In Memoriam
This space pays tribute to the people who helped shape Grand Valley, such as Charles Baker-Clark.
September 30, 2025 (Volume 49, Number 3)
In Memoriam
January 21, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 10)
Sherman Van Solkema, retired professor of music
Retired faculty member
Sherman
Van Solkema, retired professor of music, died January 9, 2025.
He was 94.
Van Solkema served as chair of the music department from 1995-2001. A recital hall in the Haas Center for Performing Arts is named in his honor. Before joining Grand Valley's faculty, Van Solkema taught and served in various leadership positions at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York for 33 years.
A celebration of life will be held on April 12 at the First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Gilmore Piano Festival endowment fund at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation or to Doctors Without Borders.
Retired faculty member
Norman
Leeling, retired professor of biology, died February 16, 2024. He
was 87.
He directed Michigan State University's Pesticide Research Center before joining Grand Valley's faculty. He retired after 25 years of service at GVSU.
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This article was last edited on January 17, 2025 at 12:19 p.m.
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