Category: Faculty

James Edgar Finholt, William H. Laird Profess of Chemistry and the Liberal Arts, Emeritus, age 91, passed away on October 29, 2024. James began teaching at Carleton in 1960 and retired in 2001. He received his B.A. in chemistry from St. Olaf College and his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.

Carl D. Weiner, William H. Laird Professor of History and the Liberal Arts, Emeritus, passed away August 25, 2024 at the age of 90. Born and raised in New York City, Carl spent most of his adult life (somewhat to his own surprise) in Minnesota as a beloved history professor at Carleton College, teaching his first class in 1965. He was a natural raconteur, bringing the French Revolution, the Reformation and the great political, social and intellectual upheavals of Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Europe to life for generations of Carleton students.

Stephen Kelly, Dye Family Professor of Music, Emeritus, died at age 79, May 11, 2024. Stephen began teaching in the music department at Carleton in 1974. He directed the early music ensemble Pro Musica, taught music history courses, and even took students to New York City as part of a series of jazz history courses. During his tenure at Carleton, Stephen served as co-chair of the music department for many years.

Anne B. Mayer passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at age 88. She retired from Carleton in 1999 — after 40 years of service to the College — as the Dye Family Professor of Music, Emerita.

Robert “Bob” Will ’50 died on June 25 at the age of 95. Bob taught Economics at Carleton from 1957 until his retirement in 1993 as the Raymond Plank Professor of Incentive Economics, Emeritus. He also served as an Assistant Dean of the College (1967–68), Director of International Studies (1968–70), and held the Wadsworth A. Williams Professor of Economics chair (1974–82). Many have described Bob as the quintessential Carleton alum and professor: a gifted and enthusiastic teacher, a knowledgeable scholar, an engaged college citizen, and a gracious mentor to his colleagues and students.

Charles E. Crutchfield III ’82 P’26, Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biology, died on June 21, 2023, following a battle with cancer. Dr. Crutchfield was 62 years old. As a student at Carleton, he was a biology major, resident assistant, Carleton Student Association Senator, and KRLX DJ. Many Carleton pre-med students will remember Dr. Crutchfield from his 5-week spring term course, Human Cutaneous Biology, which he taught each of the past 20 years.

Dale Haworth, age 98, died on May 14 in Santa Fe, NM. Dale taught Art History at Carleton for 36 years, beginning in 1960 and retiring as professor emeritus in 1996. During that time, he was also the Director of International Studies (1970–1971), Director of Exhibitions and Curator of the Carleton Art Collection (1980–1986), and chaired the Asian Studies as well as Art and Art History departments. Whether in the classroom or on Off-Campus Study or Alumni trips, Dale’s enthusiasm for art and architecture was infectious. His energy, kindness, knowledge, and dedication to teaching and his students made him a respected and welcoming colleague, mentor, and friend to many.

Robert (Bob) Reitz, age 96, died on March 22 here in Northfield. Bob taught Physics at Carleton for 36 years, beginning as an assistant professor in 1954 and retiring in 1990 as Professor of Physics, Emeritus. Former colleagues describe him as the “glue that held our department together.” Daily coffee sessions in his office were a time to share the challenges and successes of teaching, and Bob was a constant source of encouragement. He gave his students the same gifts of warmth, kindness, and dedication to their learning. Bob helped create a very friendly and supportive department and “taught us all how to be our better selves.”

Charles (Chuck) Carlin, age 83, died on January 2. Chuck taught Chemistry at Carleton, beginning in 1966 as an instructor and retiring in 2004 as the Charles “Jim” & Marjorie Kade Professor of the Sciences, Emeritus. He is remembered fondly by colleagues and alumni as a wise, funny, kind, generous, and irreverent teacher dedicated to his students’ learning. His pithy humor and colorful phrases kept organic chemistry students engaged and departmental meetings lively.

Jackson Bryce, age 78, died on December 12 in St. Paul. Jack was hired in 1972 to teach Classics at Carleton. He retired in 2012 as the Marjorie Crabb Garbisch Professor of Classical Languages and the Liberal Arts, Emeritus. He was also a senior lecturer in bassoon and chamber music. Jackson had a joyous approach to life. An immensely learned and creative teacher, he was also a gracious, welcoming, and kind colleague who could be counted on to offer a friendly word, erudite discussions of grammar, and witty anecdotes.