Dan Wall, Longtime Professor of Jazz Piano, Dies at 72</h1> <article> <h1>Dan Wall, Longtime Professor of Jazz Piano, Dies at 72</h1> <p>eburnett — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:01:02 +0000</p> <span>Dan Wall, Longtime Professor of Jazz Piano, Dies at 72</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-04-14T13:01:02-04:00" title="Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - 13:01">Tue, 04/14/2026 - 13:01</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p id="docs-internal-guid-4acdc4e7-7fff-9c4e-621d-a476fd9c31ff">Dan Wall, an Associate Professor of Jazz Piano who taught at �鶹��Ƶ from 2001 until his retirement in 2025, has died. He was 72.</p><p>"Dan Wall was a deeply beloved teacher, 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>. "He transformed countless lives through his quiet mentorship and very deep goodness. He will be deeply, deeply missed."</p><p>Wall proved to be a prodigious keyboard talent from a young age: While in high school, he led a jazz combo at the Carousel club in his hometown of Atlanta. At 17, he won a Hall of Fame Scholarship from <em>DownBeat</em> magazine and went on to study at the Berklee College of Music. For many years, he performed in venues throughout the world and collaborated with a long list of jazz greats including Eddie Gomez, Joe Lovano, Kenny Wheeler, and Billy Drummond. Beginning in 1991, Wall played Hammond organ for the John Abercrombie Trio, which earned critical acclaim for its first two recordings, <em>While We're Young</em> and <em>Speak of the Devil</em>. </p><p>He won <em>DownBeat</em>’s International Critics’ Poll an incredible 16 times. </p><p>At �鶹��Ƶ, Wall was regarded as an extraordinary teacher who touched the lives of students and colleagues alike. He was a fixture at the keyboard for memorable faculty concerts in Finney Chapel and at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, and a friendly presence around his Kohl Building base of operations. He earned �鶹��Ƶ’s Excellence in Teaching Award for 2014-15.</p><p>"By every metric, Dan Wall was exceptional," says Professor of Jazz Guitar <a href="/bobby-ferrazza" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e8d3cfb3-0b1a-4500-a3b1-1f464d221f60" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Bobby Ferrazza">Bobby Ferrazza</a>, a close friend of Wall. "He was a humble, generous, warm person. He was a musician so special that he inspired almost everyone who heard him play. </p><p>"All of these attributes changed lives for the better for so many of us who had the privilege to know him—students and colleagues alike. We called each other “brother,” and I feel a great loss. All we can do is try to carry forward all the beautiful life and music lessons that he taught all of us."</p><p>A memorial honoring Wall will be planned for a later date; details will follow in the Campus Digest.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Gifted keyboardist and teacher influenced the lives and careers of countless �鶹��Ƶ students.</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="2026-04-14T12:00:00Z">Tue, 04/14/2026 - 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-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Dan Wall, in his Kohl Building studio in 2016.</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">Jennifer Manna</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>Meet & Greet: Jacob Dunwiddie</h1> <p>eburnett — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:26:01 +0000</p> <span>Meet & Greet: Jacob Dunwiddie</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-03-18T11:26:01-04:00" title="Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - 11:26">Wed, 03/18/2026 - 11:26</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><a href="/jacob-dunwiddie" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5af6a34b-bba0-4b02-a25e-7724e70f8032" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Jacob Dunwiddie">Jacob Dunwiddie</a> is the Senior Director of Student Success in the <a href="/center-student-success" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e8cf52e5-f480-4c74-9e5e-cee937d75b62" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Center for Student Success">Center for Student Success</a>, located in Stevenson Hall. He also chairs �鶹��Ƶ’s LEAD program: Learning Enhancement Across the Disciplines, through which students build vital academic and life skills to support their long-term success. We caught up with Jacob to learn more about his work.</p><p><strong>Please describe your primary responsibilities or what a typical day might look like.</strong></p><p>I coach all Obies to help them reach their full potential! That looks like serving as chair for LEAD, meeting one on one with students for success coaching, and supporting events and services targeted toward sophomore students. In a typical day, I meet with students and colleagues across campus, teach LEAD classes, and collaborate with others to find ways to best support all students during their time at �鶹��Ƶ and beyond.</p><p><strong>What's something people might be surprised to learn about your work or your office?</strong></p><p>I think people would be surprised to learn that we have full-time CSS staff dedicated to working one on one with students to offer personalized success coaching—similar to life coaching but with a special focus on the college experience. Our team and I are constantly thinking about how we can improve our coaching, increase access to coaching or our materials, and encourage students to use success coaching throughout their time at �鶹��Ƶ.</p><p><strong>If your office had a theme song, what would it be?</strong></p><p>“Happy” by Pharrell Williams</p><p><strong>What makes �鶹��Ƶ special to you?</strong></p><p>The students, full stop. I am constantly impressed by every interaction I have with an �鶹��Ƶ student because of their deep level of care and engagement toward their education, their community, and the world.</p><p><strong>What's your favorite �鶹��Ƶ space and why?</strong></p><p>Peters Hall is my favorite building overall, but there’s a particular classroom on the second floor—right where the spire begins and rises open all the way to the top—that stands out to me. It was the first classroom I taught in at �鶹��Ƶ, and to this day, I still hope my courses are assigned to that room.</p><p><strong>What's something you've learned that you wish all students could know?</strong></p><p>Faculty and staff are here to support you. I often hear students say they’re navigating challenges on their own, without realizing how much help is available to them. Please know that we are here for you. If you’re trying to figure something out and aren’t sure where to start, ask for help. Stop by CSS—even if we don’t have the exact answer, we’ll connect you with the right person and help you understand what to expect in the next steps or meetings.</p><p><strong>What do you enjoy doing away from work?</strong></p><p>I love trying new hobbies. Right now, I enjoy gardening, baking sourdough, and crocheting. Most of my job is meeting with people—either students or campus members—which I love, so I try more physical or tactile experiences outside of work to create some balance in my day.</p><p><strong>Please share a fun fact about you!</strong></p><p>During elementary, middle, and high school, I was an avid choir student who appeared in frequent show choirs, chambers, and musical theater performances!</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">What's the best thing about working in the Center for Student Success? The student successes, of course!</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="2026-03-18T12:00:00Z">Wed, 03/18/2026 - 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=4377">Staff Profiles</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Through teaching LEAD courses, Jacob Dunwiddie has come to love a very particular corner of campus. Read on to find out where it is.</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>Sustainability in Action: From �鶹��Ƶ to the Ohio EPA</h1> <p>kviancou — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:38:30 +0000</p> <span>Sustainability in Action: From �鶹��Ƶ to the Ohio EPA</span> <span><span>kviancou</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-03-17T12:38:30-04:00" title="Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - 12:38">Tue, 03/17/2026 - 12:38</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Isabel Hyman ’26, a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences">geosciences</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences">musical studies</a> major from Los Angeles, spent summer 2025 interning with the Office of Environmental Innovation at the Ohio EPA. On campus, her leadership has spanned several disciplines: co-president of the Deception Games Club, a varsity soccer player, an ExCo instructor, and a lead eco-rep in the Office of Energy and Sustainability. </p><p><strong>Can you describe your summer internship?</strong></p><p>I worked as an intern in the Office of Environmental Innovation in the Central District Office of the Ohio EPA. I primarily worked with the Pollution Prevention (P2) team, which provides free, confidential, and non-regulatory sustainability assistance.</p><p>During the summer, I visited three state parks across Ohio to support recycling, composting, and energy efficiency efforts. I assisted with site visits, report writing, developing tools for organizations to track their progress, and other team needs.</p><p>I also collaborated with colleagues and another intern to redesign the office’s website to improve navigation and better highlight its work, as the office is less than a year old. I finished my internship by writing a comprehensive guide on how students can create more sustainable college campuses, based on my experiences at �鶹��Ƶ and what I learned at the EPA.</p><p><strong>How did �鶹��Ƶ influence you to pursue your internship?</strong></p><p>My work as a lead eco-rep on campus and my boss, Heather Adelman, were the biggest influences. Eco-reps help to modify student behavior to align with �鶹��Ƶ’s sustainability and carbon neutrality goals by bridging the Office of Energy and Sustainability with the student body and leading educational initiatives. That work related to the P2 site visits I conducted at the Ohio EPA. I love the concept of helping people improve before pursuing regulatory action, as it can foster a stronger culture of sustainability.</p><p><strong>How did your internship align with your post-college goals?</strong></p><p>It opened my eyes to the ways the government can simply help people, rather than just enforcing rules. I have a much better understanding of the regulatory aspects of managing solid waste and how waste is processed. If I decide to go into waste management or pollution prevention, the skills and lessons I learned will help me transition quickly. Even if I pursue another route, I have the necessary context and expertise to help me in any job in the field. </p><p><strong>What surprised you or made a big impression?</strong></p><p>I learned just how much waste is landfilled that could be recycled, composted, or repurposed. The most landfilled item was paper, followed by organics. When organics decay in a landfill, they release large amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas. I also learned that reducing waste from the source is the number one solution to waste management. </p><p><strong>How has your liberal arts education shaped the way you think about science or research?</strong></p><p>I learned that human experiences shape how people view sustainability. There are places and parents in our country that don't teach sustainability to their children, which is why environmental education is so important. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Geosciences and musical studies major Isabel Hyman ’26 spent her summer helping the Ohio EPA advance recycling and environmental education across the state.</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="2026-03-17T12:00:00Z">Tue, 03/17/2026 - 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=3897">Internship</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/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/musical-studies" hreflang="und">Musical Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Isabel Hyman ’26 at the Kelley's Island Glacial Grooves in Ohio.</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">Isabel Hyman ’26</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>Meet & Greet: Maria O’Connor</h1> <p>eburnett — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:24:01 +0000</p> <span>Meet & Greet: Maria O’Connor</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-03-16T10:24:01-04:00" title="Monday, March 16, 2026 - 10:24">Mon, 03/16/2026 - 10:24</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><a href="/maria-oconnor" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ba46fb62-39f5-445d-b22b-c9e17197152c" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Maria O’Connor">Maria O’Connor</a> is �鶹��Ƶ’s Associate Vice President and Chief Data Analytics Officer in the <a href="/institutional-effectiveness" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2e46a41a-c287-4c57-ac6d-4e86dfd30c21" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Institutional Effectiveness & Planning">Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning</a>. She arrived at �鶹��Ƶ in summer 2025 after previously working at John Carroll University, Hiram College, and Emerson College. Maria’s office—in the Cox Administration Building—coordinates campus surveys and a whole lot more. We asked her to fill us in.</p><p><strong>Tell us about your role and the work of IEP.</strong></p><p>I oversee a team that collects, analyzes, and reports institutional data to inform decision-making, planning, and assessment efforts across the college. Our work supports strategic initiatives and promotes the effective use of data at the institution.</p><p><strong>What do you like most about your role here?</strong></p><p>One of my favorite aspects of working at �鶹��Ƶ is the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the college who are doing such interesting and meaningful work. I also enjoy the variety of projects we take on—it keeps the work engaging and fresh.</p><p><strong>What's something people might be surprised to learn about your work or your office?</strong></p><p>We tend to operate behind the scenes, so not everyone is aware of our office. However, we collaborate with nearly every department on campus, supporting initiatives that span the entire institution. In the time since I arrived, our team has worked with the President’s Office, General Counsel, Financial Aid, the Registrar’s Office, Career Exploration and Development, and Athletics, to name just a few.</p><p><strong>What's your favorite �鶹��Ƶ space and why?</strong></p><p>Tappan Square is my favorite space on campus. I love being able to step outside my office and immediately be in the middle of a green space. It’s a great place to reset during the day.</p><p><strong>Please share a fun fact about you or something you're good at.</strong></p><p>In 2022, I successfully defended my dissertation and later that same day went to the hospital to deliver my first daughter!</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">�鶹��Ƶ's head of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning supports strategic, informed campus decision-making.</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="2026-03-16T12:00:00Z">Mon, 03/16/2026 - 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=4377">Staff Profiles</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Though some may be unfamiliar with the work of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning, Maria O'Connor's office routinely collaborates with other offices all over campus.</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>Meet & Greet: Kayla Hebebrand</h1> <p>eburnett — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:48:20 +0000</p> <span>Meet & Greet: Kayla Hebebrand</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-02-27T09:48:20-05:00" title="Friday, February 27, 2026 - 09:48">Fri, 02/27/2026 - 09:48</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div role="listitem"><div jsname="ibnC6b" jscontroller="rDGJeb" jsaction="sPvj8e:e4JwSe,Dlbleb;O22p3e:e4JwSe,F0zejc;" data-item-id="1955442063"><div><div><div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.1955442063">Student Success Coach <a href="/kayla-hebebrand" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="9463fcb5-cbdb-4afa-b9bb-1eb2d2c24fac" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Kayla Hebebrand"><strong>Kayla Hebebrand</strong></a> joined �鶹��Ƶ in January 2025, after previously serving as a licensed professional counselor in a Northeast Ohio private practice. As part of the <a href="/dean-of-students/center-student-success" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="53fa58fe-0765-49f3-bf3a-cb69a73578da" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Center for Student Success">Center for Student Success</a>—which you can find in Stevenson Hall—she revels in the wide-ranging ways she in her colleagues are able to support the journey of <em>very busy</em> Obies. We caught up with Kayla to learn more about her work and her perspective.</div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.1955442063"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><div role="listitem"><div jsname="ibnC6b" jscontroller="rDGJeb" jsaction="sPvj8e:e4JwSe,Dlbleb;O22p3e:e4JwSe,F0zejc;" data-item-id="24281846"><div><div><div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.24281846"><strong>Tell us about your primary responsibilities with CSS.</strong></div></div></div></div><div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="Please describe your primary responsibilities or what a typical day might look like." aria-disabled="true" role="textbox">Most of my day consists of meeting with students one on one to discuss how they want to manage their time. Many of them are involved in multiple student organizations, athletics, have loaded course schedules, and have jobs on campus. </div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="Please describe your primary responsibilities or what a typical day might look like." aria-disabled="true" role="textbox"> </div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="Please describe your primary responsibilities or what a typical day might look like." aria-disabled="true" role="textbox">We discuss practical ways of balancing their priorities while also practicing self-care. Success coaching can also include <a href="/center-student-success/learning-and-development/cliftonstrengths">Clifton Strengths assessment</a> follow-ups for students to process their results and learn more about how they can apply their strengths in practical ways. </div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="Please describe your primary responsibilities or what a typical day might look like." aria-disabled="true" role="textbox"> </div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="Please describe your primary responsibilities or what a typical day might look like." aria-disabled="true" role="textbox">Our office helps Obies understand themselves, create connections, and build practical skills. Part of creating connections is identifying what types of social circles they want to invest their time in and what they value in connections. In order to understand ourselves, we need to identify what we value and how those values show up in our actions as we navigate our communities and individual journeys.</div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="Please describe your primary responsibilities or what a typical day might look like." aria-disabled="true" role="textbox"> </div></div></div></div><div role="listitem"><div jsname="ibnC6b" jscontroller="rDGJeb" jsaction="sPvj8e:e4JwSe,Dlbleb;O22p3e:e4JwSe,F0zejc;" data-item-id="911487234"><div><div><div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.911487234"><strong>What's something people might be surprised to learn about the Center for Student Success?</strong></div></div></div></div><div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="What's something people might be surprised to learn about your work or your office?" aria-disabled="true" role="textbox">Typically, what students first come to CSS for isn't the core issue. We go deeper as we build rapport. Also, on a fun side note: If a student sees a lot of yellow and sunflowers—<em>bingo! </em>They made it to my office!</div></div></div></div><div role="listitem"><div jsname="ibnC6b" jscontroller="rDGJeb" jsaction="sPvj8e:e4JwSe,Dlbleb;O22p3e:e4JwSe,F0zejc;" data-item-id="1105411646"><div><div><div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.1105411646"> </div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.1105411646"><strong>If your office had a theme song, what would it be?</strong></div></div></div></div><div><div aria-describedby="c256" tabindex="0" aria-label="If your office had a theme song, what would it be?" aria-disabled="true" role="textbox">"Golden" by Jill Scott.</div></div></div></div><div role="listitem"><div jsname="ibnC6b" jscontroller="rDGJeb" jsaction="sPvj8e:e4JwSe,Dlbleb;O22p3e:e4JwSe,F0zejc;" data-item-id="25574467"><div><div><div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.25574467"> </div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.25574467"><strong>What makes �鶹��Ƶ special to you?</strong></div></div></div></div><div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="What makes �鶹��Ƶ special to you?" aria-disabled="true" role="textbox">�鶹��Ƶ is so special to me because of all the trail blazers that came before me. All of the rich history that is part of �鶹��Ƶ makes me grateful and honored to be part of this compassionate community.</div></div></div></div><div role="listitem"><div jsname="ibnC6b" jscontroller="rDGJeb" jsaction="sPvj8e:e4JwSe,Dlbleb;O22p3e:e4JwSe,F0zejc;" data-item-id="2047492441"><div><div><div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.2047492441"> </div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.2047492441"><strong>What's your favorite �鶹��Ƶ space and why?</strong></div></div></div></div><div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="What's your favorite �鶹��Ƶ space and why?" aria-disabled="true" role="textbox">The Science Center, because it is so bright and full of natural light!</div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="What's your favorite �鶹��Ƶ space and why?" aria-disabled="true" role="textbox"> </div></div></div></div><div role="listitem"><div jsname="ibnC6b" jscontroller="rDGJeb" jsaction="sPvj8e:e4JwSe,Dlbleb;O22p3e:e4JwSe,F0zejc;" data-item-id="1947883555"><div><div><div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.1947883555"><strong>What's something you've learned that you wish all students could know?</strong></div></div></div></div><div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="What's something you've learned that you wish all students could know?" aria-disabled="true" role="textbox">You don't have to have it all figured out! Leave room in the margins and some amazing surprises will come your way.</div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="What's something you've learned that you wish all students could know?" aria-disabled="true" role="textbox"> </div></div></div></div><div role="listitem"><div jsname="ibnC6b" jscontroller="rDGJeb" jsaction="sPvj8e:e4JwSe,Dlbleb;O22p3e:e4JwSe,F0zejc;" data-item-id="293091796"><div><div><div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.293091796"><strong>What do you enjoy doing away from work?</strong></div></div></div></div><div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="What do you enjoy doing away from work?" aria-disabled="true" role="textbox">I love spending time with my wild orange cat Pua, volunteering at my church, writing poetry, and staying active!</div></div></div></div><div role="listitem"><div jsname="ibnC6b" jscontroller="rDGJeb" jsaction="sPvj8e:e4JwSe,Dlbleb;O22p3e:e4JwSe,F0zejc;" data-item-id="488339019"><div><div><div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.488339019"> </div><div role="heading" aria-describedby="i.desc.488339019"><strong>Please share a fun fact about you or something you're good at!</strong></div></div></div></div><div><div tabindex="0" aria-label="Please share a fun fact about you or something you're good at!" aria-disabled="true" role="textbox">I love traveling, especially internationally. This summer I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic.</div></div></div></div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Get to know the Success Coach from �鶹��Ƶ's Center for Student Success.</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="2026-02-27T12:00:00Z">Fri, 02/27/2026 - 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=4377">Staff Profiles</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">"Our office helps Obies understand themselves, create connections, and build practical skills," says Success Coach Kayla Hebebrand. She encourages all students to leave room in their packed schedules for "amazing surprises."</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>Memorial Minute: Samuel Goldberg, 1925-2023</h1> <p>azaleski — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:34:11 +0000</p> <span>Memorial Minute: Samuel Goldberg, 1925-2023</span> <span><span>azaleski</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-02-25T16:34:11-05:00" title="Wednesday, February 25, 2026 - 16:34">Wed, 02/25/2026 - 16:34</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Emeritus Professor of Mathematics Samuel Goldberg died July 21, 2023, at the age of 98.</p><p>Born in March 1925, he lived at home in the Bronx until graduating from City College in 1944. After being drafted into the U.S. Army, he became a T/4, a punch card operator in the Army's Special Engineering Detachment at Los Alamos. The future Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman was also in this unit and played poker with Sam.</p><p>Sam later earned a doctorate at Cornell University. After teaching three years at Lehigh, he came to �鶹��Ƶ in 1953, shortly after marrying Marcia Chinitz. Marcia earned a master's in art history at �鶹��Ƶ, and researched and wrote papers in the field. Their son, David, was born in 1955.</p><p>Sam taught at �鶹��Ƶ from 1953 until 1985, becoming a full professor in 1960. He spent time away from �鶹��Ƶ at MIT, Harvard, the University of Michigan, the London School of Economics, the University of Western Australia, and Mombasa, Kenya.</p><p>His pioneering textbook, Introduction to Difference Equations with Illustrative Examples from Economics, Psychology, and Sociology, appeared in 1960. Translated into Spanish, German, and Japanese, it remains in print. It was pioneering in two ways. Difference equations are still the mathematics underlying today’s ubiquitous computer modeling. Sam also controversially applied these equations to the social sciences. Integrating technology and quantitative ideas into the liberal arts curriculum became a major theme of Sam's research and teaching. He published three additional books and numerous papers.</p><p>Sam was also active in civic affairs. He helped establish the �鶹��Ƶ Improvement and Development Corporation and the �鶹��Ƶ Cable Co-op and served on the board of the Allen Memorial Hospital. A long-time supporter of the ACLU, he chaired the �鶹��Ƶ chapter in 1962. He also contributed extensively to various professional organizations. </p><p>When Sam spoke, people listened. He dominated the many faculty committees on which he served. He led the group that in 1964 persuaded the college to purchase its first computer. The late Professor of Mathematics Eddie Wong stated, "If you had a question, you went to see Sam. When you came out of his office, you knew, without his telling you, what you should do."</p><p>As a teacher, Sam was attentive to individual students and an effective mentor, inspiring many students to pursue graduate studies. Additionally, he walked Imelda Yeung Powers ’81 down the aisle at her wedding when her family was unable to travel to the U.S. for the ceremony. </p><p>Above all, Sam was a commanding presence in the classroom. His lectures were elegant, carefully organized, and logically presented. An outstanding feature was his board work: Sam started each class at the top left corner, with the goal of ending at the lower right corner exactly 50 minutes later. He often succeeded.</p><p>Still, Sam could be intimidating. Jerry Butters ’68, retired from the Federal Trade Commission, writes, "Mr. Goldberg started his Probability course at 8 a.m. sharp, even on Saturday morning. Before class, he had filled up much of the board with equations in his impeccable handwriting. I usually got up at 7:45 and was often late. Trying to sneak in once, Mr. Goldberg spotted me, pointed to the board, and cried out, ‘Butters! Why is this true?’ I answered as best I could but was too winded to be convincing.” </p><p>Robert Bosch ’85, now the James F. Clark Professor of Mathematics at �鶹��Ƶ, remembers that Sam on occasion might lock the classroom door, forcing late-comers to knock. Additionally, Robert remembers that Sam had a deep hatred of paper clips, considering them the very worst of human inventions. Points might be deducted for work handed in clipped rather than stapled.</p><p>Glen Satten ’79, a statistician at Emory University School of Medicine who retired from the CDC, writes that Sam “was furious with me for taking calculus-free statistics as a senior. But his class did me no harm! He was an excellent teacher. I wish I'd told him I became a statistician. I have his book on difference equations here somewhere."</p><p>In 1985, Sam retired from �鶹��Ƶ to work for the Sloan Foundation in New York, where he assisted in distributing millions of dollars to liberal arts colleges. He returned to �鶹��Ƶ in 1990 while remaining affiliated with the organization. In 2004, he and Marcia moved into Kendal at �鶹��Ƶ. </p><p>Samuel Goldberg was an academic pioneer, an outstanding writer and teacher, a distinguished citizen, a remarkable individual, and a master expositor of mathematics.</p><p><em>Memorial Minute written and read at a general faculty meeting by Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Michael Henle. </em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The Emeritus Professor of Mathematics died July 21, 2023, at the age of 98.</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="2026-02-25T12:00:00Z">Wed, 02/25/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Michael Henle</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 �鶹��Ƶ 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-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Meet & Greet: Meghana Suchak</h1> <p>eburnett — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:09:34 +0000</p> <span>Meet & Greet: Meghana Suchak</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-02-16T11:09:34-05:00" title="Monday, February 16, 2026 - 11:09">Mon, 02/16/2026 - 11:09</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p id="docs-internal-guid-99e5ef47-7fff-fc92-88f3-5bde7930bc7c">Director of Counseling and Psychological Services <a href="/meghana-suchak"><strong>Meghana Suchak</strong></a> arrived at �鶹��Ƶ in January 2026 with experience in college counseling, grief counseling, and veterans’ health. You can find her at the <a href="/student-health-and-wellbeing">Student Health and Well-Being</a> offices in Dascomb Hall.</p><p><strong>Tell us about your role on campus.</strong><br>I lead <a href="/counseling">Counseling and Psychological Services</a>, or CAPS. That includes supporting a strong clinical team, making sure students can access timely, high-quality care, and building systems that help the work remain sustainable. A big part of my role is partnering across campus so students experience care as connected, not fragmented.</p><p><strong>What do you like most about your work?</strong><br>The moment a student feels understood and less alone. I also genuinely enjoy building teams and making the day-to-day work clearer and kinder for the people doing it.</p><p><strong>What's a favorite aspect about �鶹��Ƶ to you?</strong><br>The combination of serious thought and real creativity. I also love walking around campus and through town—especially in the quiet moments of the day.</p><p><strong>What surprises you about �鶹��Ƶ?</strong><br>How much people care and how quickly they show up for each other. The pace is fast, but the commitment to doing things with intention is real.</p><p> <strong>What do you enjoy doing away from work?</strong><br>Long walks with my dog, Roscoe. I also like reading, eating good vegetarian food, and exploring places that feel calm and grounded.</p><p><strong>Tell us what matters to you.</strong><br>I care about making support feel accessible and human. People often think counseling is only “in the office,” but the bigger goal is a campus where students feel seen earlier, supported sooner, and connected to the right help without unnecessary hurdles.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Get to know �鶹��Ƶ’s Director of Counseling and Psychological Services.</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="2026-02-16T12:00:00Z">Mon, 02/16/2026 - 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-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 �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ’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>�鶹��Ƶ Community Remembers a Beloved Retired Professor</h1> <p>siler — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:09:34 +0000</p> <span>�鶹��Ƶ Community Remembers a Beloved Retired Professor</span> <span><span>siler</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-10-10T11:09:34-04:00" title="Friday, October 10, 2025 - 11:09">Fri, 10/10/2025 - 11:09</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p id="docs-internal-guid-f6285f40-7fff-55a4-9740-be288e08d2eb">A member of �鶹��Ƶ faculty for 13 years, Peggy Bennett was known by students and the �鶹��Ƶ community for creating and leading MusicPlay, a preschool classroom and learning lab run as part of the Conservatory’s music education program.</p><p>“Peggy was a woman of great character, sincerity, vitality, and intelligence — qualities she brought to every aspect of her teaching and professional relationships. She loved children and music, and found deep joy in mentoring those who would go on to become preschool and elementary music teachers,” says Jody Kerchner, �鶹��Ƶ professor of music education.</p><p>As a protégé of Mary Helen Richards, credited with bringing the Kodály music method to the U.S., Bennett continued and expanded upon Richards’s legacy through the SongWorks approach. “Peggy’s influence reached far and wide, inspiring countless educators who observed her work at state, national, and international music education conferences, and through her thoughtful practitioner writings,” says Kerchner.</p><p>Raised in Peru, Indiana, Bennett earned a bachelor's degree from Ball State University. There she was originally on track for a career as a high school band teacher, but switched her focus to elementary-age students after being inspired by a classroom full of younger students and their playful, respectful teacher.</p><p>She began her career teaching grade-school children in Fort Wayne and continued to teach part-time while earning her master’s degree from Ball State University and PhD from the University of North Texas. Over the course of her career she coauthored two books with her colleague <em>Doug Bartholomew, SongWorks: Singing in the Education of Children</em> (Wadsworth, 1997) and <em>SongWorks 2: Singing from Sound to Symbol</em> (Wadsworth, 1999). Her final book, <em>Teaching with Vitality</em> (Oxford University Press, 2017), is a collection of 100 short essays exploring the habits for educators that can bring vitality into their teaching and relationships with administrators, colleagues, children, and parents.</p><p>As a trained mediator and life coach, Bennett received an Award of Excellence from the courts in Bozeman, Montana, recognizing her compassionate and effective work with families in mediation — helping them listen, problem-solve, and find resolution in times of conflict.</p><p>In keeping with Peggy's wishes, there will be a celebration concert in Bozeman, Montana, in the spring. Details will be posted on the SongWorks website. Her full obituary, including information about making memorial contributions, can be found <a href="https://In keeping with Peggy’s wishes, a celebration concert will be held in Bozeman, Montana, in the spring. Details will be posted on the SongWorks website.">here</a>.</p></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="2025-10-10T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/10/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Conservatory Communications</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p id="docs-internal-guid-f6285f40-7fff-55a4-9740-be288e08d2eb">�鶹��Ƶ retired Professor of Music Education, Peggy Bennett, passed away last week in Montana. </p></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>Eric Rooks Named Director of Campus Safety at �鶹��Ƶ</h1> <p>eburnett — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:40:41 +0000</p> <span>Eric Rooks Named Director of Campus Safety at �鶹��Ƶ</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-09-03T10:40:41-04:00" title="Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - 10:40">Wed, 09/03/2025 - 10:40</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><a href="/eric-rooks" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="cc31fd7d-ad6d-4a67-b3dc-4ee22c7b67a1" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Eric Rooks">Eric Rooks</a>, a veteran public servant with extensive experience in campus safety settings and municipal law enforcement, was named Director of <a href="/campus-safety" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e148d981-e6ff-4b80-b17c-de7aeea81670" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Campus Safety">Campus Safety</a> at �鶹��Ƶ. He began August 11.</p><p>Rooks joins �鶹��Ƶ after retiring in July from the Gwinnett County (Georgia) Police Department, which he served since 2006, most recently as a sergeant in charge of the department’s community outreach programs. Since 2007, Rooks also served as a campus officer at Gwinnett Technical College, fostering a secure campus environment through proactive patrolling and community relationship-building.</p><p>Rooks brings to �鶹��Ƶ what he describes as a “campus-first, team-oriented” approach—a model that emphasizes proactive risk management and strong community partnerships.</p><p>“I like to think that each one of us is more than just an employee of �鶹��Ƶ,” he says of his Campus Safety colleagues. “We can play a vital role in shaping the very fabric of �鶹��Ƶ. One way to do that is by following through on every detail and every request, and by doing it with kindness. My door is always open to our students, faculty, and staff so that we can collaborate on any concerns any member of our community may have.”</p><p>For years, Rooks was an instructor of Georgia patrol officers; his professional interests include de-escalation and customer service training. Originally from Tampa, Florida, he began his career with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in New Port Richey, Florida. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Leadership from Mercer University.</p><p id="docs-internal-guid-b0b2f9b2-7fff-33e2-d06f-417f262da35b">“What makes �鶹��Ƶ a welcoming and safe place is our deep commitment to fostering a community of care and a sense of shared responsibility to and for each other,” says Vice President and Dean of Students <a href="/karen-goff" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="64350f3b-de3b-47b5-9a98-e3c6a1411ca3" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Karen Goff">Karen Goff</a>. “Eric is a person who understands this obligation. I have already observed this in his interactions with colleagues and students, in his thoughtful approach to identifying opportunities for engagement, and in his emphasis on supporting the entire campus community. We are thrilled to welcome him to �鶹��Ƶ.”</p><p>The Campus Safety office is located in Dascomb Hall.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Longtime public servant emphasizes collaborative partnerships and kindness.</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="2025-09-03T12:00:00Z">Wed, 09/03/2025 - 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=2571">Campus Safety</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">New Director of Campus Safety Eric Rooks arrived in �鶹��Ƶ in early August.</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> </main></body></html>