Alfred J. Lata ’54

Alfred died Dec. 21, 2014. Born in Cleveland, he graduated from South High School. At Princeton, he majored in chemistry and was a member of Cloister Inn. He was a soloist for the varsity and freshman glee clubs.

After graduation, he served two years in the Army and then earned a master’s degree in education from Case Western University in 1957. He taught at Shaker Heights High School, and during that time he sang bass in the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. In 1965, he joined the general chemistry program at the University of Kansas.

Alfred was one of the first to experiment with the use of computers to teach chemistry. He spoke on this topic at regional, national, and international meetings. Alfred was chairman of the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Computers in Chemical Education.

Within the Lawrence, Kan., community, he was best known for his voice and acting talents. He was involved with the University Theater and Lawrence Community Theater. Alfred was one of the founding members of Voci de Camera and also sang with the Lawrence Motet Singers.

The class is honored by his service to our country and extends condolences to his wife, Mary; son John; daughter Jamie; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth.