Donald Elkinton Stokes ’51

Don died of acute leukemia on Jan. 26, 1997. He was among the most distinguished in his field, university, and class. He brought judgment, deep knowledge, leadership, compassion, and wit to the myriad duties he was asked, or volunteered, to do. Don was an internationally known political scientist and a specialist in public opinion research. He was dean of the Woodrow Wilson School for 18 years. His PhD in political science was from Yale. At the U. of Michigan (195874), he chaired the political science department and was dean of the graduate school.

Don served on a research committee of the Natl. Science Foundation and was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. In 1996 he received the Elmer B. Staats Award for a distinguished career in public service.

Don came to Princeton from Germantown Friends School. He was a SPIA major and won an array of prizes for debating and public speaking. He was a member of Campus Club and roomed with Bill Norris, Peter Spruance, Layman Allen, and Don Oberdorfer '52.

He is survived by his wife, Sybil, daughters Elizabeth and Susan, sister Eleanor, and three grandchildren. Don's unusual combination of erudition, modesty, and friendliness means that he will be missed by many.

The Class of 1951