Tag: In Memoriam

Mark Lester, Emeritus Professor of English, Passed Away in August.

Eastern is saddened to report that Melody Ann Graham passed away on Feb. 11, 2025. Graham worked as a staff member from 2004 through 2012. Her memorial will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Door of Hope Church, 3210 SE Taylor in Portland, Oregon. For questions, text Darcy at 503.317.8479.

EWU is saddened to report that EWU retiree Bill Smithpeters passed away on June 28, 2025. Smithpeters worked in PEHR and was the head coach of EWU’s women’s basketball team. He arrived at Eastern in 1979 and retired in 1994 after 15 years of service.  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on…

Alexander “Alex” F. Schilt, PhD, died earlier this month at 84 years of age.

Roper worked at Eastern for nearly 50 years.

The Eastern community was saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Besse. Besse retired from the university 2008 after 26 years of working in the Facilities & Planning Department. We are grateful for his service and extend our condolences to his loved ones. You can learn more about Jim Besse by reading his online…

The university is saddened to report the loss of Allen Guzman. Guzman, who worked for Instructional Technology & Web Services in Huston Hall, was hired in May of 2023 and died in February of 2025. We extend our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at EWU.

The longtime faculty member and chair of the Communication Studies Department made a difference for students and colleagues across campus.

Davis was recognized as a senior lecturer emeritus in 2023.

Trulove made a positive impact for students as a professor of economics, while also serving as the mayor of Cheney for five terms.