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SIUE Athletics mourns the loss of beloved staff member Lindsey Schmidt, who passed away on Tuesday, December 23. Lindsey has served as an Academic Advisor at SIUE since 2008.

"This is heartbreaking for all who knew Lindsey," said Andrew Gavin, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics. "She has long been a beloved member of our athletics family, because of her infectious energy, positive attitude, and incredibly helpful and loving heart. She has provided so much support and love to countless current and past Cougar student-athletes."

For anyone wishing to support Lindsey's family, including her husband Justin and their two children, please visit this link.

Lindsey was a member of the student-athlete success team at SIUE, working hand in hand with Deputy AD Jaci DeClue for nearly two decades. Lindsey's support and passion helped student-athletes at SIUE achieve incredible results academically, with 39 consecutive semesters posting a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. In November, SIUE was recognized as having the top Graduation Success Rate nationally among Division I public institutions.

"Lindsey was a source of light and warmth to all who knew her, with the remarkable ability to make everyone feel seen, valued, and special through her kindness, humility, and genuine care for others," DeClue shared. "During her 17 years at SIUE, she played a vital role in building an academic support program that served thousands of student-athletes, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and lasting impact.

"It was truly an honor to work alongside Lindsey for the past 17 years and to witness firsthand the difference she made every single day. She will be deeply missed by her colleagues, students, and all whose lives were made better by knowing her, and SIUE Athletics will not be the same without her."

In 2024, she was awarded the Thurston Banks Award by the Ohio Valley Conference, an award that recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to OVC student-athletes' academic success and learning and development.

Lindsey graduated from fellow OVC member institution UT Martin, where she was a standout volleyball student-athlete and helped the Skyhawks to two regular season conference championships. She was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2002 OVC tournament.

Information about memorial services and additional ways that SIUE plans to honor Lindsey's memory and legacy will be shared later.

If you would like to leave condolences with her friends and family or share stories of Lindsey's impact at SIUE, please fill out this form.

Photo: Lindsey Schmidt

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville mourns the passing of Eva Dreikurs Ferguson, PhD, professor emerita of psychology and distinguished scholar, who died Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at the age of 96. Ferguson served the University for more than five decades, leaving an indelible mark on SIUE through her teaching, scholarship, mentorship and philanthropic legacy.

Eva joined SIUE in 1965 and served as a faculty member in the Department of Psychology until her retirement in 2019. During her 54-year tenure, she was widely recognized as a distinguished scholar in motivation and Adlerian psychology, and for her dedication to advancing both theory and practice in educational and organizational settings.

The daughter of pioneering psychologist Rudolf Dreikurs, MD, Eva continued and expanded her father’s influential work in Adlerian psychology throughout her career. She played a central role in establishing the Dr. Rudolf Dreikurs Visiting Scholar Endowment, which supports the Dreikurs Visiting Scholar Series at SIUE and brings internationally recognized Adlerian scholars to campus. The endowment ensures that the Dreikurs legacy of social interest, democratic leadership and encouragement continues to inspire students and faculty for generations to come.

"Dr. Ferguson’s career was marked by a deep commitment to the field of psychology and to advancing knowledge through scholarship, teaching and service," said Dean Robin Hughes, PhD. "Through her contributions to the School of Education, Health, and Human Behavior, Dr. Ferguson leaves a lasting legacy that continues to shape the field of psychology."

“I had the honor and privilege of meeting and working with Eva over the last two years to elevate the Dreikurs Visiting Scholar Series,” said Nick Niemerg, director of development for the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. “The tremendous legacy that she leaves behind not only at SIUE but the field of Psychology is truly inspiring and I'm so grateful that I got to know and work with her.”

An internationally respected scholar, Ferguson earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree from the University of Melbourne, and her PhD from Northwestern University. Her academic career included clinical practice in the United States and Australia, as well as research sabbaticals as a visiting professor at the University of Vermont, Northwestern University and the University of California, Berkeley.

Her scholarship allowed her to author several renown publications, including “Motivation: A Biosocial and Cognitive Integration of Motivation and Emotion,” (Oxford University Press, 2000); “Adlerian Theory: An Introduction,” (Adler University, 2018); and co-author of “Discipline Without Tears,” (Wiley, 2004), a foundational work in positive discipline that she later revised with senior responsibility. She also published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes, with research focused on motivation, leadership, workplace well-being, parenting and education.

Ferguson was a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science, a founding member of the Society for the Study of Motivation and a diplomate of the North American Society for Adlerian Psychology. She was also a member of the Psychonomic Society, Sigma Xi, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Beyond her scholarship, Eva was known for her generosity, intellectual curiosity and commitment to students and colleagues.

Memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the International Committee of Adlerian Summer Schools and Institutes (ICASSI). Condolences may be shared through the family’s official obituary at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home.


Photo: Eva Dreikurs Ferguson, PhD, courtesy of Weber & Rodney Funeral Home

Doris Hardwick, a longtime employee of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, died Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. She served the University for more than 30 years and retired in 2014.

After beginning her career in Dining Service, Hardwick worked in the School of Education, Special Education, the University Museum and Student Housing during her time at SIUE.

Born March 26, 1963, in Alton, Hardwick was remembered as someone who loved children and animals and was often described as never having met a stranger. She resided in Roxana, Ill.,

Funeral arrangements were handled by Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home, Bethalto, Ill., with services held Monday, Dec. 15.

Her full obituary may be read on Legacy.com.

Photo: Doris Hardwick, courtesy of Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home

Roger C. Hill, PhD, emeritus professor in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Physics, passed away on Nov. 5, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. He was 84.

Born and raised in Pasadena, Calif., Hill earned a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1963 and a doctorate in physics in 1969 from the California Institute of Technology. His doctoral thesis, “Relativistic Quark Models and the Current Algebra,” contributed to the emerging landscape of particle physics in the late 1960s. Before joining SIUE, he served as a research associate and lecturer at Northwestern University from 1968–70.

Hill joined SIUE faculty on Sept. 16, 1970, as an assistant professor of physics. He advanced through the ranks to associate professor and professor, and for four decades taught courses in classical and modern physics, quantum mechanics, mathematical physics and advanced dynamics. He was beloved by his students.

Hill’s scholarship included work in quark models, current algebra and quantum field theory. He authored a textbook on quantum mechanics, published numerous articles and delivered presentations at conferences and workshops throughout his career. Hill retired on Aug. 31, 2010, and was granted emeritus status in recognition of his distinguished service to the University.

Beyond his academic work, Hill was known for an expansive curiosity that shaped a wide range of interests from astronomy, early computing and 3-D imaging to music, languages and model railroading. He shared these passions generously with colleagues, students and friends, often bringing the same careful attention and enthusiasm to his community pursuits that he brought to the classroom and laboratory.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Southern California Railway Museum at socalrailway.org.

PHOTO: Professor Emeritus Roger Hill

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is mourning the passing of student Adeline Mwajuma, 21, who died Monday, Nov. 11.

Adeline was a School of Business student and an active member of Black Girls Rock and the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC). She was known on campus for her warmth, creativity and the steady kindness she shared with friends and peers.

Born in Tanzania, Adeline was raised in a home that nurtured curiosity, imagination and joy. She brought that same spirit to SIUE, where she engaged deeply in community-minded work through NACWC and found connection through student involvement and friendships. Those who knew her describe her as fearless, funny and unwaveringly supportive.

She is survived by her parents, siblings, extended family and many friends who will miss her deeply.
Visitation and services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 21, at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1100 College Park Dr., Columbia, Mo. Interment will take place at Columbia Cemetery. Colleagues mourned her loss with a balloon release on Wednesday, Oct. 19 in the Stratton Quad.

A full obituary is available through Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory.

PHOTO:  Adeline Mwajuma

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community extends its condolences to the family, friends and former colleagues of Franklin J. “Frank” Crain, who died Friday, Oct. 3 at the age of 81.

Frank served SIUE for more than 25 years, beginning his career in 1978 and retiring in 2004. He was a skilled EDP auditor and supported Institutional Research and Financial Affairs, serving as Assistant to the Director of Institutional Research and later as Special Assistant to Financial Affairs. He was known for his enthusiasm for technology, his meticulous nature and his kind spirit. He took great pride in his work and in the relationships he built across campus.

After retiring, Frank continued to nurture his lifelong love of learning and creativity. A talented storyteller and musician, he shared his warmth and wit through his annual Christmas letters and his music, having played both trumpet and organ.

A memorial service celebrating Frank’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 in the Atrium of the Eden Village Retirement Center in Glen Carbon, Illinois.

Read the full obituary on Baue Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers, tributes may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Frank Crain.

PHOTO:  Franklin J. Crain

Eldon “Ed” Bigham, a retired Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty member who played a major role in the development of the Vadalabene Center, died on Wednesday, Sept. 17. He was 83. 
 
Ed made a lasting impact on the SIUE community as a professor, athletic director, assistant basketball coach, and assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs. In Edwardsville, he served as president of the LeClaire School PTA, joined the YMCA board and worked as a real estate agent in Maryville for approximately 20 years after post-retirement. 
 
According to an online obituary, Ed was born July 8, 1942 to William Leslie and Ernestine Heisner Bigham. His birth mother passed away months after Ed was born. Ed was raised by Ernestine’s brother, Leonard Heisner and his wife Mary Faltmeyer Heisner (Ernestine’s best friend). This made Ed the youngest in both the Bigham and Heisner families, to which he often said, “I am the luckiest child in Southern Illinois to be blessed with 14 siblings.” 
 
A product of the Pinckneyville school system, Ed graduated from Pinckneyville Community High School (PCHS) in 1960 and was recruited and offered a scholarship by NBA Hall of Fame basketball coach Harry Gallatin to Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). He played four seasons of basketball at SIUC, two for Coach Gallatin and two for Coach Jack Hartman. Upon graduation, he returned to Pinckneyville to teach and serve as head basketball coach at PCHS. After four years, Gallatin recruited him again, but this time as an assistant basketball coach at SIUE, where Ed would begin his career on the Edwardsville campus.
 
Ed is preceded in death by his parents and many siblings. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Jumper Bigham; daughters Michele (Shelly) Bigham and Jenifer Bigham Bonney (Lance); stepson C. Robert (Robb) Crawford; grandchildren Michael U. Willame, Isabelle C. Bonney, Grace E. Bonney, and Samantha R. Bonney; brothers A. Wayne Bigham (Charlene); sisters-in-law Marilyn Heisner and Margie Moore; and many beloved nieces and nephews. 
 
A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26 with an 11:00 a.m. service at Eden Church of Edwardsville, located at 903 N 2nd St., Edwardsville, Ill. 62025. Interment will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Edwardsville. 
 
Memories can be shared via the online guest book.

PHOTO:  Eldon “Ed” Bigham

Ashton Carter, a fourth-year business administration-marketing major in the SIUE School of Business, died one day before his 21^st birthday.

Ashton was recruited from Kenwood Academy to attend SIUE and received a full scholarship as a Meridian Scholar.

Not long after arriving on campus, Ashton was quite a popular figure. He joined numerous organizations and connected with the students on a level that got him elected to office as a Senator in the Student Government. He served a two-year term from 2023-25.

Gabrielle Allen, junior in the School of Nursing, attended the same high school as Ashton and was glad to reunite with him when she transferred to SIUE.

"He spoke life into everyone. He was inviting. He was comforting. If you had any questions or problems, you could come to him. You could talk to him,” Gabrielle reflected. “He was an amazing person to be around and an amazing person to encounter. He will be truly missed, and he is still truly loved.”

Ashton mentored a community of classmates, and prioritized community service among his social circles. He pledged the Iota Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he was installed as treasurer in 2023 and then chapter president the following year. Ashton simultaneously spent two years in office in the National Pan-Hellenic Council taking on the roles of compliance officer and secretary in 2023 and then vice president in the spring of 2024.

Ashton was a formidable presence in the Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR) office and was fully involved in numerous student organizations, such as the Black Student Union where he was also treasurer and held the position of secretary of Fashion Hub this year.

Devin Willis, junior in the School of Education Health and Human Behavior and Ashton’s fraternity brother and current chapter president recalled, “I looked at him as a mentor. I saw the way he carried himself throughout his presidency, and it inspired me to be better. He always pushed me and always supported me. He always gave me great advice, and I appreciated him.”

“If I have learned anything, it is to walk in kindness because you never know when someone will be gone. I miss my brother,” said Bryan Robinson, a senior in integrative studies. “I just wish I had five more minutes. It’s definitely heartbreaking, but it is also an opportunity for us to unite, come together and lean on each other. Because at the end of the day, we are all we got.”

Ashton’s family has shared that an Omega and memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at The Greenwood Oasis on the campus of New Life Covenant Southeast, 7621 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60619.

PHOTO:  Ashton Carter

SIUE mourns the passing of Athletics Hall of Famer Jean McDonald, who died on August 16, 2025.

McDonald was a secretary and administrative assistant under multiple directors of athletics from 1978 to 2002. She followed the Cougars through numerous national championships and provided behind-the-scenes support for all SIUE's sports, giving of her time above and beyond the call of duty.

"It is difficult to say in a few sentences what a wonderful human being God gave this world in Jean," former SIUE Director of Athletics Brad Hewitt said. "She brought a smile, kindness and calmness to SIUE Athletics every day.

"In the toughest of days and the toughest of times Jean was there to support and offer her confidence to those who needed it," Hewitt continued. "She was so important because she cared so much for the success of SIUE Athletics and of her colleagues. She truly made a great difference in the lives of her family, friends, colleagues and the SIUE student-athletes."

In 2007, the department honored her with the naming of the Jean McDonald Service Award which honors individuals who have displayed a similar dedication to SIUE Athletics.

Jean and her husband Dick were inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Cougar Champions Fund.

A complete obituary may be found on Legacy.com.

PHOTO:  Jean McDonald

Edward “Ed” Alan Knowles, IT associate director for Production Control and Enterprise Reporting, devoted more than 41 years of service to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He passed away Friday, July 25, 2025.

Born September 18, 1961, in Granite City, Illinois, Ed was known for his dedication to his work and the friendships he built across campus. He enjoyed camping outings with his co-workers in the IT department and beyond.

Ed and his beloved wife of 15 years, Peggy (nee Knepper) Knowles, passed away a day apart.

A complete obituary is available on the Irwin Chapel website for Edward Alan Knowles. Arrangements are being conducted by Irwin Chapel. A memorial visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road, Granite City, Illinois.

PHOTO:  Edward Knowles

Therese “Terri” M. Svehla, who lived in Edwardsville, died Thursday, July 24, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. She was 63.

Svehla began working as a Program Services Specialist on Feb. 22, 2016, at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start Program. At the time of her death, she was classified as a Business Administrative Associate for the Program.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 31 at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville. A funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Glen Carbon with the Rev. Robert J. Jallas officiating. Interment will be Monday, Aug. 4 at All Saints Cemetery in Northfield, Ohio.

A complete obituary is listed on the website of Weber & Rodney Funeral Home.

Arrangements are being handled by Weber & Rodney Funeral Home.

PHOTO:  Terri Svehla

Jarrod E. Rhodes, a third-year student in Mechanical Engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Engineering, died. He was 22 years old.

Originally from Belleville, Jarrod was a member of numerous student organizations and worked on campus as a receptionist for the Student Opportunities of Academic Results (SOAR) office.

Jarrod was awarded the Johnetta Haley Scholarship (2023) and was a member of the following: Engineers Without Borders, Chess Club, Black Student Union, Association for Information Systems, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE). Most recently, Jarrod assisted in the engineering career fair.

Funeral services are being held at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. 

PHOTO:  Jarrod Rhodes

Kathleen Armstrong Thomerson, a former Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty member in the Department of Music, died Monday, April 7 in Austin, Texas. She was 91.

Born Feb. 18, 1934, in Jackson, Tenn., Thomerson was a gifted organist and respected educator. Thomerson taught organ in the Department of Music during the late 1980s and 1990s, sharing her deep knowledge of hymnal and classical music. She also served on the faculty of the St. Louis Conservatory and held a long tenure as organist and director of music at University United Methodist Church in St. Louis.

A member of the American Guild of Organists, Thomerson earned both the Fellow and Choirmaster certifications and chaired the organization’s committee on professional certifications.
Her legacy as a composer and writer continues to resonate across musical and spiritual communities. Her hymn, “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,” and its accompanying tune, “Houston,” have been included in hymnals across the United States and internationally. In addition to numerous published compositions and recordings, Thomerson authored a book, “Jean Langlais: A Bio-Bibliography.”

She is survived by her son, Eric of Austin, Texas; daughter, Rachel Miller and her husband, Richard, of Arlington Heights, Ill.; grandson, Mason Miller of Tempe, Ariz.; and brother, Boyd Armstrong of Houston, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 22, at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 3011 E. 8th St., Austin, Texas.
Read her full obituary on legacy.com.

PHOTO: Thomerson

Brandon Stewart Ahring died in a car accident on April 16. He was 22 years old.

Brandon was a student in the School of Engineering who recently made the decision to pursue a major in Cybersecurity Engineering.

Brandon was also a talented athlete. During his cross-country career at Father McGivney Catholic High School in Glen Carbon, he was known for completing 3-mile races under 17 minutes. Though he graduated in 2021, he returned to his alma mater the past three years to inspire students on the track and field team as an assistant coach. He took great pride in coaching his younger brother, Tyler, a senior on the team.

Senior Academic Advisor in the Office of First Year and Transitional Advising, Elizabeth Sanders, worked closely with Brandon and shared the following: “Brandon’s quiet authenticity and kind sincerity struck me immediately upon meeting him. Those of us who had the distinct honor of knowing him, were aware Brandon had something wonderful and uniquely irreplaceable to contribute to those around him. His energy will be missed tremendously, not only on this campus, but far beyond; as Brandon touched the lives of the many students he coached on his alma mater’s Track & Field team, at Father McGivney, as well as his circle of friends, and the faculty and staff that worked with him closely. I will forever be heartbroken that Brandon’s dreams and impact will not be fully realized. The entirety of student services at SIUE is feeling this loss and we offer our sincerest condolences during this unimaginable time.”

Services were held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Staunton. Read more about Brandon in his obituary.

PHOTO:  Brandon Ahring 

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.