In Memoriam

April 5, 2018
Glenn Berkheimer headshot

Glenn Berkheimer

Alumnus and former Professor Glenn D. Berkheimer died Jan. 25, 2017. He earned an Ed.D. in Curriculum (1966) before joining the MSU faculty with joint appointments in the College of Education and the Science and Mathematics Teaching Center, housed within the Colleges of Education and Sciences and Arts, from 1966-93. In the 1970s, he co-authored two elementary school science programs, and consulted on various education projects worldwide. The Berkheimer Family Endowed Scholarship in Science Education—a gift established by Berkheimer and his wife, Dolores—benefits students with an interest in science education.

Gale Mikles headshot

Gale Mikles

Michigan State University alumnus and longtime faculty member Gale E. Mikles died on Jan. 17, 2017. Mikles served at MSU from 1951-86 in a variety of leadership roles. He was appointed acting chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education in 1971, and became chair of the department in 1973. He was instrumental in developing a more comprehensive undergraduate curriculum, and was involved with the formation of the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports.

Louise Sause headshot

Louise Sause

Professor Emerita Louise Sause, who was part of the counseling and educational psychology faculty from 1953-80, died on Feb. 7, 2017. Sause’s impact on education was felt globally: she consulted and met with educators on every continent except Antarctica and taught in schools around the world. She was recognized with the College of Education’s Crystal Apple Award in 2002 for her work as an exceptional teacher and advocate for education. Her legacy continues through the Louise Sause Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to students across the university.

Lawrence Sierra headshot

Lawrence Sierra

Lawrence Sierra, a former athlete, three-time alumnus of the college and a leader at Michigan State University, died on May 6, 2017. Sierra began his 50-year career with the university in 1962 as a leader (and later, director) in the Intramural Sports and Recreative Services Department. From 1963-94, he was also an associate professor in the college and was instrumental in establishing the master’s degree concentration in sport administration. The Lawrence Sierra Sports for All endowment was created in his honor to support inclusive sport projects and programs at the university.

John Suehr headshot

John Suehr

John H. Suehr, professor emeritus, died on April 4, 2017. Suehr was a longtime faculty member who focused on educational administration in his tenure with the college from 1963-91. During his time at MSU, Suehr was involved in leading the Administrators Extern Program, an outreach and professional development initiative aimed at helping administrators early in their careers.


Photo Credits: Berkheimer / Mikles / Suehr courtesy of Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections. Seierra courtesy of Rick McNeil. Sause courtesy of Melody Glick.

For more information on scholarships and funds within the MSU College of Education, contact the Office of Development