Campus community mourns death of professor

The Grand Valley community is mourning the death of Julie Chlebo, a longtime professor in the College of Education, who died March 19.

Chlebo, associate professor of early childhood education, came to Grand Valley in 1997. She was known for her caring attitude with students.

"Julie was an exceptional professor who always went the extra mile with her students," said John Shinsky, interim dean of the College of Education. "She had high expectations and cared about the success of her students; she kept their needs at the forefront. Julie will be deeply missed by her students, colleagues and everyone who had the opportunity to know and work with her."

Her scholarly interests included Waldorf Early Childhood Education, Head Start and Jewish Early Childhood Education.

Chlebo earned a bachelor's degree from Taylor University, a master's degree from Grand Valley and a doctorate from Indiana University.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 22, from 1-2 p.m., with a service following from 2-3:30 p.m. at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any charity in honor of Julie.