1970s
1970-1979 :: The South grandstands of wooden football stadium at Rogers Field were burned by an arsonist and Butch VI, the last living Cougar mascot, retired. Henry Rono set four world track records in distance running events and football player Jack Thompson’s jersey number 14 was retired in recognition of his passing record. Enrollment at WSU reached a high of 18,160 and the 50,000th student graduated.
Featured notes
Dr. Alan Gross receives inaugural graduate teaching and mentoring award at the University of Mississippi |
Categories: 1970s | Award or honor | College of Arts and Sciences | Featured
The graduate school at the University of Mississippi established a new “Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching & Mentoring” to highlight the importance of graduate education, and the inaugural winner of this award is Dr. Alan Gross ’79 PhD, professor of psychology at Ole Miss.
Dean John Kiss said in the ceremony:
I cannot think of a more deserving winner who exemplifies excellence in graduate teaching and mentoring.
Since his arrival at the University of Mississippi in 1986, Dr. Gross has mentored and graduated an amazing 51 Ph.D. students in clinical psychology! His former students have gone on to achieve great successes. They can be found throughout the country, and some examples include: Tulane Univ., Univ. Miami, Vanderbilt Univ., Emory Univ., and the Boston Univ. School of Medicine.
It is not simply, the amazing number of doctoral students, but it is clear to me that he also has made a deep, long lasting impact on the personal and professional lives of his students.
What is the secret of his remarkable success with graduate students? I believe part of the answer lies in the statement of self-reflection by Dr. Gross in which he writes:
“In education one size does not fit all. Fostering student academic, professional, and personal development requires teachers to be great listeners. I believe that providing a caring and respectful learning environment tailored to the individual needs of students assists them in the development of their own perspective about the subject matter. Ultimately, my goal is to help students find their own voices so that they are prepared and confident as they pursue their professional goals.”
His nomination package, prepared by his Chair, Dr. Michael Allen, contains numerous accolades from his colleagues. As one of the many examples, Dr. John Young writes:
“His foresight and attention to the concerns of the group as a whole are always evident, as is his concern for the quality of our graduate training. In short, Dr. Gross has spent his life helping others achieve their potential in the context of graduate teaching and mentoring, and I can think of no one more deserving of an award for these efforts.”
Dr. Gross is man of many talents. I have been told that he also is a musician and that he plays the guitar in several thriving blue bands. However, this is not why we selected him for this award.
The reason he was selected is eloquently summarized by one of his former students who now is a Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University:
“Alan had a very different worldview than other faculty members. He didn’t think about psychological phenomena in a conventional sense and encouraged students in our class to do the same. It was like a breath of fresh air for me; I knew that this was why I came to graduate school – to learn how to think differently, to challenge myself and others intellectually.”
I believe that Dr. Alan Gross is an inspiration to all of our current doctoral graduates who received their new hoods tonight. I also believe that Dr. Gross reminds us as faculty members that it is within our power to help to change and transform the lives of others-and that this is a wonderful part of our profession. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Alan Gross, Professor of Psychology, for his tremendous achievements and for the receipt of this award.
Tags: 1979, Award or honor, graduate teaching and mentoring, PhD, psychology, University of Mississippi
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Dr. Marvin Slind retired from Luther College, now professor emeritus |
Categories: 1970s | College of Arts and Sciences | Faculty | Featured | Professional or career event | Staff
Marvin Slind (MA History ’72 , Ph.D. History ’78) is Professor Emeritus of History at Luther College. He retired after teaching there from 2000 – 2013. He previously taught in the WSU History Department from 1989 – 2000, after serving in the WSU Office of International Education from 1977 to 1989.
Tags: 1972, 1978, history, International Education, Luther College, professor emeritus, retire
In memoriam: Thomas Bennett Lopp |
Categories: 1970s | College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences | Death/In Memoriam
Thomas Bennett Lopp ’71
July 22, 1948 – May 28, 2013
Tom Lopp ’71
Tom Lopp, 64, passed away peacefully at home the morning of May 28th. He was born in Tacoma, WA to Orville and Marie Lopp, and was raised in Spokane from age 5. Tom graduated from Central Valley High School in 1967 and went on to Yakima Valley Community College on a football scholarship from 1967-1969. He then attended Washington State University where he graduated with a teaching degree in 1971. He was an Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor as well as boys soccer coach for 10 years at North Thurston HS and was named Black Hills Coach of the Year for 3 years before leaving to work with professional organizations and state government. Tom finished his career as an Assistant Superintendent for Federal and State Legislation at OSPI. Tom was well known for his positive attitude and outlook on life. His foremost passion was his family. Tom and Kathleen were married May 26, 1991, and were each other’s constant companion and best friends. Tom’s passing leaves an irreplaceable hole in the hearts of his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Lopp; his children Brian (Lauren) Lopp, Stephanie Lopp, Jennifer (Richard) Lamont and Joel (Melissa) Preston. He was also the proud Papa to ten grandchildren. Tom also leaves behind his brother Dennis (Diane), several nieces, nephews and cousins and a tremendous circle of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Judy Clark, and one grandson. Tom was dedicated to Career and Technical Education. He pioneered three programs for Washington State students: The WAVE Award, Jobs for America’s Graduates, and Automotive Youth Educational Systems. During his work with the legislature, he was instrumental in passing several bills that resulted in improved student learning. The Tom Lopp Memorial Scholarship has been established at WSECU. Contributions can be made at any branch. A Celebration of Life will be held June 21, 2013 at 2:00 pm at New Market Skills Center. Information and online condolences can be left at DignityMemorial.com.
Published in The Olympian on June 6, 2013
Tags: 1971, agriculture, legislation, Olympia, OSPI, student learning, teacher
In memoriam: Charles Benton Searcy |
Categories: 1970s | College of Education | Death/In Memoriam
Charles Benton Searcy ’72 MED passed away peacefully on Saturday June 1, 2013. Benton was born September 25, 1940 in Moose Jaw, where he was raised and attended Central Collegiate High School. Benton obtained his Bachelor of Education at the University of Saskatchewan, and his Masters of Education at Washington State University. He served in the Moose Jaw Public School Division and Thunder Creek School Division as a teacher, vice-principal and counsellor. After retirement he worked as a consultant with the Saskatchewan Department of Education and Melville School Division, and was a trainer for the Saskatchewan Tourism Education Counsel. Benton enjoyed fishing, and many canoe trips. He loved gardening, and was a member of the South Sask. Wildlife Association. Benton is predeceased by his father R.L. Searcy in 1975, his mother Margaret Searcy in 1944, his step-mothers Alva Searcy and Peggy Searcy. He is survived by his brother Bob (Bev) Searcy-Windsor, ON; son Todd Searcy – Moose Jaw; daughter, Jayna (Michael) Jung – Clearwater, BC; Marlyce Searcy of Moose Jaw and dear friend Peggy Kessler – Regina. The Celebration of Benton’s life will be held at W.J. Jones & Son Chapel on Thursday June 6, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Della Ferguson will officiate. Interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery. In living memory of Benton, a memorial planting will be made by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
Published in The Regina Leader-Post on June 4, 2013
Tags: 1972, Canada, counseling, education, MED, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, teacher, vice-principal
In memoriam: Robert Burns Murray II |
Categories: 1970s | College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences | Death/In Memoriam
Robert Burns Murray, II ’75 PhD
September 30, 1931 – May 16, 2013
Robert Burns Murray, II passed away at his Huston, Idaho home on Thursday, May 16, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 20th at Caldwell Free Methodist Church, 3320 S. Montana Ave, Caldwell under the direction of Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. Condolences may be sent to www.dakanfuneralchapel.com
Robert was born in Washington, DC on September 30, 1931 to Robert Burns and Ethele Swenson Murray. He grew up in California and spent many years in the Sierras and Mammoth Lake area on a forest trail crew and firefighting crew. This led to Robert’s love of hiking and fishing. He explored many of the California and Idaho back country lakes.
Robert was highly educated. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Montana State University in 1954 before being inducted into the US Army. Robert proudly served his country from 1954 to 1956 as an Honor Guard in Southern Germany and Paris, France. Following his honorable discharge, Robert returned to MSU to earn his Master of Science Degree in Forestry in 1961.
While working for the US Forest Service, Robert attended Washington State University and completed his Ph.D in Botany in 1975. He continued his work with the Forest Service in Boise, retiring in 1986.
Robert married Maria Roseann Mommi in 1959 and they had three daughters. He later married Elizabeth, and together they raised her two children along with the son that they shared.
In 1994, Robert married Catherine Hill and settled in Huston. They pursued his love of travel taking trips to several states, Canada, and Europe. He had a passion for genealogy and researched his family lines extensively. He also enjoyed researching political issues and published several articles on numerous social subjects.
Robert is survived by his wife, Catherine Murray; children, Annette (Blaine) Brown, Michelle (Michael) DuVall, Yvette (Charles) Bartling, and Robert Burns (Keri) Murray, III; stepchildren, Gloria (Brian) Myers and John (Janie); grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kourtney, Ashley, Carley, Andrew, Kayla, Tyler, Robert, Rhiannon, Elizabeth and Luis; half-sister, Sandra Murray; and his beloved dog, Casey.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Published in Idaho Statesman on May 19, 2013
Tags: 1975, Army, botany, Huston, Idaho, PhD, travel, US Forest Service, veteran
In memoriam: Kimberly Janae Smith |
Categories: 1970s | College of Arts and Sciences | Death/In Memoriam
Kimberly Janae Smith ’97 (March 1, 1975 – April 25, 2013)
After waging a fight of over five years, Kimberly never gave up her hope for a miracle; she left us to take her well earned place with Jesus on April 25, 2013. Always living her life in a positive manner, she charged on, never wanting to waste. a minute, and always making a difference. Her life was one of strength, love, compassion and coursge. Kimberly was born to parents Carl And Donna (Ingram) Smith on March 1, 1975, in Enumclaw, Washington. She was a graduate of Enumclaw High School in 1993, and Washington State University in 1997. Having made her home in Nevada since 2004, she was employed By Nobu, Inc. an international company. She was based in Las Vegas, NV. Kimberly enjoyed most outdoor activities, cheered for the Cougars, Seahawks, and the Mariners and was known at times to hold a very lucky poker hand. She was the ultimate hostess, an excellent food critic, and had an amazing memory. She was a champion fundraiser for Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Southern Nevada affiliate), earning honors this year. Our Kimberly will always be remembered for the love and respect she had for each person she encountered in life, as well as being a good steward of the earth and all the creatures upon it. The phrase “love you” was often on her lips. Surviving Kimberly is her husband, Michael Kolb, father Carl and wife Kay of Enumclaw, mother Donna and husband Vern of Enumclaw, brother Ron and wife Stacey of Buckley, sister Carla of Auburn, grandmother Joyce Toney of Buckley, mother-in-law and father-in-law Diane and Al Falcone of Oregon, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, two nieces and one nephew. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Daisy of 18 years. Grandparents Marlin and Wilma Ingram and grandfather Max Toney preceded her to heaven. A memorial service will be held at the Summit Church in Enumclaw on Saturday, May 18, 2013, at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations to a worthy charity, or to Susan G. Komen for the Cure , Southern Nevada, 4850 W. Flamingo Rd., Ste. 25, Las Vegas, NV 89103, in Kimberly’s name, would be greatly appreciated. “GOD HAS GIVEN EACH OF US TWO HANDS; ONE TO RECEIVE WITH AND THE OTHER TO GIVE WITH. WE ARE NOT CISTERNS MADE FOR HOARDING; WE ARE CHANNELS MADE FOR SHARING.” – Billy Graham
Published in News Tribune (Tacoma) on May 12, 2013
Tags: 1975, Las Vegas, political science, sports, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Tacoma
| Last name | First name | Year graduated | Major |
|---|---|---|---|
| staff | My Story | 2011 | |
| Alumni | Education | 2011 | |
| Larsen | Thomas | 1979 | Social Studies/Education |
| Gustafson | Sid | 1979 | Veterinary Medicine |
| Lincoln | James | 1979 | Veterinary Science |
| Leedy | Pat | 1975 | Education |
| Warren | Neil | 1976 | Marketing |
| Wildesen | Leslie | 1973 | Anthropology |
| Johnson | Bruce | 1974 | Communications (Broadcast Journalism) |
