Elizabeth "Liz" Agosto Employee
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Deceased October 31, 2024.
Elizabeth "Liz" Agosto was the chief Amherst College student affairs officer and Amherst College Dean of Students from 2019 to 2023. She did a remarkable job of leading Amherst College students—with great compassion, wisdom, and vision—during the outbreak of COVID-19, one of the most challenging periods in Amherst’s history.
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Amherst College mourns the passing of Elizabeth “Liz” Agosto on Oct. 31, 2024. Agosto served as chief student affairs officer and dean of students from 2019 to 2023.
President Michael A. Elliott wrote the following in a Nov. 1 email to the campus community:
... Liz had been in her current role as Dean of Students and Assistant Head of School at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, Mass., since 2023. The cause of death is currently unknown.
Many among us worked with Liz during her three-and-a-half years at Amherst, which began in June 2019. She did a remarkable job of leading our students—with great compassion, wisdom, and vision—during the outbreak of COVID-19, one of the most challenging periods in Amherst’s history. Liz’s dedication and commitment were evident in everything that she did. She had a gift for navigating important and difficult conversations, and she led the College’s efforts to center student wellbeing across divisions and departments.
Liz came to Amherst from Dartmouth College, where she had worked for a dozen years in a variety of roles, culminating with serving as the Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs. She earned a degree in sociology from Dartmouth and completed her master’s in the same discipline at Fordham University.
We will share information about services and/or commemorations of Liz’s life on our In Memoriam page when they are confirmed. In the meantime, I know you will join me in expressing our deepest condolences to all of Liz’s friends, family, and colleagues past and present, as well as our profound gratitude for all she contributed to Amherst College. ...
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Beverley Elaine Allen Class of 1983
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Deceased June 23, 2023.
Beverley Elaine Allen came to Amherst from Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant High School. She went to the University of Maryland for medical school and became a child psychiatrist, working in the courts, evaluating children for the juvenile court system. An invitation to go salmon fishing in the State of Washington led to her relocation to Vancouver, Washington. While in Vancouver, she developed an interest in crochet and spinning. Bev became an expert spinner, even serving as a judge for county and state fairs. She believed wool was too expensive, so she raised her own alpacas, llamas, angora goats and rabbits for spinning. Her love of the fiber arts continued, and she decided to explore the possibility of creating a fiber business for women in Africa. She moved to Ghana.
While she was visiting The Gambia, COVID hit. She could not leave the country to return to Ghana. Bev decided to make The Gambia her new home. She sold her property and livestock in Washington and built a house by the beach in The Gambia. She soon started to raise animals and produce wool.
She died on June 23, 2023, in The Gambia due to complications stemming from her long-term battle with cancer.
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Otho Wells Artis, Jr. Class of 1978
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Deceased December 25, 2023.
Graduate of Collinwood High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Amherst College Chemistry major. Worked as an analyst at Cincinnati Bell and as a senior quality assurance engineer for Steris Isomedix Services.
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Quentin Frederick Atherley Class of 1977
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Deceased March 2, 2025.
Born in New York City, Q graduated from the Cathedral School of Saint Mary and Saint Paul in Hempstead, New York, and from the New York Law School. He married Jennifer on September 11, 1991.
Over the course of a distinguished 35-year legal career, Q played a pivotal role in conducting and supervising complex white-collar investigations for the State of New York. His work included high-profile cases involving public corruption, construction fraud, procurement fraud, and money laundering.
Quentin remained actively involved in his alma maters, mentoring both Amherst College and New York Law School students. He led moot court programs and mentored incoming law students, helping them transition into the rigorous field of law.
Quentin had a passion for sports, particularly biking, tennis, and soccer, and he and Jennifer enjoyed these activities together. They were also devoted food enthusiasts, exploring diverse cuisines, wine tastings, and global travel. Known for his sharp wit and dry humor, Quentin often entertained friends and family with his stories. A consummate lawyer with a deep interest in politics, he never hesitated to voice his opinions in engaging discussions.
Q passed away on March 2, 2025, in Bradenton, Florida.
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Carl Curtis Beckwith Class of 1931
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The next name that is to be added to my Memorial list is the name of Carl Curtis Beckwith, Amherst College Class of 1931. This is a new name. His name has not appeared on my Memorial List before nor was his name mentioned in Harold Wade's Black Men of Amherst. These omissions are probably due to the fact that Carl Curtis Beckwith did not graduate from Amherst College. Instead, he ultimately graduated from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania in 1933 and, probably, due to the Depression and the War did not become a doctor until 1944 when he graduated from the Howard University Medical School.
For an unknown length of time, he worked in Automobile Sales before becoming a doctor working for the Chrysler Corporation and later as a self-employed doctor. We know about Carl Curtis Beckwith because his name is listed as being one of the Dunbar High School graduates who attended Amherst but did not graduate in the article entitled "Remembering Dunbar," written by Matt Randolph, Amherst College Class of 2016.
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Omar Wallace Brown, Jr. 2013
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Deceased January 4, 2022.
Attended the Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. At Amherst College, Omar majored in both sociology and music, all while exuding a personal warmth that made him instantly memorable on campus. Omar’s compassion and social commitment shined through in his work and studies after graduation. Following college, Omar attended Boston University’s School of Theology, where he earned a Master’s of Theological Studies in 2016. During the next year, Omar served as a youth minister with Youth with a Mission, a Christian youth ministry, supporting and leading development programs and other programs and events for children, teens and college students around the United States. From 2017 through 2019, Omar continued to support students as chaplain of Boston Trinity Academy and assistant director of the academy’s Trinity Institute for Leadership and Social Justice. At Boston Trinity, Omar also taught courses within the humanities and Bible studies programs, shaping the academy’s curriculum for students in grades 7 through 12. And in 2019, Omar joined St. Paul’s School as a humanities teacher for 11th- and 12th-grade students, in just three years becoming an affecting presence at a leading school, a man St. Paul’s vice rector would seek out for prayer.
As a classmate noted "Omar was someone who was a net positive in the world. You left every interaction with him, no matter how brief, feeling better than before. He was an amazing listener; he could make you feel attended to in a deep, patient, considerate way, match your energy if you needed it or lift your mood with one of his warm hugs or smiles. He listened, guessed what you needed and provided, correctly and selflessly. The most signature thing about Omar for me was his laugh. It boomed but in a way that also illuminated. Jubilant, full of life, uninhibited in the joy it sought to share with all those in earshot. Omar moved through the world in the same way.”
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Lawrence Rogers Burwell 1959
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Deceased July 28, 2022.
Larry Burwell died on July 28, 2022, after a lengthy and debilitating illness. With birthdays merely one month apart and childhood homes a mere city block away from one another, our friendship lasted for more than 80 years. Larry’s recent passing is a personal loss to me as well as to his lovely family, colleagues and patients. We played together as toddlers, and when formal education began, we both enrolled at Lucy Diggs Slowe Elementary, Benjamin Banneker Junior High and Paul Lawrence Dunbar High Schools in Washington, D.C.
At Dunbar, Larry played football and was lieutenant colonel in the Dunbar Cadet Corps. He was a leader on the Student Council and the Principal’s Advisory Council. He was also a Boy Scout in Troop #527, hosted by Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Washington., D.C.
We graduated at the top of our class from Dunbar in 1955 and were recruited actively by local Black alumni from Amherst College. Amherst was always the first choice for Larry and me. So when we, along with Bob Jason ’59, received admission letters to Amherst, we eagerly accepted spots in the class of ’59. We pledged the two local fraternities on campus at that time. Larry joined Phi Psi; Bob and I joined Kappa Theta.
Larry majored in biology and graduated cum laude. His thesis research was on fruit fly genetics with Professor Bill Hexter. Both of us were science-oriented and interested in the health professions. We spent many an hour while at Amherst in the biology library or sitting atop Memorial Hill, talking through issues and options, various pathways, personal objectives and future aspirations. Those discussions served to shape and reinforce our respective plans and decisions.
After graduation, our paths were nearly set to continue in medical studies at Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio. However, my faculty interviewer at WRU encouraged me to consider applying to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, to which he was about to relocate. After visiting Michigan, I decided to enroll in their medical science program. Hence, we diverged paths at that point. He moved to Cleveland, finished the M.D. degree with honors at WRU and matched for a residency at the Cleveland Clinic. Larry chose a career practicing clinical medicine as an academician; my preference was basic biomedical scientific research, teaching and administration as a medical educator. Though approached from different perspectives, we both ended up in academic medicine.
Larry excelled academically, graduated at the top of his medical class and earned induction into the medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. His choice of specialties was internal medicine with a concentration in cardiology. For postgraduate training, he accepted a position at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., and continued his training at Mass. General Hospital in Boston. After a brief faculty appointment at the University of Rochester, Larry joined the medical staff at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. A distinguished career as an expert diagnostician of adult cardiac diseases and a pioneer practitioner of balloon angioplasty followed at UVA Medical Center.
As best man in Larry’s wedding to Ramona Scott in 1964, I continued to remain close. When his first son, Lawrence Scott Burwell ’90, was born, Larry asked me to be his godfather. However, fulfillment of that honor was impractical because of the physical distance between us and our respectively busy schedules.
Larry was a gentleman, a scholar and a devoted husband and father. Ramona’s early loss was devastating, leaving him a widower with four children. However, Larry kept his focus and devotion to his patients, his family and many interests, including photography. When Larry learned of my engagement in underwater photography, another shared interest emerged. We exchanged photographs and discussed limitations of working with still and video cameras in submerged settings.
We spoke often about attending reunions. He returned to Dunbar for our 50th and to Amherst for our 50th Reunions. Because of international research commitments, I missed both events but learned about what went on and always felt connected through Larry. We compared notes infrequently by phone and email, representing one another when not together.
In 2009, an Amherst student, Amanda Bass ’10, who was researching Dunbar High School, interviewed Larry and me to get information about the history of Dunbar. Her honors thesis was entitled “The Crimson Tide: Oral Histories of Dunbar High School.” Amanda accompanied Larry to the 50th high school reunion in 2005, a highlight for both of them.
We were invited to write a contribution about being Black at Amherst for the 50th Reunion class booklet. Since Bob Jason ’59 and Tony Creswell ’59, the other Black students in our class, had died, the task was left to Larry and me to complete. Our joint contribution to the class of ’59’s memento, “… the journey continues,” was a major joint effort that led to the creation of an article entitled “Young, Gifted and Black at Amherst College–1955-1959.” My draft of the original text got us started. Larry added several new issues, smoothed over rough spots and moderated the tone of our joint message. We steadily revised the document, improving it as we edited through email exchanges. That cooperative process resulted in a final statement that was published.
Larry attended our 50th from Amherst and joined a panel discussing the status of modern medicine. I waited until the 60th to return, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also asked to be a medical panelist, I discussed advancements in medical education and the emergence of patient-centered services since the 1950’s. At the 60th Reunion in 2019, an Amherst faculty member and dean of faculty cited our “Young, Gifted and Black” text in a report that she had prepared to compare and contrast the Black student experiences at Amherst in prior decades with the present. She referenced our description of challenges, social isolation and lack of support from the College to more recent positive experiences enjoyed by Black students. It was a surprise to hear her account. She was not aware of my presence, nor had I expected that our article would be mentioned. After the presentation, I introduced myself as one of the authors of that article. She appeared pleased to meet me.
A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia. When I told Larry, his response was not to worry. He assured me that many otherwise healthy individuals receive the same diagnosis which is not clinically significant. His reassurance was a great relief, and I sincerely appreciated his reassurance.
Recently, two book chapters have been published by Amherst College Press, authored by an Amherst student, Matt Randolph ’16, a Black student from Baltimore. He has highlighted the Dunbar-Amherst connection over many years. These excellent summaries include interviews with me and other Black alumni. They are included in two publications. One is entitled Amherst in the World (2020), edited by Martha Saxton. Matt’s chapter is entitled “Remembering Dunbar: Amherst College and African American Education in Washington, D.C.” That article mentions Larry, Bob Jason ’59 and me as recruits from the Dunbar Class of ’55. The other book is authored by Nancy Pick and is entitled Eye Mind Heart: A View of Amherst College at 200 (2020). Matt’s contribution is “1903-1957, the Dunbar High School Pipeline.” Both of these publications reference the long pipeline from Dunbar to Amherst.
Larry is survived by four very accomplished adult children: Scott ’90, Steve ’93, Leigh ’03 and Lauren (Williams ’96), and their respective families. He will be missed by them and by many grandchildren, colleagues, patients and friends. However, each of us will retain fond memories of Dr. Larry Burwell’s professional intellect and dedicated work ethic, as well as his calm, gentle demeanor and his warm and caring heart. May he rest in peace.
Ray Hayes ’59
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George Nolen Calloway 1923
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According to "Remembering Dunbar", Charles William Lewis was one of three Dunbar High School graduates to matriculate with the Amherst College Class of 1923. The other two were George Nolen Calloway and Charles Dudley Lee.
According to "Remembering Dunbar", only Charles William Lewis graduated from Amherst College.
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Renee Marika Chung 2005
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Deceased February 17, 2023.
Graduate of Trinity High School in New York City. Sociology Major at Amherst College. Recruitment Coordinator for Prep For Prep (2007-2010); Direct of Operations for KIPP NYC (2010-2013); Director of Diversity at Village Community School (2013-2016); and Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid for The Spence School in Manhattan (2016-2023). Board Member of Invictus Prep Charter School.
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Julian Raymond Davis, Jr. 1965
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Deceased December 17, 2020.
Dr. Julian Raymond Davis, Jr. will be remembered as a brilliant, accomplished, kind and caring person. He was a loving husband, doting father, and devoted brother. “Ray”, as he was fondly known, will never be forgotten by those who loved and admired him. He was truly a one-of-a-kind human being who will always remain in our hearts. Ray was born on January 20, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Lula Alberta Gomez Davis and Julian Raymond Davis, Sr. He was the grandson of Alfred Richardson, who after the Reconstruction, was elected to represent the citizen of Athens in the Georgia State House of Representatives. His maternal grandfather was Wanti Gomez, founder of the Bankers Insurance Company in Durham, North Carolina. The family moved to Washington, DC where Ray grew up and attended Smothers Elementary School. When the family moved to Lanham, Maryland, he attended Fairmont Heights High School and graduated valedictorian of his class.
Ray matriculated at Amherst College and received a BA degree in History. Although he loved the humanities, he realized that he wanted to pursue a career in medicine. He was accepted at Howard University College of Medicine and graduated in 1969. Dr. Davis began his medical journey with a pediatric internship at the University of California San Francisco. He completed the resident program at Martin Luther King General Hospital in Los Angeles, California. He earned a sub-specialty in Hematology Oncology and worked at Children’s Hospital, Oakland, California. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology. After completing his training, Dr. Davis served as a staff physician in the Department of Hematology Oncology at Children's Hospital Oakland. In 1981, he established East Oakland Pediatrics out of the need to bring quality medical care to the most underserved area in the state of California. At the time, East Oakland had one of the highest infant mortality rates in the nation. Dr. Davis maintained a diverse practice and staff. He learned to communicate in several languages with his patients. He cared for his patients and his staff with enthusiasm and dedication for 38 years. He retired in 2018 and moved to Madison, Virginia.
Dr. Davis loved his profession and cared deeply for the children and families that he served. He went over and beyond what was required or expected to assist his patients. He provided guidance, support and resources to his patients. Dr. Davis would personally purchase eyeglasses, medicines, school supplies and other necessities for his patients when their families could not afford to do so. He rejoiced in the milestones and celebrated the accomplishments of the children under his care. He attended their graduations, weddings and other significant events. Dr. Davis’ service on boards and organizations was noteworthy. He was active in the Amherst College Alumni Association, Howard University Medical Association, National Medical Association and Sinkler Miller Medical Association. He served on the Boards of Alameda Alliance for Health and Summit Bank of Oakland.
Dr. Davis earned great respect and gratitude for his professionalism and integrity. He mentored medical students and pediatric residents from the University of San Francisco. Because of his tireless commitment and dedication, many honors, accolades and awards were bestowed upon him.
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Leon Joseph Du Bois 1960
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Deceased February 22, 2023.
in memory
Leon arrived at Amherst from his home in Rochester, N.Y. While in public high school, he had been a student at the Eastman School of Music, studying both the violin and the piano. He continued his musical interests at Amherst and was president of the Glee Club in his senior year. He and I played piano duets in the basement of James during our freshman year and became fast friends. In the late ’50s, Amherst had only a few Black students (perhaps seven), but that was never an issue. Phi Alpha Psi had almost all of them, so it was natural for Leon to join the fraternity. As a good friend, I followed him there.
After graduation, he enrolled in Princeton for a master’s degree in music. He moved from the piano to the organ and also became a composer of church music. Soon after graduation, he declared that he was gay and moved to the Bay Area. He avoided any contact with former friends. He then obtained a nursing degree and spent the remainder of his professional life as a nurse at the San Francisco Kaiser Permanente hospital.
My wife, Wendy, and I tracked him down along the Russian River at a home he shared with his longtime husband, Angelo Proserpi. He remained upbeat and cheerful. He preferred to leave his former life behind, and we never reestablished regular contact. Leon died on Feb. 22, 2023.
Michael Taylor ’60
Leon Joseph Du Bois II, age 84, passed away on February 22, 2023, in Forestville, California. He is survived by his loving husband, Angelo Proserpi.
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Robert C. Follette, Jr. Amherst College Employee - Friend of Amherst College Black Alumni
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Deceased February 12, 2019.
Robert C. Follette, Jr. died on February 12, 2019, at Wingate at South Hadley, MA, his residence for the last three years. He was born June 9, 1925 in Jamaica, VT, to Robert C. and Muriel (Grout) Follett of Townshend, VT. His father, a dairy farmer, was invited to the University of Connecticut to consult on farming practices. The family went to Watertown, CT, where Robert graduated from high school in 1943. Soon after, the family returned to Vermont and began farming in North Springfield, VT.
Music and drama were interests he pursued throughout his life. Robert enjoyed being part of productions at the Playhouse in Weston, VT. He chose to attend the New England Conservatory in Boston, but determined that he would like to have a more lucrative career. He left the Conservatory and farming behind. On a visit to Chebeague Island, Maine, he decided, on a whim, to invest in Island View, a seasonal inn. With his partner, Alexander Morton, they entertained many summer guests over 15 years. In 1964, they sold the Inn and joined the staff at Amherst College where they worked for 25 years.
Robert was a long-time resident of Belchertown, MA. During that time Robert enjoyed singing with the Hampshire Choral Society and the Pioneer Valley Chorus and Orchestra. Robert was an outgoing, delightful, very kind, and generous person with a fine sense of humor and a hearty laugh. His many visitors in recent years are an indication of the joy he brought to so many. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Jean Willard, of North Springfield, VT, and his partner, Alexander Morton. He is survived by two nieces, two nephews, and several loyal, thoughtful friends. Robert appreciated the people who supported him throughout his life and in recent years. His family is grateful for the kindness of his closest friends and for the caring support provided by the Staff at Wingate at South Hadley in recent years.
Amherst College notes the passing of Robert C. Follette Jr. on Feb. 12, 2019. Follette came to the College in 1964 as a clerk in Dining Services. He continued to work in Valentine, becoming assistant manager in 1971 and dining hall manager in 1990, the year he retired from the College.
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David Menilek Goodwin 1977
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Deceased March 10, 2019.
Graduate of Berkeley High School, Berkeley, California. Amherst College Fine Arts major and recipient of the Anna B. Heap Prize. Assistant Manager of The Wine Shop, Oakland, California (1999-2001).
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George Winston Harry 1925
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According to "Remembering Dunbar", George Winston Harry was one of four Dunbar High School graduates to matriculate with the Amherst College Class of 1925. The other three were William Montague Cobb, Will Mercer Cook, and William Henry Hastie.
According to "Remembering Dunbar", George Winston Harry did not graduate from Amherst College.
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James S. Jackson, Jr. 1960
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Deceased January 16, 2018.
Amherst College psychology major.
in memory
Jim Jackson died more than five years ago, on Jan. 16, 2018, but no obituary has been located. Memories of him are unusually sparse, because he never contributed to our reunion books or class notes nor maintained contact with those who knew him best at Amherst.
He was Ralph Blume ’60’s classmate at Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, N.Y., and an Alpha Theta Xi fraternity brother at Amherst. Ralph noted, “We seemed to be very close. I was at his wedding but subsequently lost all touch with him and was never able to find him or anything about him. I felt it as a major loss.”
Charlie Cobb ’60 remembers that Jim was “my fraternity brother and roommate, but we too lost touch. Jim’s pledging Theta Xi was the reason we were expelled from that national organization. He was a good friend, an awesome high jumper on the track team and an overall positive person, not given to intense study but a committed bridge player. I am saddened by his departure.”
Bob Glickman ’60 observed that Jim “did not participate in fraternity activities, and I suspect he was not happy at Amherst, although the entire fraternity welcomed him.”
Jim was a psychology major. Classmates may remember his herculean efforts to pass the required swimming test, which allegedly persisted until the night before graduation.
Assembled by Dick Weisfelder ’60 with help from the classmates mentioned
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Theodore Charles Jones 1961
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In Memory
Ted Jones died Aug. 17, 2020, in Rockville, Md. He was a member of Kappa Theta and an editor of the Olio. Art Landy ’61 recalls an incident when Ted dozed off in physics class and Professor Townes threw a piece of chalk or an eraser at Ted, who snapped awake, saying, “You got me.” Townes kept on lecturing, and Ted went on to do well in physics. After Amherst, Ted graduated with a doctorate of philosophy at the University of Washington in 1967.
Ted taught at Amherst and Mount Holyoke College from 1972 to 1979, and from 1980 to 2020 he was a biologist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Ted did his Ph.D. thesis research in the laboratory of John Gallant at the University of Washington, on a class of enzymes that remove phosphate from nucleic acids and proteins. These enzymes (called phosphatases) perform many critical functions in all life forms and are involved in many human diseases. Ted showed that phosphatase gene expression in the model organism E. coli was determined by a number of different, as yet undiscovered, genes—an insight that foreshadowed our present understanding of the complexity of gene regulation.
Ted did his postdoctoral research in the laboratory of Bill Dove ’58 at the University of Wisconsin, where he developed and characterized a method for inhibiting transcription from DNA into RNA. The drug he used (BrdUrd) was one of the earliest anti-tumor drugs, and his work generated an important new tool for molecular biology.
Ted is survived by his wife, Olga Spears Jones; daughter Emily Powell; son-in-law Terry Powell; son Steven Jones; and many stepchildren and step-grandchildren.
Ted Ells ’61 and Art Landy ’61
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Highwarden Just 1940
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Deceased August 1984.
Born December 20, 1918 in Washington, DC. Son of Ernest Everett Just (1883-1941) and Ethel William (Highwarden) Just (1885-1959). Brother of Margaret (Just) Butcher and Maribel (Just) Butler. b rown Dunbar High School Graduate. On his World War II draft card, Highwarden was described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds. He had brown eyes, brown hair, and a "light brown" complexion. Teacher at Howard University (1940 and1969). Administrator Holsey Institute (1984). Died August 1984 in Cordele, Crisp, Georgia.
He was married and had one child.
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Derrick Andrew Lawrence 1991
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Deceased November 20, 2024.
In Memory
Derrick Andrew Lawrence was born on Dec. 30, 1969, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and passed away Nov. 20, 2024, after battling colon cancer. He was the son of Oretha (Woodley) and Leonard Lawrence and the youngest of two children.
Derrick and I met in 1987 as freshmen at Amherst. He was cautious and reserved, adjusting to a new environment after graduating valedictorian from the Antilles School. We were roommates from sophomore to senior year, and I watched him grow into a confident, happy and trusting young man.
Derrick loved history and science and initially pursued pre-med at Amherst. After earning a history degree, he took additional science courses at Columbia and UMass, striving to become a doctor. Eventually, he shifted paths, leveraging his analytical skills in day trading, which allowed him to live in various places. He ultimately returned home to St. Thomas to care for his parents, whom he loved dearly.
After his parents’ passing, Derrick moved to Las Vegas to escape the hurricanes that had damaged his family home over the decades since his Amherst days. In 2023, he was diagnosed with cancer, which claimed his life the following year.
A man of faith, Derrick was private and contemplative, spending time studying religion, philosophy, history and finance. His hobbies included collecting baseball caps, watching sports, reading, studying the bible and investing. Though he dated, he never married and had no children.
Derrick is survived by his brother, Donald Lawrence; many cousins; and many more friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Marcus Alston ’91
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Charles Dudley Lee 1923
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According to "Remembering Dinbar" (Post Number A00041), Charles William Lewis was one of three Dunbar High School graduates to matriculate with the Amherst College Class of 1923. The other two were George Nolen Calloway and Charles Dudley Lee.
According to "Remembering Dunbar", only Charles William Lewis graduated from Amherst College but Charlie Lee may have graduated as well. At Amherst, Lee was a member of Phi Alpha Psi fraternity. After Amherst, Charlie Lee went on to Howard University Medical School where he graduated in 1928.
During his medical career, Dr. Lee was a Staff Physician for the State of Maryland; Senior Physician for the City of Baltimore; was self-employed from 1950 to 1976; and served as Director of Provident Hospital from 1976 to 1979.
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Reyane Nafi Jeni Mbaye 2014
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Graduate of International School of Kenya. Amherst College Economics major; Mentee of Girls Inc. of Holyoke and Robert Frost Library Student Worker. Research Associate, Firefly Millward Brown (2014-2017); Research Executive, Firefly Millward Brown (2017-2018); Strategy & Operations Manager, Flare Emergency Response (2018-2019); Consumer Insights Research Manager, Kasha Global, Inc. (2019-2020); and Account Manager, Ipsos (2020-2024)
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Robert Henry Meriwether 1905
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Hartgrove, Meriwether, and Mattingly
September 2, 2020 by Mike Kelly
The past few months have been a challenging time for archivists everywhere as we adjust to doing our work remotely. Fortunately, the materials available in Amherst College Digital Collections enable us to continue doing much of our work.
Back in February, I posted about five Black students from the 1870s and 1880s — Black Men of Amherst, 1877-1883 — and now we’re moving into the early 20th century. A small clue in The Olio has revealed another Black student that was not included in Harold Wade’s Black Men of Amherst. Robert Sinclair Hartgrove (AC 1905) was known to Wade, as was Robert Mattingly (AC 1906), but we did not know about Robert Henry Meriwether. These three appear to be the first Black students to attend Amherst in the twentieth century.
The text next to Hartgrove’s picture in the 1905 yearbook gives us a tiny glimpse into his time at Amherst. The same yearbook shows Hartgrove not just jollying the players, but playing second base for the Freshman baseball team during the 1902 season.
The reference to Meriwether sent me to the Amherst College Biographical Record, where I found Robert Henry Meriwether listed as a member of the Class of 1904. A little digging into the College Catalogs revealed that he belongs with the Class of 1905.
Hartgrove and Meriwether are both listed as members of the Freshman class in the 1901-02 catalog. The catalog also notes that they were both from Washington, DC and the Biographical Record indicates that they both prepped at Howard University before coming to Amherst. We find Meriwether’s name in the catalog for 1902-03, but he did not “pull through” as The Olio hopes Hartgrove will; Meriwether returned to Howard University where he earned his LLB in 1907. Hartgrove also became a lawyer, earning his JB from Boston University in 1908 and spending most of his career in Jersey City, NJ.
Mattingly was born in Louisville, KY in 1884 and prepped for Amherst at The M Street School in Washington, DC, which changed its name in 1916 to The Dunbar School. Matt Randolph (AC 2016) wrote “Remembering Dunbar: Amherst College and African-American Education in Washington, DC” for the book Amherst in the World, which includes more details of Mattingly’s life.
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Alexander Morton Amherst College Employee
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Robert Follette Obituary
Robert C. Follette, Jr. died on February 12, 2019, at Wingate at South Hadley, MA, his residence for the last three years. He was born June 9, 1925 in Jamaica, VT, to Robert C. and Muriel (Grout) Follett of Townshend, VT. His father, a dairy farmer, was invited to the University of Connecticut to consult on farming practices. The family went to Watertown, CT, where Robert graduated from high school in 1943. Soon after, the family returned to Vermont and began farming in North Springfield, VT.
Music and drama were interests he pursued throughout his life. Robert enjoyed being part of productions at the Playhouse in Weston, VT. He chose to attend the New England Conservatory in Boston, but determined that he would like to have a more lucrative career. He left the Conservatory and farming behind. On a visit to Chebeague Island, Maine, he decided, on a whim, to invest in Island View, a seasonal inn. With his partner, Alexander Morton, they entertained many summer guests over 15 years. In 1964, they sold the Inn and joined the staff at Amherst College where they worked for 25 years.
Robert was a long-time resident of Belchertown, MA. During that time Robert enjoyed singing with the Hampshire Choral Society and the Pioneer Valley Chorus and Orchestra.
Robert was an outgoing, delightful, very kind, and generous person with a fine sense of humor and a hearty laugh. His many visitors in recent years are an indication of the joy he brought to so many. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Jean Willard, of North Springfield, VT, and his partner, Alexander Morton. He is survived by two nieces, two nephews, and several loyal, thoughtful friends. Robert appreciated the people who supported him throughout his life and in recent years. His family is grateful for the kindness of his closest friends and for the caring support provided by the Staff at Wingate at South Hadley in recent years.
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Chike Bartholomew Nnaji 2009
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Deceased June 15, 2018.
Graduate of Cathedral High School, Los Angeles, California. Amherst College History Major. Member of the Amherst College Investment Club.
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Franklin Owens, Jr. 1974
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Deceased October 7, 2021.
Graduate of Roosevelt High School, Des Moines, Iowa. Amherst College Black Studies and Sociology major. Scheduler for Roxanne Conlin (1982-1989); Sales Manager, Pidgeon's Furniture (1989-1996); Sales Manager, Bike World (1990-2020); Owner, Legend Cycles (1993-1996); Sales, Roberts & Williams Carpet Country (1996-1998); and Economic Development Specialist, Iowa State University (2001-2020)
Frank left his home in Altoona and moved into his parent’s home in Des Moines to lovingly care for his mother who had Alzheimer’s disease. He remained in Des Moines for the remainder of his years.
Frank worked through Iowa State University as a community planner. He also worked at Bike World full and part time for 30 years. His passion for cycling led him to coach and mentor inner city youth through the Dream Team and complete several ‘Ragbrai’ bicycle rides across Iowa.
Owning and managing multiple real estate properties led to Frank being a member and past president of the Neighborhood Revitalization Board which advised the City Council and Board of Supervisors on housing improvements and neighborhood revitalization projects.
Frank's hobbies included bicycling, hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. He did all things with passion and a voracious appetite to learn everything there was to know about the activity.
Through his marriage to Teresa Moklestad-Burke aka ‘Torese’, Frank became a father to Brandon Burke. Brandon quickly became Frank’s pride and joy. He proudly and lovingly called him son.
Frank was known and respected for his kindness and quiet dignity. Frank's legacy is evident in the lives and hearts he touched through mentoring and serving others. Frank leaves behind loving family, countless friends, acquaintances, and two beautiful dogs, Harry and Mister.
Frank is predeceased by his mother and father, his brother Fred, his brother William and his sister Gloria.
His spiritual faith was his source of strength throughout his cancer journey. He was a member of Cornerstone Family Church of Des Moines, Iowa and actively attended services until the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Frank is now in heaven rejoicing with Jesus.
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Dana Alexis Perry-Hunter 2000
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Deceased August 17, 2023.
Graduate of Green Valley High School in Suitland, Maryland. Amherst College Political Science major. Member of Amherst College's Women's Rugby Football Club. Associate Agent, Alumni Fund (2002-2010); Class Officer, Reunion Attendance Committee (2009- 2010); Mentor, Pathways (2013-2019); Associate Agent Alumni Fund (2019-2020). Employee, Integrated Communications (2000-2001) and Associate Director of Admission (2001-2023).
IN MEMORY
We are heartbroken to share that Dana Alexis Perry-Hunter passed away peacefully on August 17, 2023, at her home in Pottstown, Pa.
Dana was a cherished friend who built communities around her everywhere she went. She was a lifelong learner. Incredibly smart, thoughtful, philosophical and great debater, and so it was no surprise that she loved her time at Amherst. Majoring in political science, she was a passionate student of American politics, law, jurisprudence and social thought. But as much as she loved her educational pursuits, she loved her time at Amherst because of the friends she made there who became her family.
Meeting her at the beginning of freshman year was like winning the lottery. She made friends so easily. People gravitated toward her big, easy smile, quick wit and contagious laugh. But if you were one of her people, you truly were one of the luckiest people in the world. She loved her friends fiercely and made sure they always knew it. She was the first to reach out on your birthday and the first—and often only person—to remember some random anniversary or milestone. She was the type of person who reached out—often with a handwritten letter—for no other reason than because she was thinking of you.
After graduation, Dana moved to New York City for a brief stint before finding her calling in education. Dana was a beloved employee at the Hill School where she served as the associate director of Admissions. During her 22 years at Hill, she embraced countless other responsibilities including serving as an adviser and dorm parent. Over the past two decades, she admitted and mentored hundreds of students, her reach extending far beyond the campus.
Dana always acted in service of others, both personally and professionally. Having struggled with Multiple Sclerosis for more than 20 years, she was particularly sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities and actively supported a number of organizations focused on seeking cures and expanding accessibility. She was also a huge animal lover and gave to organizations dedicated to helping animals in need. She lived her life knowing that it was a precious gift, never taking one day for granted. When she was diagnosed with MS at such a young age—a time when all of us were just figuring out our way post-college—she never dwelled on it. She never felt sorry for herself. And she never, never let it define her. And while MS may have robbed her of some of her physical abilities, it never dimmed her light.
She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Karen Silberg Richman ’00
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Obituary
Dana Alexis Perry-Hunter passed away peacefully on August 17, 2023 at her home in Pottstown, PA. Dana was a loving daughter, a supportive sister, a fun aunt, advisor, and best friend.
Dana was a beloved employee at the Hill School for 22 years where she served as the Associate Director of Admissions. She embraced countless other responsibilities during her time there acting as an adviser, dorm parent, and sixth form adviser, as well, to name a few. Over the past two decades she admitted and mentored hundreds of students, her reach extending far beyond the campus. Prior to her time at Hill she served as an account coordinator at Schneider/Shapiro Communications, a renowned boutique public relations firm in New York City. She graduated cum laude from Amherst College in 2000 majoring in political science.
Dana was a lifelong learner, who always won at trivia and any games of knowledge she played. From a child she was precocious about her environment, and had a photographic memory which allowed her to recall every detail of an encounter or words to music whether it was written in the 1950s or 2000s. Her love of music led her to compile an extensive music collection from which her little sister would often borrow. She often lamented that she wasn’t old enough to be a contestant on the show “Name That Tune.” Family and friends maintain that she could have been a Jeopardy champion. Dana had infinite knowledge and curiosity across multiple subjects and disciplines. She was an avid reader and could engage with you about any subject. She was fluent in Spanish and had facility in several other languages. Her mind was simply masterful.
Dana loved sports both as a spectator and participant. She watched baseball with her grandfather (Poppy), attended basketball games with her father, and was a diehard Eagles fan. She loved physical activities from sailing and riding horses competitively as a teenager to the High School cheerleading squad, playing rugby in college.
She was an incredibly giving individual always in service of others both at work and outside. Having struggled with Multiple Sclerosis for over 20 years, she was particularly sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities and actively supported a number of organizations focused on seeking cures and expanding accessibility. She often envisioned her life after the Hill School as being a consultant to boarding schools and organizations to make their buildings more accessible beyond the minimal ADA regulations. Dana was also a huge animal lover and gave to organizations dedicated to helping animals in need. She is predeceased by her dog Veruca Salt (Vivi) and survived by her second fur baby Rosa Barks.
Dana was a cherished friend by so many and built communities of friends wherever she went. Her special way of lighting up a room with her smile, quick wit, and comedic timing was contagious and has been noted by many. She loved people and was energized by their possibilities making her a perfect fit for academia and the Hill School. She once got to 22 cities in Europe in 31 days and returned with a cadre of friends across the globe. Dana had many friends in Baltimore County Maryland where she attended elementary, middle, and the first two years of high school before moving to Pennsylvania and Great Valley High School where she would graduate. Dana was active at her church, Covenant Presbyterian in Malvern, PA, participating in youth groups and retreats. She leaves many friends in both areas. She is survived by her partner Steven Corteal, her parents John and Dolores, her sister Briana, her brother Marcus, and his spouse Jennifer and their three children Christopher, Ava, and Nicholas, her sweet dog Rosa Barks, and countless uncles, aunts, cousins, and family members. She is predeceased by Otis Perry. Dana will be missed tremendously, and we know that she will be keeping everyone in stitches in Heaven with her grandfathers, grandmothers, and family. In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, an organization that was very important to Dana, are greatly appreciated.
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Harry Greene Risher 1934
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Deceased June 1983. A graduate of Dunbar High School. Member of the Amherst College Cross Country Team. Employed as Manager of the Whitelaw Hotel in Washington, D.C. Employed as Manager of Korvett's Department Store.
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Gerald Wayne Stover 1975
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Deceased January 11, 2025.
Graduate of Classical High School of Springfield, Massachusetts. Amherst College Drama major. Member of Amherst College Masquers and Member Phi Delta Sigma Fraternity. Master of Business Administration degree from San Francisco State University (1980) and Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Georgetown University (1988). Regional Manager, Cemco Limited (1983-1986); Director, Trust for Public Land (1986-1989); Executive Director, Human Environment Center (1989-1991); Senior Managing Partner, The Environmental Consortium for Minority Outreach (1991-1994); Human Resources Director, Johns Hopkins University (1994-2016); Executive Director, Human Resources & Operations, Ustelecom Association (2008); and Founding Partner, GWS & Associates, Human Resources Consultants (2016-2019)
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Gerald Wayne Stover (71), of Arlington, Virginia, passed away at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. He died on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
Gerald, affectionately known as "Gerry" was born in Riverside, CA on Sunday, May 10, 1953 -- Mother's Day. He was the first born to Air Force Sergeant and Airman Sammie Louis and his wife Shirley Lorraine (Owens) Stover, both deceased. Although born in California, Gerry spent his childhood and young adult life in Springfield, MA where he attended public schools. A student of the cass of 1971, Gerry graduated from Classical Senior High School. After graduating, Gerry went to Amherst College where he earned a BA degree in Psychology & Dramatic Arts.
In a twist of decision making, Gerry decided to enlist in the Navy where he was initially stationed in Puerto Rico, but his assignments took him around the world. Six years later, he was honorably discharged and eventually landed in San Francisco, CA where he lived for a decade.
Fearing the global warning and earthquake effects escalating in San Francisco, Gerry moved East, he relocated and settled in Washington, DC for a brief time. He ultimately moved to Arlington, VA where he remained until his death.
Gerry's career entailed working at John Hopkins University SAIS where he was the Sr. Director of Human Resources. He then accepted a position of SRA (a CSRA Company), where he was the Executive Director of Operations. In his last position at GWS Human Resources Consultation, Gerry was a Sr. HR Specialist and Relocation Consultant. Along the way, Gerry met so many people who became life-long friends.
In retirement, Gerry loved to entertain and was an avid traveler - both INCONUS and abroad. Accompanying him was his life partner Michael Gray whom he shared a home with his life partner Michael Gray whom he shared a home with in Arlington, VA for over 10 years. Michael preceded Gerry in death in November 2022.
At Gerry's request, there will be no memorial services. Gerry will be cremated, and his ashes will be scattered, (along with Michael's) over Rehoboth Beach in DE.
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Margaret Rose Vendryes 1984
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Deceased March 29, 2022.
Graduate of Andrew Jackson High School. Amherst College Fine Arts major. Tulane University Art History, Master of Arts (1992) and Princeton University Art History, Doctor of Philosophy (1997). Assistant Archivist, Tulane University (1991-1992); Visiting Assistant Professor, Amherst College (1999-2000); Independent Scholar, Self-Employed (2000-2009); Assistant Professor, Princeton University (2000-2002); Associate Professor, City University of New York, College of Staten Island (2002-2007); Artist/Historian/Curator Self-Employed (2009-2022); Professor, City University of New York, York College (2013-2022); Chair, Department of Performing & Fine Arts, City University of New York, York College (2021-2022); and Curator and Director, York College Art Gallery (2021-2022)./2022
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You can remove a girl from the island, but the island remains within. I was born in Kingston, Jamaica to ambitious parents for whom life in the United States of America was worth everything. My mother was fast on a manual typewriter; my father fell into the lower ranks of food manufacturing. They bought a house, and made a home, in Queens, NYC. Shortly before grade school, I entered the U.S.A. with a green card that was my lifeline to Jamaica until they took the green card away when I became an American citizen. By 1965, our family had grown to nine members. I am the third child of seven, one of six daughters; the product of a Roman Catholic education peppered with short episodes of NYC public school when tuition couldn�t be made. All of my siblings are awesomely talented. While attending Amherst College, I completed a few studio courses where I began working with color, which I continue to find so seductive and pregnant with artifice. I had a family by then and turned to art history to remain connected to art makers while making a living. Artists don�t often make a decent living making art at least not the brown-skinned female kind. Details of my professional persona are recorded here on my CV. I hold a doctorate in art history and have taught facets of it for over a decade. I know that my relationship with making �art� appears to fall quite neatly into those written about since at least Vasari. I began drawing as a child copying mostly figures and faces from magazines. My sisters can attest to how fabulous my homemade paper dolls were. I was neither encouraged nor discouraged to take my art seriously. At the beginning of my college career, I was a theater major� costume design. That learning period, although short-lived, resonates in my current work. Over the years, I never stopped painting and accumulating �stuff� to use in statements about the human condition from where I stand. Popular culture and private memories combine, at times unconsciously, to inform my work. The growth of my ongoing practice was literally weighed with every location change I have made in my adult life� twenty-five of them to date. It may sound wrong, but I am not a nomad. In 2007, I began to make use of not only the stuff, but also the energy that drove me to acquire and keep it.
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In Memory
Margaret Rose (Cohen) Vendryes joined the class of 1984 as a burgeoning art historian and mother of two. Just seven years older than many classmates, she was fully formed through an intense humanism that cohered her acute eye, life experience, personal bearing and kindness. We were drawn to Margaret for her profound wisdom and friendship. She credited her academic work at Amherst with propelling her professionally. Margaret was a prescient scholar, even as an undergraduate. Her senior thesis was on 20th-century African American painter Archibald John Motley Jr., whose work first entered the Museum of Modern Art collection in 2021. In 1997, Margaret became the first Black Ph.D. in Princeton’s 115-year-old Department of Art and Archaeology.
Margaret lectured and taught at Amherst, Boston University, Princeton and Wellesley. She chaired the Department of Performing and Fine Arts at CUNY’s York College and was, at her death, poised to become dean of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts. As an artist, Margaret began a multimedia and multiyear project, the African Diva Series, in 2005.
Since spring 2020, 12 women from our class have gathered regularly on Zoom. It began as a check-in during the pandemic’s worst days and evolved into a joyful gathering of friends. We forged a renewed sisterhood, reflected on our hopeful and perilous world, and shared memories of Amherst. Margaret was a beautiful member of this group. Some of us got to know her during this time, while the authors below knew her well since college.
Though shocked and heartbroken to learn of her death on March 29, 2022, we are deeply grateful to have had the privilege to reconnect with Margaret over these last two years. We express our deepest sympathies to her sons, Damian and Erick Cohen, and her wife, Jacqueline Herranz Brooks.
Brooke Kamin Rapaport ’84 and the Rev. Marie Tatro ’84
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Morgan Ashly Venezia 2015
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Deceased May 4, 2022.
Graduaed from Pacific Grove High School, Pacific Grove, California. Amherst College Dual Major in Theater & Dance and Psychology. Member of the Amherst College Riding Team (Equestrian).. Mentee, Pathways (2013-2015).
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Hi, everyone! My name is Morgan. I'm from Pacific Grove, CA (central, on the peninsula) & extremely excited to spend the next four years on the East Coast.
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Morgan Ashly Venezia (née Brown), “Mo” to many, passed away on 4 May, 2022, after a years-long battle with depression and anxiety.
Born on 27 June, 1993, to Amber Russell and Micheal Brown in Santa Monica California, Morgan spent her childhood living in California with her mother. She graduated from Pacific Grove High School in 2011 and in 2015 earned a dual-bachelors degree from Amherst College, both in Theatre 88888888888888888888888888888888888888888Morgan's Obituary
Morgan Ashly Venezia (née Brown), “Mo” to many, passed away on 4 May, 2022, after a years-long battle with depression and anxiety.
Born on 27 June, 1993, to Amber Russell and Micheal Brown in Santa Monica California, Morgan spent her childhood living in California with her mother. She graduated from Pacific Grove High School in 2011 and in 2015 earned a dual-bachelors degree from Amherst College, both in Theatre & Dance and Psychology.
On 19 December 2015, Morgan married Anthony Venezia, forever forcing her to spell her name out when making phone calls. Morgan was working at Starbucks at the time, and Anthony was a regular customer. She would take extra special care with his orders and deliver them to his table while he studied, and their love took off like a whirlwind.
Morgan and Anthony had two daughters, Zuri Annette and Lucy James, born in 2019 and 2020. The girls were born in South Korea, while Morgan and Anthony were stationed there. As with any Army family, Morgan and Anthony lived in: Fort Campbell, Tennessee; Daegu, South Korea; and San Antonio, Texas; in addition to small stints in-between in Los Angeles, California and Sierra Vista, Arizona.
Morgan is survived by her parents, Amber and Rob Kerchner, her husband Anthony, and her daughters Zuri and Lucy.
A private celebration of life will take place, in one of the places in which she was the most happy, where the people who loved her most can share how Morgan touched their lives. In lieu of flowers, which Morgan always said ‘just die anyway and are a waste of money,’ she would have preferred books presented to Zuri and Lucy or a donation to their college fund.
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Many of us met Morgan by first seeing her brilliant smile and sincerity in her eyes. Stunningly beautiful and warm hearted, she was magnetic and attracted people quickly into her group. She was quick to laugh and quick with sarcastic jokes, always one step ahead of most of us. Her love was deep and she was strong. She always showed her strong and extroverted side anywhere she went, though most who knew her also knew the tender love she was capable of, the moments of vulnerability she would share with us were few but showed us who she truly cared for.
She was master of detail, always remembering the little thing you mentioned six months ago, the movie you said you loved, the book you wanted, or a food you liked. She lived to use this impeccable memory and attention to detail on birthdays and holidays. Nobody threw a birthday party like Morgan, though she was quick to credit her mom for showing her the ropes as a little girl.
As an avid yogi and health buff, she ate vegan and would be found in the yoga studio or walking the neighborhood - but just as often walking with her yoga mat! She aspired to finish her yoga teacher training and share her mindfulness and spiritual yoga practice with others.
Her daughters knew her as their protector. When they fell, were tired, were hungry, or when Daddy did something wrong, she was their shelter and always ready for a hug. They were often found in the living room, doing yoga together, or in the play room, rocking out to Baby Shark and building creations. She tried to take them on a walk every day, or to the pool, or to the playground, or all three! All three girls slept together most nights, cuddled up in their sanctuary, which Morgan painstakingly curated with art, books, stuffed animals, and unicorn sheets.
Morgan was an amazing wife, who, luckily for me, chose a life as an Army Wife. My Army Wife. In the early days, she treated our pup, Pepe, just like she eventually would to our daughters. When I came home from work, they’d greet me at the door and fight over who got to jump on me first. Or I would find them cuddled up in the windowsill, Morgan nose deep in a book and Pepe nose deep in a new bone. As we moved across the world, our family grew, and Morgan’s role as an Army Wife grew with it. Although challenging, she made it look easy. Most who met her had no idea any of her many jobs of being a Mom, being a Wife, being an Army Wife, and the myriad of projects she surrounded herself with, was anything but easy for her.
Although a complex woman, Morgan was a warm acquaintance, a fierce friend, a loving mother, and an amazing wife, someone all of us can say we are better for having her in our lives. Her loss is devastating for our daughters and me, but a loss shared upon those whose lives she touched across the world as she went along. I will trust all of you to help me explain to her amazing daughters, which already are so much like she was, who their mom really was, and why she was such an amazing person, why the world is so much worse without her in it. Why our lives are so much worse, without her in them.
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David W. Wills Amherst College Faculty - Black Alumni Friend
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David Wills Obituary
David W. Wills
South Hadley, MA - David Wills, 81, of Amherst, passed away peacefully on January 18, after a year-long battle with lymphoma. He will be remembered as a kind, generous, and profoundly insightful man who valued his family, his faith, and his professional craft as a teacher and scholar.
David was born on January 25, 1942 to Theodore and Elizabeth, in Portland, Indiana. David eventually moved to Monrovia, California, where he met and married Carolyn Montgomery in 1964. The two went on to have three sons, John, Ted, and Thomas, who, in time, produced six grandchildren.
David enjoyed a long and rewarding career in academia. After earning his A.B. in history from Yale University in 1962, he continued his education, graduating from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1966, and earning his Ph.D. in Religion and Society in 1975 from Harvard University. He joined the faculty of Amherst College in 1972, where he would teach until his retirement in 2018. Profoundly dedicated to his scholarship and teaching, he was a mentor to students and colleagues, alike. A discerning, insightful, and meticulous historian, David's scholarly interests were broad and diverse, often exploring the nexus of history, religion, and the African American experience. Although he spent some time in the Black Studies and American Studies departments at Amherst College, the Religion Department was his true home.
David was a man of great personal integrity, epitomized by his commitment to social justice in both his personal conduct and his scholarship. He was thoroughly thorough, and conscientiously conscientious, and these qualities permeated all of his loves and passions. He took delight in thinking deeply, and in engaging in lively discourse. This was true in his scholarly pursuits, but equally true when discussing the Red Sox's prospects – poor, given their questionable starting pitching – or the optimal time to depart for a 6:00 dinner reservation – 5:23, clearly – or how to approach dessert – get one of everything and extra forks. He delighted in his family, and particularly in his role as granddaddy, and treasured annual family gatherings on North Carolina's coast, and later at Lake Champlain in Vermont. To his family, his students, and his colleagues he was generous with his time, his energy, and with his thoughts (not to mention his extensive supply of jelly beans, gum drops, fudge, and malted milk balls). He was a great listener, adept at making the comments or asking the questions that would help one reach clarity without being prescriptive or overtly directive. He was a devoted member of the Grace Episcopal Church congregation throughout his years living in Amherst and contributed regularly and generously to innumerable charities and organizations.
David was predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn, their son John Wills and his wife, Cynthia, and their two children, Alexandria and Elliot; their son Theodore and his wife, Melanie, and their three children, Maya, Ethan, and Owen; and their son, Thomas, and his daughter, Samantha. David also leaves an older brother, Theodore.
Calling hours will be held at Douglass Funeral Home, Amherst, on Monday, January 29, from 4:00-6:00 PM. A Memorial Service followed by a reception will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, in Amherst, on Tuesday, January 30, at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Hospice House of Fisher, in Amherst, in recognition of the loving care they provided to David in his final days.
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: skipjen2865@aol.com <skipjen2865@aol.com>
To: Everett Jenkins <skipjen2865@aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 11:32:20 PM PDT
Subject: David Wills
David Wills
January 25, 1942 – January 18, 2024
David Wills, 81, of Amherst, passed away peacefully on January 18, after a year-long battle with lymphoma. He will be remembered as a kind, generous, and profoundly insightful man who valued his family, his faith, and his professional craft as a teacher and scholar.
David was born on January 25, 1942 to Theodore and Elizabeth, in Portland, Indiana. David eventually moved to Monrovia, California, where he met and married Carolyn Montgomery in 1964. The two went on to have three sons, John, Ted, and Thomas, who, in time, produced six grandchildren.
David enjoyed a long and rewarding career in academia. He prepared for Yale at Monrovia High School in Portland, Oregon. At Yale he was a history honors major and ranking scholar, he won the Schroeder Scholarship and Award. He was the chief aid in Calhoun College, and co-chairman of the vespers committee, on the council and players and played basketball and softball. Beyond Calhoun he was vice-chairman of the Young Democrats, participated in the Dwight Hall Christian fellowship, the Westminster Foundation, the P.U. and still managed to graduate Phi Beta Kappa! He roomed with Neil Baronberg, Rodney Hunter, and Richard Trimble.
After Yale he graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1966, and earned his Ph.D. in Religion and Society in 1975 from Harvard University. He joined the faculty of Amherst College in 1972, where he would teach until his retirement in 2018. Profoundly dedicated to his scholarship and teaching, he was a mentor to students and colleagues, alike. A discerning, insightful, and meticulous historian, David’s scholarly interests were broad and diverse, often exploring the nexus of history, religion, and the African American experience. Although he spent some time in the Black Studies and American Studies departments at Amherst College, the Religion Department was his true home.
David was a man of great personal integrity, epitomized by his commitment to social justice in both his personal conduct and his scholarship. He was thoroughly thorough, and conscientiously conscientious, and these qualities permeated all his loves and passions. He took delight in thinking deeply, and in engaging in lively discourse. This was true in his scholarly pursuits, but equally true when discussing the Red Sox’s prospects – poor, given their questionable starting pitching – or the optimal time to depart for a 6:00 dinner reservation – 5:23, clearly – or how to approach dessert – get one of everything and extra forks. He delighted in his family, and particularly in his role as granddaddy, and treasured annual family gatherings on North Carolina’s coast, and later at Lake Champlain in Vermont. To his family, his students, and his colleagues he was generous with his time, his energy, and with his thoughts (not to mention his extensive supply of jelly beans, gum drops, fudge, and malted milk balls). He was a great listener, adept at making the comments or asking the questions that would help one reach clarity without being prescriptive or overtly directive. He was a devoted member of the Grace Episcopal Church congregation throughout his years living in Amherst and contributed regularly and generously to innumerable charities and organizations.
David was predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn, their son John Wills and his wife, Cynthia, and their two children, Alexandria and Elliot; their son Theodore and his wife, Melanie, and their three children, Maya, Ethan, and Owen; and their son, Thomas, and his daughter, Samantha. David also leaves an older brother, Theodore.
— John Harger Stewart
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Amherst College mourns the passing of David Wills, the John E. Kirkpatrick 1951 Professor of Religion, Emeritus, on Jan. 18, 2024.
Provost and Dean of the Faculty Catherine Epstein wrote the following in a Jan. 24 email to faculty and staff:
An accomplished scholar, beloved teacher and mentor, and active and engaged member of the faculty, David taught at Amherst for more than four decades. At the time of David’s retirement in 2018, his colleagues in the Department of Religion wrote that they would miss his “wealth of knowledge, incisive and penetrating intelligence, persistence and thoroughness in all his doings, and his well-honed dry wit." For those who did not have the pleasure of knowing David personally, I think this description captures what a wonderful person he was. David joined the Amherst faculty in 1972, after earning an A.B. degree, summa cum laude, in history from Yale; a B.D. degree from Princeton Theological Seminary; and a Ph.D. from Harvard in religion and society. A highly productive scholar with a wide range of interests, he authored numerous articles, chapters, and books on subjects ranging from Christianity in America, to African American religious history, to persistent racial polarity in American religion and politics. According to one of David’s favorite students, Laurie Maffly-Kipp ’82, Archer Alexander Distinguished Professor at the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis, “Intellectually, [David’s] lasting contribution was the insistence (now taken for granted) that race was one of the themes that shaped American history (and religious history) from its beginnings.” In addition, beginning in the late 1980s, David and Professor Albert Raboteau at Princeton began the Afro-American (later African-American) Documentary History Project, which was funded by three major foundations over the years and headquartered in Amherst's Observatory building for the past several decades. This effort provided support for the work of many scholars and resulted in a collection of documents that span the fifteenth century to the present.
During the course of his career, David taught courses ranging from American religious history and African-American religious history to religious ethics and the intersection of religion and politics. While he considered the Department of Religion home, David also held positions in the Department of American Studies and the Department of Black Studies. Beginning in 1979 and continuing for the next nine years, David also supervised the Luce Program in Comparative Religious Ethics, which brought eminent scholars to Amherst to teach with members in the department. Reflecting on David’s many gifts as a scholar and teacher, Maria Heim, George Lyman Crosby 1896 and Stanley Warfield Crosby Professor in Religion, noted, “He had a remarkably capacious intellect and range of curiosity. These he combined with a meticulous historical sensibility that excavated and remembered every detail as he painstakingly pieced together the many narratives of African-American religious history and the fundamental and wide-ranging ways they shape American life. In the classroom, David was gentle but formidable as he required students to grapple with the historical conditions of their assumptions, while also insisting that they be prepared to live with the entailments of their commitments.”
David served on numerous college committees over the course of his career, among them, the College Council, the Committee on Special Programs, and the Committee on Affirmative Action and Personnel Policy, all of which he chaired at various times. He was also renowned for his eloquence at faculty meetings. David's service to the profession was extensive; he assumed roles that included convenor of the Northeastern Seminar on Black Religion, intermittently, over two decades; one of the first co-chairpersons of the Afro-American Religious History Group of the American Academy of Religion; co-chair of the Working Group on Afro-American Religion and Politics at Harvard’s W.E.B. DuBois Institute, and associate editor of the Journal of Religious Ethics. He also delivered papers regularly on a range of subjects at institutions across the country for more than three decades.
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Robert Willingham Yancey 1975
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Deceased November 18, 2017.
Graduate of Roosevelt Roads High School. Cieba, Puerto Rico, a high school affiliated with the Naval Base. Amherst College Biology major. Member of Theta Delta Chi fraternity. Howard University, Doctor of Medicine degree (1979). Intern, District of Columbia General Hospital (1980-1983); Medical Director, District of Columbia (1983- 2017); Medical Director, Professional Development Corporation (1987-1989); Medical Officer, Group Health Association (2006); and Medical Director, East Coast Health Organization (2006).
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ROBERT YANCEY Obituary
DR. ROBERT W. YANCEY, JR
On Saturday, November 18, 2017 at his home in Upper Marlboro, MD. Survived by wife, Angela Yancey; children, Jennifer-Camille, Robert III and Anthony; Mother Josephine (Theartic); siblings, Michael (Barbara), Joseph (Connie), Karl (Rene) and Valerie; and a host of nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. Family will receive friends Friday, November 24 at JB Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel, 7474 Landover Rd., Hyattsville MD, 20785 Visitation 3:30 p.m. Service 4:30 p.m.
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