Farewells

Professor Qiguang Zhao died of a heart attack on Friday, March 13th, while in Florida. He was 67 years old. The Burton and Lily Levin Professor of Chinese, Qiguang came to Carleton in 1987 and single-handedly launched the Chinese language program. He initiated the Chinese Studies in China off-campus program in Tianjin and now Shanghai, leading the program more than 10 times. Qiguang was a favorite professor of many students, teaching a popular spring course on the “Taoist Way of Health and Longevity,” which included leading Tai Chi on the Bald Spot. He also taught courses in advanced Chinese, such as Chinese Poetry and Classical Chinese. He often taught using “huajing,” drawing lively cartoons that illustrated his points. Qiguang loved watching students grow in understanding of themselves and the world through experiencing another culture. But his knowledge and intelligence, kindness and generosity, and willingness to think with them about the big questions of life, were as much a factor in students’ growth and learning.

Diethelm (Diet) Prowe died peacefully on Saturday, March 7th at the age of 74. Diet taught modern European history at Carleton for 42 years, beginning as an instructor in 1966 and retiring as the Laird Bell Professor of History in 2008. Diet was passionate about the intellectual development of young people, and in addition to teaching, he was also the pre-law advisor and Mellon minority student program director. He contributed to scholarly work in the study of Germany, focused on post-WWII Germany, the process of democratization, and later the appearance of the new Radical Right. He was thoughtful and well organized—characteristics which aided his editing of the German Studies Review journal from 2001-2011. Diet was kind and generous to his students and colleagues, a strong and gentle mentor to many.

Charles Yale Pfoutz, age 90, died on Saturday, February 14th at the Three Links Care Center in Northfield. Yale worked at Carleton for 30 years, beginning in 1959 as the director of non-academic personnel, and then becoming the assistant business manager, assistant treasurer, business manager, personnel director, and benefits administrator. He retired in 1989. Yale is described as being a great colleague, dependable and hard working, quietly keeping many aspects of the college running smoothly. His dedication and good work continue to shape the college.

Evelyn Johnson, age 63, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 22nd, at her home in Bay City. Evelyn worked at Carleton for 42 years, beginning right after she graduated from high school in June 1969 and retiring in September 2011. During those years, she worked as the secretary in the Modern Languages and Geology Departments, and in the Career Center, but mostly as the Registration Coordinator. Evelyn’s “work sisters” in the Registrar’s office describe her as fun, generous, and witty, as well as a great worker who helped to build a strong team.

Vern Bailey, age 83, passed away on Saturday, January 10th after a long illness. Vern taught English at Carleton, beginning as an instructor in 1965 and retiring as the Marjorie Crabb Garbisch Professor of English, Film, and the Liberal Arts in 2000. But 35 years wasn’t enough for the college, and Vern continued to teach his famous film courses occasionally until 2004.

Tom Gillispie died on Saturday, November 22 at the age of 76. Tom worked in custodial services and on the grounds crew for 31 years, from 1969-2000. While working at Laird Stadium, he oversaw the locker room counter, handing out the coveted Carleton “gray T’s” and pulling pranks. Tom would often stop his riding mower to chat with faculty, staff, and students, offering funny and friendly advice.

Jon “Whitey” Nicholson ’58 died of a stroke on Friday, November 21, at the age of 78. Jon worked at Carleton for 34 years, primarily in Admissions, as well as in Alumni Relations, Publications, and Financial Aid. Although he retired in 1999, Jon remained active in the alumni and athletic communities, and was a mentor and friend of so many people. Jon was kind, thoughtful, funny, and deeply loyal to the College and its community.

W. Richard (Dick) Cantwell died on Sunday, Sept 7, at the age of 82. Dick came to Carleton as an Instructor in German in 1965 and retired as Professor of German in 1993. In the 1970’s, he initiated the department’s overseas seminar in Germany. He was also the Director of Off-Campus Programs from 1979-1983. Dick was a generous and supportive colleague with a wry sense of humor. He brought many interests to his teaching, including his extensive knowledge of German history, German literature, and his expertise in opera and the German Lied.

Margaret Ann (Ranny) Riecker ’54, trustee from 1987-2010 and former chair of the board from 1999-2004, died peacefully at MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland on Monday, April 7. She was 80 years old. She was born Nov. 9, 1933, in Ann Arbor, the daughter of the late Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley. A zoology major at Carleton, she graduated in 1954 and participated as a student in music and drama events. She served as president of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation and president and chair of the Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundations.

Paxton Harvieux ’15 died as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident just outside Northfield on February 28, 2014.  Paxton, of Stillwater, Minnesota, was a Computer Science major.