June Adamson (University of Tennessee-Knoxville), 86, epitomized the fourth estate. She spent 10 years at The Oak Ridger as a reporter and editor and won two Tennessee Press Association public service awards in the 1960s. She later earned prizes recounting the loss of her son and daughter-in-law after the experienced mountaineers died in an avalanche while climbing Mount Saint Elias in Canada. Adamson also wrote for other publications, often about local and area history. Earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism at University of Tennessee, she was the first female full professor at the School of Journalism at her alma mater, teaching for more than two decades before retiring in 1992. Outside of journalism, one of her passions was music: early in her career, she was public relations manager for the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association and played violin for area symphony orchestras for decades. Adamson died April 17 and is survived by a son, daughter-in-law, grandson and other kin. 

Billie Hudson Bagby (Colorado State University), 89, taught kids a thing or two as a public school educator in math and science through the eighth grade across Missouri, Arkansas, Alabama and Georgia. She later oversaw student teachers at Colorado State University, from which she earned a doctorate. The Aurora (Mo.) High School valedictorian, class of 1936, also received degrees from what’s now called Southwest Missouri State University and Emory University. Honors included 1969 Math and Science Teacher of the Year in Atlanta, Ga. The licensed pilot and world traveler died on May 29 and is survived by her husband of 65 years, daughter and two sons and their spouses, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and other in-laws.

Lou Ellen Ballard (Southeastern Louisiana University), 76, was so committed to higher education that the English professor won awards for excellence in teaching from Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU). Plus, the SLU Phi Kappa Phi chapter recently renamed its endowed scholarship in the Distinguished Member’s honor; she served as president and treasurer and many terms as secretary and public relations officer in a tenure dating to the late 1970s. Ballard earned English degrees from Troy State Teacher’s College, now Troy University (bachelor’s), and Auburn University (master’s). After a few years at Mississippi Southern College (now University of Southern Mississippi), she arrived at SLU in 1960 as an instructor, directed freshman English for 11 years, and retired in 1996 as associate professor. She died Feb. 18 of cancer.

George A. Christenberry (Augusta State University), 93, inspired the ivory tower as well as the outside world. Among his many accomplishments: president of two schools (Shorter College in the mid 1950s and Augusta State University, then called Augusta College, from 1970 to ’86); and cofounder and first president of the Big South Conference (1983), member of its inaugural Hall of Fame Class (2003), and namesake of its highest academic award. Educated at Furman University (B.S. in biology) and University of North Carolina (M.A. and Ph.D. in biology and physics), he also taught and held administrative positions at Meredith College, Furman and Georgia College (now Georgia College & State University), along with serving as acting vice chancellor for the University System of Georgia. He further served as president of the Georgia Association of Colleges and was on the board of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. He also found time to be a local church official and an executive committee member of the Baptist World Alliance. Civic causes for the Navy veteran (radar officer) spanned the United Way to the American Red Cross. Born in Macon, Ga., and raised in Greenville, S.C., he died on April 21.   

Elen Maria Câmara Cutrim (Western Michigan University), 62, lovingly weathered her homeland and adopted home. Born in Brazil, she held teaching and administrative posts in the meteorology department at Federal University of Para in Belem, Brazil; was a visiting scientist at the Space Science and Engineering Center at University of Wisconsin-Madison; then joined the geography department at Western Michigan University (WMU) in 1990 as an adjunct and became a full professor in 2006. Specializing in precipitation climatology of Michigan and Brazil, the Fulbright Fellow received grant funding from organizations such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She served as WMU Phi Kappa Phi chapter president (2003-‘06) and public relations officer (‘02-’03). Degrees: bachelor’s in civil engineering from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro; master’s in civil engineering from University of Utah; doctorate in atmospheric sciences from University of Michigan. She died April 15; mourners include her husband of 31 years, who teaches geosciences at WMU, two daughters, one son and stepson.

John Herman “Hank” DeJong (University of Maryland), 81, enjoyed getting technical; the electrical engineer worked for four decades at the Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent River, Md., testing and evaluating Navy aircraft, among other functions. He earned undergraduate degrees at Manhattan College (electrical engineering) and University of Maryland (mathematics) and a master’s at George Washington University (operations research). He was the past president of the Navy League of the United States, Patuxent River chapter, a longtime volunteer with the American Cancer Society, a life member of the Patuxent River Elks Lodge and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He also was an Army veteran. The sports fan and trivia buff died on May 25 and is survived by his wife of 47 years, daughter, two sons, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, among others.

Martha Dirks (Fort Hays State University), 86, valued words, thoughts and books. The educator taught library science at her undergraduate alma mater, Fort Hays State University (FHSU), from 1969 to ’92. Before that, she taught speech, debate and dramatics, among other subjects, in high schools. The Phi Kappa Phi FHSU chapter president (1973-‘74) in retirement remained committed to heady pursuits by volunteering at a museum and a city library. Dirks, who earned a master’s in library science from Wayne State University, was also active in many organizations from scouting to the American Red Cross. The Colorado Springs, Colo.-resident died May 28, preceding her husband; survivors include a son, two daughters, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Deborah A. Emnett (Ithaca College), 51, took higher education seriously, serving as Phi Kappa Phi chapter secretary at Ithaca College (IC) from 2003 until succumbing to cancer on June 15 and being legal assistant/office manager for the Division of Legal Affairs at IC. In fact, she held one position or another at IC since 1981, including stints in the Office of the President, Office of the Dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences, and Office of the Vice President and College Counsel. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from IC in 2001. The avid camper and pet lover is survived by her husband, son and daughter, plus others.

Carol Susan Ferreira (Wichita State University), 62, nursed patients and students before losing a seven-year battle to cancer Feb. 28: she had been a clinical professor of nursing at East Carolina University (ECU) and a registered nurse and licensed clinical psychologist. Ferreira received the 2003 North Carolina Board of Governors Distinguished Professor for Teaching Award and the ECU College of Nursing Outstanding Faculty Award three times. Community outreach spanned counseling flood victims, military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and dying HIV/AIDS patients. She graduated from St. Luke’s Methodist Episcopal Hospital School of Nursing in Cleveland (R.N.),  Hiram College (B.A.), Wichita State University (M.S.N. in psychiatric nursing) and Kent State University (M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology). Her husband of 16 years held her hand as she died. Other survivors include an adopted son and spouse, two grandchildren and – since Ferreira’s mother was the youngest of 15 children – many others. 

Sidney Fine (University of Michigan), 88, knew the value of taking the long view. The American history expert taught at University of Michigan, his alma mater, for 53 years, until the onetime chair was 80. A report estimates that he taught upwards of 25,000 students. The author of 12 books, including The American Past and Laissez Faire and the General-Welfare State: A Study of Conflict in American Thought, 1865-1901, he received three honorary degrees, among many awards. The World War II Navy veteran, opera buff and sports fan died March 31 and is survived by his wife of 66 years, two daughters and their husbands and two grandchildren, plus others.

Mary Dell Smith Fletcher (Northwestern State University), 85, professor emerita of English and former chair of graduate studies in English at Northwestern State University, as well as Society chapter secretary in 1973, thought long and hard about literature and writing, honor and excellence. She authored many scholarly articles and edited literary collections, won an American Educator of the Year Award (1975) and served as president of the College Writers Society of Louisiana (1970). She also was a member of the Grant Parish Historical Society and served for almost 25 years on the Grant Parish Library Board. Not that all her pursuits were so highbrow: she was a charter member of the Louisiana Pecan Festival. She earned degrees from Northwestern State (B.A and M.A.) and Louisiana State University (Ph.D.). Preceded in death by her husband, she passed away April 21 and is survived by her daughter, two grandsons, three great-grandchildren, in-laws and others.

Jim Shack Gill, Jr. (University of Memphis), 63, served his country as a Marine for 20 years and then, after earning a bachelor’s in education from Memphis State University (now University of Memphis), served the next generation as a substitute teacher of history. The Bronson, Fla.-resident was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He died May 10; survivors include his wife of 31 years.

Janet I. Hirsch (University of Rhode Island), 77, tended to patients, students and the Society. She taught at University of Rhode Island College of Nursing for 27 years and served as vice president and president of the university’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter in the 1990s, plus on the Society’s 2004-‘07 Bylaws Committee. Accolades include an endowment named after her that supports the nursing school faculty and an honorary doctor of humane letters from the school. Hirsch earned degrees from Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing (R.N.) and Boston University (B.S., M.S. and Ed.D.), at which she taught early on. Active in medical-related organizations and health and community services throughout Rhode Island, she died April 4; survivors include three brothers and their families.

Joe H. Hughes (Oklahoma State University), 68, could talk to the animals, almost, at least the livestock. The expert in animal nutrition and animal husbandry served as Oklahoma State University’s first State Extension Youth Livestock Specialist for 28 years, until retiring in 1999. Educated at Clemson University (bachelor’s) and Oklahoma State (master’s and doctorate), the Stillwater, Okla.-resident had long affiliations with Future Farmers of America and 4-H. The Vietnam War veteran (lieutenant colonel) and church deacon died April 13 and is survived by his wife of 36 years, among other relatives.

Leslie Whitestone Knott (University of Southern California), 97, practiced a type of international bedside manner. The good doctor served as an officer of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, assigned to the U.S. State Department Mission for Aid to Greece and Turkey, early in his career, eventually becoming director of the public health division and receiving medals from the Greek government. He spent 10 years in public health service, Office of the Surgeon General, and later served as chief of the division of chronic diseases in the Bureau of State Services in the U.S. Public Health Service. Knott then moved to Stanford University as a senior fellow in medicine, focusing on rehabilitation procedures and medicine, before opening a private practice and directing physical therapy at O’Connor Hospital in San Jose. Educated at Occidental College, University of Southern California and The Johns Hopkins University, the Renaissance man also pursued archeology and worked with Habitat for Humanity International. He died Jan. 4 and was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years and a son. Two daughters and their families survive.

Jo Marie Lombard (University of Georgia), 59, was a caregiver extraordinaire. She began her career in Syracuse, N.Y., providing health and wellness screenings for disadvantaged children; then worked as a nutritionist with the Women, Infants and Children program at the Cary Christian Health Center in Cary, Miss.; became program director of Meals on Wheels Association of America in Montgomery County, Pa.; served as executive director of the American Red Cross in Frederick, Md.; and then worked with the Columbia County Board of Education in its school nutrition department. As an advocate for the rights of children, she aided numerous movements and received many awards. Lombard, who loved to travel the world, earned a bachelor’s from Syracuse University and a master’s from the University of Georgia. She died at her home in Martinez, Ga., on April 27, and is survived by her husband of 39 years, two daughters and two grandchildren, among others.  

Neil R. Luebke (Oklahoma State University), 72, led an ethical life that inspired students and colleagues at Oklahoma State University (OSU) and members and staff of Phi Kappa Phi. The deep thinker, who passed away June 18, spent 37 years teaching philosophy at OSU and served as Society president from 1998 to 2001. His commitment to Phi Kappa Phi further encompassed being vice president (‘92-‘95) and a member of the National Fellowship Committee (‘89-‘92). In the 1980s, he held offices at the OSU chapter including treasurer, vice president and president. At the time of his passing, the philosophy professor emeritus and onetime department head was again serving as OSU chapter president. The author of numerous scholarly articles also guest edited the spring 2003 edition of Phi Kappa Phi Forum, whose theme examined professional ethics, and was book editor for a spell. Educated at Midland Lutheran College (B.A. in English) and The Johns Hopkins University (M.A. and Ph.D. in philosophy), Luebke furthered the cause of big ideas and good work by being on the board of trustees of the Oklahoma Foundation for the Humanities in the early 1990s and the National Fulbright Screening Committee (South Region) for fellowships to Germany in the mid 1980s. He made presentations on philosophy and ethics to many audiences: fellow academics to engineer executives to accounting educators. Numerous honors included the Alumni Achievement Award from Midland Lutheran College and two grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Luebke is survived by his wife of 52 years, two daughters and sons-in-law and four grandchildren, among others. 

Marvin Silver (University of Central Missouri), 77, cared for senior citizens, spending the bulk of his career in nursing home administration. He served as assistant director of the Jewish Geriatric Center in Kansas City and executive director of the Memphis Jewish Home and Rehabilitation Center. Educated at University of Missouri (bachelor’s) and Central Missouri State University/University of Central Missouri (master’s), he also taught geriatric administration. Honors include Nursing Home Administrator of the Year for the State of Tennessee. In retirement, he was active in the nursing-home division of Crime Stoppers. The Korean War veteran died Feb. 8 and is survived by his wife, two daughters and their husbands and three grandchildren, among other relatives.

Anne Twining Sloan (Middle Tennessee State University), 59, held numerous teaching and administrative posts at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) before succumbing to cancer on April 4. An associate professor of political science since 1993, she had once been interim dean and associate dean of liberal arts and, at the time of her passing, was special assistant to the provost for international education. Sloan earlier taught at University of South Carolina and State University of New York-Albany. She earned degrees from MTSU (bachelor’s), Louisiana State University (master’s) and The Ohio State University (doctorate). In related pursuits, she belonged to the Col. Hardy Murfree chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and once served in numerous positions with the Tennessee Political Science Association. Survivors include her husband and daughter.

Alexis Blake Southworth (University of Maryland), 65, changed careers after being diagnosed with kidney disease in 1976. Retiring as a computer specialist at the U.S. Department of Energy, she became a licensed certified social worker (earning a bachelor’s in health science policy and social work from University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a master’s in social work from University of Maryland School of Social Work at Baltimore). Her private practice specialized in complementary medicine. She was vice president of the Maryland Patient Advocacy Group, an honorary member of the board of directors of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Maryland and chair of the Anne Arundel Renal Discussion Group. She also was a governor-appointed member of the Maryland Commission on Kidney Disease and served on the Patient & Family and transAction Executive Councils for NKF. She received the President’s Award and Volunteer of the Year Award from NKF of Maryland. She died Nov. 5, 2008, one week after her third kidney transplant; “the best and biggest part of her, her heart, failed,” widower Phil wrote in an email. Their son, a third-grade teacher, donated that kidney. The first organ she received, in 1978, came from her brother.

Ronald Clayton “Spike” Spangler (Southeastern Louisiana University), 62, extended his purview from the pulpit to the classroom to the ball field to small-business pursuits to the performing arts and beyond. Ordained as a Christian and Missionary Alliance pastor, the self-professed “gym rat” and coach of Amateur Athletic Union, high school and biddie ball teams reached out especially to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes with whom he worked in Tangipahoa and Livingston, La., parishes. He also was a licensed realtor, certified licensed underwriter with his own firm, and proprietor of a pretzel shop. In his spare time, Spangler was in bands and choirs, performed in theater and piloted planes. The Southeastern Louisiana University graduate was elected to the school alumni board of directors. He died June 13; survivors include his wife, two daughters, four stepchildren, four siblings, eight grandchildren and numerous in-laws.