George Mellott, PhD, who lived in Colorado, died Thursday, April 10. He was 92. 

Mellott began working in the Department of Music at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Sept. 6, 1964. He retired on Aug. 31, 1994. He was a professor emeritus in Music until his death. 

Attesting to his excellence and expertise both as a musician and instructor is Mellott’s longtime colleague and artist Stephen Brown, SIUE professor emeritus in Music. 

“At the time I had no idea how exceptional a performer George was,” said Brown, who worked with Mellott for several decades. “He was the only clarinet professor I knew, and I just sort of thought of him as industry standard. Not the case. George was equally at home on clarinet and saxophone, equally at home in jazz and classical music, reading and improvising, and always with a prodigious technique and innate musicality.” 

Mellott and Brown formed a bond after their years of working and playing together. 

“We got to know each other well when we were jointly tapped to lead a student jazz combo, which led to the formation of an actual jazz group inventively called the Mellott-Brown Combo,” continued Brown. “We did a little gigging, continued to play with students, and were fortunate to work with two talented bass players – David Engelke and Doug Meyer (SIUE music reference assistant).” 

Brown also noted that several of Mellott’s students went on to professional careers in playing and teaching music. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26 at the Ascension Episcopal Church in Pueblo, Colo. Donations in Mellott’s honor may be given to any of the following: Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center in Walsenburg, Colo.; the Salvation Army, Shriners Children’s Hospital, the ASPCA, Wounded Warriors, Ascension Episcopal Church in Pueblo, or the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Vail, Colo. 

A complete obituary is listed on the website of Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors. 

Arrangements are being handled by Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, Inc.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville mourns the passing of George Henderson, PhD, professor emeritus of physics, who died peacefully on Monday, Feb. 10. He dedicated more than 31 years of service to SIUE.

Henderson was born on August 22, 1940, in Charleston, W.Va., Henderson joined SIUE in 1970 and taught a wide range of physics courses, helping to develop general studies classes in astronomy and musical acoustics. He was a dedicated member of the SIUE Physics Department for many years, serving on numerous departmental and university committees. He contributed significantly to the campus community through his involvement with the Religious Center, now the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability (CSS).

A passionate supporter of the arts, Henderson sang with the SIUE Community Chorus and was an enthusiastic advocate for the Arts & Issues program, alongside his wife, Pat. The couple enjoyed traveling with the Chorus.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability.

Memorials may be sent to the SIUE Friends of Music (SIUE Campus Box 1771) or the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability (SIUE Campus Box 1059).

Read the full obituary at Legacy.com.

PHOTO: George Henderson, PhD

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community mourns the passing of Alice Prince, PhD, emerita professor of Health Education (now Public Health) in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. Born October 6, 1942, in Terre Haute, Ind., Prince dedicated more than 12 years of service to SIUE, inspiring students to pursue meaningful careers in health education, challenge injustice, and work toward a healthier, more equitable society. She passed away on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Maryville, Ill.

A trailblazer in HIV/AIDS education, Prince brought compassion, honesty, and advocacy to her teaching. She was deeply committed to democracy, fairness, and empowering students to recognize and address inequalities in public health. As a non-traditional student and parent, she earned her PhD and later co-founded the SIUE Alice Prince Award, a scholarship supporting non-traditional students in public health.

Prince retired in 2006 but remained dedicated to student success. Her impact continues through the many students she mentored and the work they carry forward in public health.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alice Prince Award via the SIUE Foundation at SIUE Applied Health Development Fund (Select “3210-Applied Health Development” and specify the Alice Prince Award in the comments.)

A full obituary is available at Herr Funeral Home.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community mourns the passing of Paul Wanda, PhD, professor of Biological Sciences, who passed away on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025.

Born October 18, 1951, in Chicago, Wanda retired in 2015 after a dedicated career mentoring students and advancing scientific inquiry. He joined SIUE’s faculty in 1982 and had more than 30 years of service to the University.

Wanda’s research focus was in measles and canine distemper virology, macular degeneration modeling, apoptosis, biophysics and electron spin resonance spectroscopy. At SIUE, he taught a diverse catalogue of microbiology and biophysics courses.

Wanda earned his PhD in biophysics from Penn State University and a BA in Physics from Knox College. He was not only a passionate educator but also an avid fisherman, chess player, St. Louis Blues fan, and artist. Paul had a notorious sense of humor that glimmered brightly beyond the Department of Biological Sciences. He was known for his commitment to student success and his ability to inspire future scientists through both rigorous academics and personal mentorship.

A memorial celebration will be held Friday, Feb. 14, from 3-5 p.m. at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, Ill.

Memorials can be made to the WashU Section of Movement Disorders.

A family obituary is available at Barry Wilson Funeral Home.

The SIUE community is saddened by the passing of Karen Kay Trone, former Lead Financial Specialist in Financial Affairs. Trone dedicated 15 years of service to the University, working from December 1996 until her retirement in 2011.

Born July 30, 1943, in Rushville, Illinois, Trone passed away on January 25, 2025, in Sudbury, Massachusetts. She was known for her kindness, dedication, and love for her family. Outside of her career, she found joy in travel, reading, and time spent with loved ones.

A memorial service will be held at Immanuel United Method Church in Edwardsville. Memorials may be made to the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Alzheimer's Association, or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

A full obituary is available at Legacy.com.

Mont Everett “Flea” Bodine IV, of Alton, died Tuesday, Oct. 1. He was 58. 

Bodine attended SIUE in his younger years. He began working at SIUE in the Morris University Center Bookstore on Sept. 3, 2002, and was employed as a retail associate until his death. 

Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Gent Funeral Home, 2409 State St. in Alton. The Rev. John Pawloski will officiate. A memorial service will be held immediately following at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be made to the Sierra Club-Piasa Palisades or a donation for a Memorial Park bench in memory of Flea. 

Arrangements are being handled by Gent Funeral Home.

Dennis Alan Shaw, 72, passed away at 11:02 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024. Shaw was born May 7, 1952 in Alton, IL the son of the late Clarence Joseph Shaw and Betty Lucille (Shewmake) Franklin.

Dennis was a fourth generation union painter. He loved WWE wrestling, NASCAR, muscle cars and was a gun collector. On June 27, 1986 in East Alton he married Mary Christina (Sproull) Shaw and she survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Christy Roswell of Bethalto, Nikki Shaw of Alton, Stephanie Shaw of Alton, one son, Joe Shaw (Cheri) of Alton, six grandchildren, Lil Rickey, Brandon, Colten, Joey, Payton and Maycie, one great grandchild, Rieler, one brother, Kevin Tite of Missouri and one sister, Dreana McClurg (Mike) of Kansas City.

Dennis' grandson, Brandon Sweeney, continues his grandfather's rich legacy at SIUE as the Director of Online Giving.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one son, Rickey Shaw, six brothers, Clarence “Butch” Shaw, Rickey Shaw, Ronnie Shaw, Joe Shaw, Jeffrey Shaw, Kurt Steele and one sister, Donna Cambell.

Visitation will be Monday, Sept. 16, from 4–7 p.m. at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Reverend Sonny Renken will officiate. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Williamson Funeral Home, Staunton, is in charge of arrangements. 

Samuel Becker Grant, Jr., PhD, professor of history at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, died on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. He was 93.
Born in St. Louis, Mo. on August 12, 1930, to Sam and Natalie Grant, he grew up in Clayton, a St. Louis suburb. After graduating from Williams College, Grant taught English at Roberts College in Istanbul, Turkey. This inspired years of discovery and study in the Middle East, while living in Cairo, Aleppo and Jerusalem.

Grant kept company with Egyptian writers, Israeli socialists and Palestinian National Council members. He attended the University of Michigan and earned a PhD in Middle Eastern languages and literature.

Grant taught as a professor of history at SIUE for more than 30 years.

“Sam was a wonderful colleague and mentor, always smiling and jovial, kind and caring,” said Allison Thomason, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of History.

After retirement, Grant continued to teach at the lifelong learning institute at Washington University in St. Louis, exploring Islamic art and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Grant is survived by his wife, Patricia, two sons, Chris (Georgiana) and Dave (Tori), four nieces, sister-in-law Christine Smithee, his grandchildren Clio, Helen and Nellie, and multiple grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Natalie, father Sam and his two brothers.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Lovejoy Library.

The family will receive guests at Lupton Chapel, 7233 Delmar Boulevard, University City on Saturday, Aug. 3, from the hours of 2 p.m.-5p.m. Read Samuel’s complete obituary on the Lupton Chapel website.

Jessica Elizabeth Prost, a student in the School of Nursing's anesthesia program, died following a year-long battle with brain cancer on Friday, March 29.

Jesssica's obituary is posted here.

The family will receive friends at the Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, Missouri, Friday, April 5 from 2-8 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Incarnate Word Catholic Church, 13416 Olive Boulevard, Chesterfield, Missouri on Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m.

Her classmates Kristen Mattson, Lauren Hunt, Alexa Brummund, Messy Dedic and Rick Heuermann spoke of her bright personality and her nursing ambitions.

"It is hard to describe the kind of person Jessica was in just a few words," said her friends Mattson, Hunt, Brummund and Heuermann. "To know Jessica was to love Jessica. Nobody was ever a stranger to her, as she had the tendency to light up every room that she walked into. Her positive attitude and contagious smile brought so much joy to others throughout the rigors of anesthesia school. Even after multiple surgeries & harsh chemotherapy/radiation treatments, Jessica continued to show up for her patients, friends, and family. Jessica’s lifelong dream was to graduate and begin practicing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Jessica was so much more than a classmate and anesthesia student to us. She was a lifelong friend that everyone wanted to be surrounded by. While our hearts are broken by the passing of our best friend, we will honor her achievements as we walk across the stage and graduate in a few weeks. We know Jessica will proudly be looking down on us and smiling!

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the SIUE Nurse Anesthesia faculty and students. Your support over this last year has helped carry us through this difficult time."

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Washington University’s Brain Tumor Center.

PHOTO: Jessica Prost, courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville mourns the recent loss of Anne Perry, RN, MSN, EdD, FAAN. Dr. Perry was a professor emerita from the School of Nursing and was also an SIUE alum receiving her EdD in 1991. Dr. Perry was a distinguished nurse and served the School of Nursing many years as a faculty member, chair, and Interim Dean.

Her obituary is posted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and redistributed on the Legacy website.

Throughout her award-winning career, Dr. Perry co-authored seven internationally acclaimed nursing textbooks with translations in 11 languages. Dr. Perry’s numerous awards included the Missouri Nurses Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International Mentor Award in 2012, Saint Louis University School of Nursing Alumni Merit Award in 2016, and the March of Dimes Legends in Nursing Award in 2016.

“Dr. Perry was an inspirational nurse leader who touched the lives of thousands of nurses around the world,” said Kay E. Gaehle, PhD, RN, associate professor and assistant dean of Graduate Programs. “She was a pioneer in the development of videos that demonstrated nursing skills that revolutionized teaching nursing skills.”

Gaehle adds, “In addition to her scholarship, Dr. Perry was a wonderful mentor to students as well as faculty. She was a lovely person who genuinely cared about others and had a special approach to communicating that made one feel elevated after a brief interaction. She inspired those around her to set goals and work to achieve those goals. Her dry sense of humor, wit and love of family were evident in all that she did. The world has lost a wonderful colleague, mentor and friend.”

Dr. Perry was also responsible for creating one of the first online courses in nursing. Dr. Perry was recognized for her contributions to the nursing profession and to the School of Nursing with induction into the SIUE School of Nursing Hall of Fame in 2017.

The SIUE community extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Perry.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 10 with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 6199 Waterman Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112. 
 
PHOTO:  Anne Perry, EdD, courtesy of the family 

Linda Colombara-Buffo, 63, of Troy, Ill., died on Tuesday, March 19 in Maryville, Ill. She was born September 22, 1960 in East St. Louis, Ill., the daughter of Joan (nee Jokerst) Colombara and Joseph Colombara of Troy, Ill. She was a loving companion to her husband, Robert “Bob” Buffo, for more than 20 years.

Linda was a long-time staff member of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She enjoyed taking walks with friends on lunch breaks. She held administrative roles in the Early Childhood Center, University Housing, the Morris University Center Administration Office, the Provost Office, Admissions and Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination.

Linda retired from SIUE in 2022, and is remembered by her colleagues as a great person and friend.

Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, March 24 at Richeson Funeral Home in Troy, Ill. and Monday, March 25  from 9:30-10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, Ill. Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother, Joan (nee Jokerst) Colombara, and her step mother, Eleanor (Mikalouski) Colombara.

She is survived by her husband Robert “Bob” Buffo of Troy, Ill, her son Brian Wallheimer of Rockford, Ill;  her grandchildren, Eleanor, Katherine and Charles Wallheimer; her father, Joseph Colombara of Troy, IL; and her brothers, Thomas (Cindy) Colombara of Troy, Ill and Gary (Mary) Colombara of Tampa, Fl.

Memorials are suggested to the Siteman Cancer Center Breast Cancer Research Department, 4921 Parkview Place, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Linda's arrangements are in the care of Richeson Funeral Home.

Rosemarie Archangel, PhD, foundational faculty member, associate provost, and dean of the Graduate School, died Tuesday, March 19. She was 93.

Rosemarie was one of SIUE's pioneering members of the faculty. She earned her PhD in kinesiology and came to SIUE in 1962, establishing the Department of Physical Education. Additionally, Rosemarie served as the first female President of the Faculty Senate, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, Associate Provost, and Dean of the Graduate School. While Dean of the Graduate School during the late 1980s until the mid-1990s, Rosemarie expanded graduate programs and strengthened the infrastructure supporting faculty research. After retiring, Rosemarie helped establish an endowment in the Graduate School to support excellence in graduate education.

"Rosemarie was a pioneer in gender equity with impact both nationally and locally" Stephen Hansen, PhD, faculty emeritus, said. "She helped author the first Title IX legislation for women's equity in sports as part of the Education Amendments of 1972."

Dr. Archangel was among the first women to provide leadership as a dean at SIUE.  Carol Keene, former Dean of the School of Humanities and professor of philosophy said that "Rosemarie was a force for excellence. In a time when money was tight and morale was low, Rosemarie provided leadership for the faculty."

Hansen said that it was more than her skill and determination that made Rosemarie Archangel a tour de force.

"It was her honesty and clear-eyed view of the world. She wheeled a brand-new Corvette around campus and like her car," Hansen said, "she had little patience for pettifogging obfuscation!"

Visitation will be held at the Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, Ill from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Monday, March 25. Services will follow at the Mother of Perpetual Care Catholic Church in Maryville at 1 p.m. 

Camillia Sanders Banks, of St. Louis, Mo., died Feb. 14 in St. Louis. She was 77. 

Banks began working as the assistant director in the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program on Nov. 22, 2005. She retired and later returned to work as the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Acting Director. She left the University on July 15, 2011. 

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at Murchison Tabernacle CME Church, 7629 Natural Bridge Rd., Normandy, Mo., 63121. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2 p.m. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Bi-State Cremation and Funeral Service in Florissant, Mo.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus community extends our sincerest condolences to the family of Randy Paul Rock who died Wednesday, Feb. 14, at University Care Center in Edwardsville. He was 76.

Rock’s journey at SIUE started as a student. He earned a Bachelor of Science (1969) and Master’s in English and History (1979). He taught English 101 and 102 and served as the Dean of Students from 1994 to 2003. Rock received his 30-year service award in April 2001 and retired from SIUE in 2003.

Randy Rock, the father of SIUE financial aid coordinator Jason Rock, continued to instruct students part-time until the fall 2023 semester.

According to friends and colleagues, Rock was a fixture at SIUE for nearly 50 years. Linda Jaworski-Moiles, office manager for the Department of English said, “Mr. Rock always enjoyed working with students. He had a genuine interest in what the students thought and had a passion for helping them put those thoughts into writing.”

Rock is survived by his wife, Janis Surette, son Jason Rock (Brianna Domescik), daughter Jamie Horstmann (Matt Horstmann), and two grandchildren: Brynn and Briar Horstmann.

Rock is preceded in death by parents Hilbert and Nora (nee Niehaus) Rock, and numerous beloved family pets.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville. Memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. 

Memorials can be made to Gardens at SIUE and the Metro East Humane Society. Arrangements are being handled by Barry Wilson Funeral Home . 

Photo: Randy Paul Rock, courtesy of Barry Wilson Funeral Home.  

Elven Davis, of Collinsville, died Jan. 18 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. He was 89. 

Davis began work at the SIUE East St. Louis Center (ESLC) on Oct. 1, 1968, with TRIO Upward Bound. He was a science teacher with the Upward Bound Science Awareness program. He later became Coordinator of the Upward Bound Math and Science program. He worked extensively with East St. Louis School District 189 and Cahokia, Brooklyn and Madison school districts in preparation for the SIUE regional and state science fairs. He retired and later returned to the ESLC, working as a consultant for the then five TRIO Upward Bound programs. He left the University on June 30, 2010. 

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Feb. 8 at Officer Funeral Home in East St. Louis. The funeral party will proceed to Jefferson Barracks for a graveside memorial to be held at 1:15 p.m. 

Arrangements are being handled by Officer Funeral Home.

Samuel Carlton Driedger died on Saturday, Jan. 27. He was 19 years old. A funeral mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in South St. Louis City on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. with a visitation immediately following.

Samuel was a second year student at SIUE studying psychology. He is survived by his parents, Erin and Jason Driedger, sister Lila, brother Will, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Samuel's obituary can be read here.

Joyree H. Chura, 62, of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away at 9:09 PM on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at her residence in Edwardsville, Illinois. She was born February 19, 1961 in Staunton, IL, the daughter of the late Harry & Louise (Tagnani) Chura. She married Bradley Allen on October 6, 2000 in Edwardsville, IL & he survives.

Joyree worked at SIU-Edwardsville for 30 years, most recently as an H/R Manager, & later worked part-time at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Edwardsville, IL. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church of Edwardsville & played in the Handbell Choir at St. Boniface Church. She is survived by her husband - Bradley Allen of Edwardsville, IL; one sister - Marthee (Tom) Rizzi of Staunton, IL; & four nephews also survive.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 PM on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, IL. A Memorial Mass will be held at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, IL with Father Jeffrey Goeckner officiating. Private burial will be held at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton, IL.

Memorials are suggested to either the Staunton Education Foundation, St. Boniface Catholic Church of Edwardsville, or to St. Mary's Catholic Church of Edwardsville, IL.

Williamson Funeral Home, Staunton, is in charge of arrangements. 

Nadine Lucille Verderber, PhD, of Glen Carbon, died on Thursday, Sept. 7. She was 83. 

Verderber was a professor emeritus of mathematics at SIUE. She loved to travel and was a die-hard Cardinals baseball fan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Joseph Verderber and Lucille Katherine (Kirk) Verderber. She is survived by her brother, David Verderber of St. Louis.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory, please click here for the Barry Wilson Funeral Home Sympathy Store. A full obituary is available at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/nadine-verderber. 

Xiyue “Elsie” Deng, PhD, of Edwardsville died Friday, Sept. 8.  

Deng joined SIUE in 2021 as an assistant professor in the School of Business’ Department of Management and Marketing, following completion of her PhD at the University of Toledo. Her research areas included supply chain management, supply chain risk management and disruptions, sustainability, strategic SCM and applied text analytics. 

“In the short time she was with us, Elsie was a vivacious and energetic force for good,” said Janice Joplin, interim dean of the School of Business. “She was student-centered, produced outstanding research, and was an exemplar of the teacher-scholar model. Elsie’s students very much appreciated her as a professor and the loss is felt deeply among our School and students.” 

In celebration of her life, a visitation gathering will be held at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. A full obituary is available at irwinchapel.com. Friends of Professor Deng have launched a GoFundMe page. 

Steve Brown, of San Francisco, passed away Thursday, Aug. 3. 

Brown was employed by SIUE in 2000 and retired in 2019 from the Department of Art and Design. He recently earned the status of emeritus professor.  

Brown oversaw the design of the new photography and digital media space, shifted to a predominantly digital lab, developed an international class trip to Ireland and had a strong foundation of art theory. Brown challenged his students to think critically about the intersections between art and their environment. He made a fundamental impact on the graduate assessment protocols in the MFA program and introduced ways to enhance graduate student interaction with faculty beyond their specialization. Brown’s work explored the intersection of culture and nature. A memorial exhibition of his work will be planned in the near future. 

An obituary has yet to be released. 

Lloyd Kropp, of Maryville, died Thursday, July 27. Kropp was 90.  

Kropp was employed by SIUE in 1956 eventually becoming professor emeritus of English Language and Literature. In addition to his time at SIUE, Kropp was a published author, winning several book awards.  

An obituary is available at legacy.com. 

Vaughn Vandegrift, PhD, died Tuesday, July 11. He was 76. 

Dr. Vandegrift served as SIUE’s seventh chancellor from 2004-2012. He was a visionary leader, a dedicated educator and a true Cougar at heart. 

During his tenure, he spearheaded numerous initiatives which elevated the visibility of the University. He led SIUE to national recognition as one of U.S. News & World Report’s up-and-coming universities, transitioned the University into the NCAA Division I, and facilitated numerous construction and infrastructure projects — paving the way for the University to reach its largest enrollment in the history of the school in 2011.  

His work was instrumental to the success of SIUE’s programs, and the development of professional and community leaders. His efforts in promoting SIUE to even higher levels of academic excellence are still being felt. 

Services and an obituary are yet to be released.  

Memorial contributions can be made to the Vaughn and Sue Vandegrift Chancellor’s Scholarship.  

Let the SIUE community celebrate the remarkable legacy Chancellor Vandegrift leaves behind. As he always said, “Be bold. Be achievers. And always be a Cougar.” 

Watch this video that highlights Dr. Vandegrift’s long-lasting impact on SIUE.  

Donald Gene Loucks, PhD, of Glen Carbon, died Tuesday, June 20. He was 85. 

Loucks started his career at SIUE in 1975 and spent the majority of his time as the chair of the Department of Music. He retired in 1996 and was later named emeritus professor of music. 

Visitation will be from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 1 at St. John’s United Memorial Church in Edwardsville. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m.

A complete obituary is available on Legacy.com. 

Sidney Grant Denny, PhD, of Edwardsville, died Tuesday, June 13. He was 82.  

Denny began work at SIUE on Sept. 16, 1968 as an instructor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. He was eventually promoted to the rank of professor and served several terms as chair of the Department of Anthropology. Denny was president of the Faculty Senate in 1987. He also served as chair of several key University committees including one that transitioned the campus from a quarter to a semester system and one that consolidated schools into what is now the College of Arts and Sciences.  

He retired Dec. 31, 2000 and was later named emeritus professor of anthropology.  

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, July 15 at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m.     

A complete obituary is available on Legacy.com.  

Arrangements are being handled by Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville. 

Sheila Ruth, Ph.D., died June 7, 2023, in Wellington, Fla.

Ruth joined the SIUE faculty in 1971 and founded the Women’s Studies program in 1973.  She retired in 1999. 

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 22, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville.  A memorial service is planned for later this summer on August 12, 2023, at the St. Louis Friends Meeting, in St. Louis. 

A complete obituary is available at weberfuneralhome.com.

Kay Wellen, a former SIUE employee, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Kay was born in Highland, Ill. and was a 1961 graduate of Highland High School. After graduating, she attended SIUE. In the late 1980's, she began to work at SIUE, holding positions in Library and Information Services’ Audio-Visual Services Department and serving as a member of Information Technology Services from its founding until her retirement.

Kay loved reading, gardening, traveling and dancing with her late husband, Denny. She welcomed people in with open arms, didn't take herself too seriously, and always had a Dr. Pepper in her hand. Kay is survived by her son, several grandchildren, and her dog, George Clooney. Kay will be especially remembered as a loyal friend and a loving "Mimi" to more than just her children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.

Full Obituary

Rosie Lee Hurst, of East St. Louis, died Tuesday, May 9 in East St. Louis. She was 87.  

Hurst began work on Aug. 11, 1997 as an Information Desk Clerk at the SIUE East St. Louis Center. She retired on March 31, 2018.  

Visitation will be 10-10:50 a.m. and funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20 at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 4264 Piggott Ave. in Centreville.  

Arrangements are being handled by Officer Funeral Home in East St. Louis.  

Darlene Roy, of East St. Louis, died Saturday, March 25 in St. Louis. She was 77. 

Roy earned a bachelor’s in sociology from SIUE in August 1967. While at SIUE, she was initiated into the Epsilon Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in May 1965. 

Roy was honored as an SIUE Golden Graduate in the inaugural celebration on May 6, 2017. 

Roy’s involvement with SIUE was steadfast and lifelong. As a prolific writer, Roy co-founded the Eugene B. Redmond (EBR) Writers Club, named for the SIUE emeritus professor of English, East St. Louis Poet Laureate and nationally known author, editor and photographer. Roy was the first EBR Writers Club president, having served until the time of her death. She also served as the associate editor of the “Drumvoices Revue: A Confluence of Literary, Cultural and Vision Arts,” a joint effort between the EBR Writers Club and SIUE. 

An Omega Omega service will be held at 9:30 a.m., visitation will be at 10 a.m. and funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1 at New Life Community Church, 1919 State Street, East St. Louis. 

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Officer Funeral Home in East St. Louis.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Richard B. Brugam, Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences.  Dick is remembered as a kind and thoughtful man who regularly put his students and colleagues ahead of himself.  A respected scholar, he was widely published in the field of paleoecology. The hundreds of students he taught and mentored over a long career will remember him fondly. 

He began his position at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville as a biology and ecology professor in 1978. He received the Distinguished Professor Award in 2012 and retired in May 2014 as an emeritus professor.

A visitation will be held at Weber and Rodney Funeral Home (304 N Main St, Edwardsville) from 10 a.m. on Monday, March 20, with a service following immediately thereafter at noon.  Dick will be buried with military honors at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1400 St Louis St, Edwardsville. The Brugam family asks that any memorials go to the Watershed Nature Center.  

Marcheta McCoy, of East St. Louis, died Monday, Feb. 20 in East St. Louis. She was 66.

McCoy began work on Sept. 11, 2000 as a secretary III at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) on the SIUE East St. Louis campus. McCoy became an office support specialist for the CHS in 2008, a position she held until the time of her death. 

Visitation will be 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 4 at New Life Community Church, 1919 State Street in East St. Louis. Funeral services will begin at noon. 

Arrangements are being handled by Officer Funeral Home in East St. Louis.

Daniel J. Anderson, MFA, professor emeritus in art and design, died Feb. 5, 2023. Anderson was 77.  

Anderson joined the faculty at SIUE in 1970 and retired in 2002. He led one of the nation’s most highly regarded ceramic art programs for 32 years at SIUE.  

A celebration of life will be planned for this upcoming summer. 

A complete obituary is available at legacy.com. 

Jane Altes, PhD, died Feb. 3, 2023. She was 89. 

Altes spent 23 years at SIUE in a variety of roles including a tenured faculty member, research center director and associate vice president for academic affairs.  

Her memory was honored with a private ceremony. A public memorial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 15 at Bush Memorial Hall, Sage College in Troy.  

A complete obituary is available at legacy.com. 

The SIUE campus community mourns the loss of Laura Hanson, PhD, professor and area head of theater design and technology, who passed away Monday, Jan. 30. She was 64.  

Hanson joined the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance in 2004, first serving as an assistant professor, later to be tenured and promoted to the rank of professor in 2017. She also designed costumes for over 30 SIUE theatre and dance productions.  

A visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6 at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary in St. Louis. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Annunciation Church in Webster Groves.   

A complete obituary is available at dignitymemorial.com. 

Robert E. Lamp, PhD, emeritus professor of psychology, died Dec. 21, 2022, following a brief illness. The Webster Groves resident was 87 years old. 

In 1969, Lamp joined the faculty at SIUE and remained there until his retirement in 2000. While at SIUE, in 1973, Lamp co-founded and developed the master’s program in Clinical Child and School Psychology. It was one of the first programs in school psychology to be approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. He was the director of the program until his retirement. He was the beloved teacher of many aspiring school psychologists and a prolific researcher, publishing numerous papers in the areas of child development and assessment.  

Lamp also served as a mental health consultant to the Madison and St. Clair Counties Head Start Programs, and to The Beverly Farm Foundation. In addition, he maintained a private practice specializing in mental health and assessment services to adults with developmental disabilities. 

Contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity or a local food bank. A complete obituary is available at legacy.com. 

Lawrence Krapf, of Edwardsville, died Friday, Dec. 16. Krapf was 83. 

Krapf became employed at SIUE in 1984 and served as a carpenter until his retirement in April 2003.  

A visitation and funeral service were held Wednesday, Dec. 28. A complete obituary is available on legacy.com.