In Memoriam
This space pays tribute to the people who helped shape Grand Valley, such as Don Thomas and Frank Griggs.
February 10, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 11)
In Memoriam
March 17, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 13)
From left to right, senior engineering student Melissa Finstrom and engineering faculty Paul D. Johnson and Thomas M. Yackish study Tectronic equipment.
Photo Credit: courtesy of GVSU University Libraries, Lemmen Library and Archives
Retired faculty member
Thomas
Yackish, professor emeritus of engineering, died March 4, 2026. He
was 87 years old.
After teaching at what was then called Purdue University-Calumet, Yackish joined Grand Valley's faculty in 1985 to help establish its electrical engineering program. He retired in 2003
Yackish also served as the voice for the Laker Marching Band for 23 years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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This article was last edited on March 13, 2026 at 11:50 a.m.
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