Richard T. Stavig *54

Richard Stavig, professor emeritus of English at Kalamazoo College, died April 5, 2015. He was 87.

Born in 1927, Stavig enlisted in the Navy upon graduation from high school and served as World War II ended. In 1946 he entered Augustana College, where his father was president. After graduating from Augustana, he earned a Ph.D. in English from Princeton in 1954.

He taught at Washington and Jefferson College for two years, then joined the faculty at Kalamazoo. He taught English, and in 1960, he became the first director of the new Foreign Study Program. His title was expanded to dean of off-campus education in 1967, which he held until 1974. As dean, he established study centers throughout Europe and Africa, and guided thousands of students overseas.

In 1982, Stavig was one of the first recipients of Kalamazoo College’s Lucasse Award, given for excellence in teaching. After retiring in 1992, he received the College’s Weimer K. Hicks Award.

He is survived by LaVonne, his wife of nearly 65 years; two daughters; and a large extended family.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.