In Memoriam
This space pays tribute to the people who helped shape Grand Valley, such as Roger Ellis and Linda Chown.
April 23, 2024 (Volume 47, Number 17)
In Memoriam
June 13, 2023 (Volume 46, Number 18)
Photo Credit: Amanda Pitts
Karel L. Rogers, retired faculty member
Karel
Rogers, professor emerita of biology, died May 31, 2023. She was 75.
After earning a doctoral degree from Michigan State University, she taught at Adams State College in Colorado and served as dean of science and natural resources at Lake Superior State University. Rogers taught biology classes and served as a faculty administrator at Grand Valley from 1996 until her retirement in 2008.
In the community, she served as chair of the Western Michigan Environmental Action Council, having a major impact on green building and policy in West Michigan.
James A. Jerkatis, retired staff member, adjunct professor
James
Jerkatis, WGVU studio supervisor, died on May 4, 2023. He was 85
years old.
After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Jerkatis graduated from Western Michigan University and began working for Grand Valley. He served the university for 25 years, from 1972-1997, in many roles including as WGVU/WGVK studio supervisor as well as an adjunct professor.
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This article was last edited on June 13, 2023 at 9:21 a.m.
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