 

Bernd Jager, Professor Emeritus, Psychology

Date of death unknown, lived in Montreal.

Bernie Goldstein

Past Provost

April 27, 2018

From Estelle Goldstein:

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Bernie passed away peacefully this morning.

Betty Halpern

Professor Emeritus, Education

October 30, 2019

Rick Luttmann writes (February 9, 2020), "A remarkable individual whom I got to know when I first taught in SSU's 'Department on Education' in the early 1980's."

You can view her obituary and share memories at SFGate

Bryant Paul Hichwa

Bryant Paul Hichwa

Professor Emeritus, Physics

April 30, 2022

Obituary.

 

Cindy Stearns

Professor Emerita, Sociology

June 13, 2023

Clarice Stasz has forwarded to us an obituary for Cindy Stearns, Professor Emerita of Sociology (who played a role in Women's and Gender Studies also), who died of cancer in June. A memorial service will be held this month, but no details are available as yet. Obituary.

Colin O. Hermans

Professor Emeritus, Biology

January 11, 2024

Succumbed to the complications of dementia. Obituary.

Connie Lewsadder

"I am distressed to announce the passing of our good friend Connie Lewsadder. Connie died of breast cancer at her home in Grants Pass last night. I was informed by a few friends of hers. We will be purchasing a card that can be signed at the Dean's Office that we will send to her husband Bruce." With sadness, Elaine Leeder

Read more about Connie Lewsadder.