President Minor Myers jr. Memorial

Robert Eckley, former President of Illinois Wesleyan

The unfortunate early passing of President Minor Myers, jr. emphasizes the progress of the University in his 14-year tenure. His leadership and the cooperation and assistance of administrative staff, faculty, trustees, and countless alumni and other constituencies have brought Illinois Wesleyan to an unprecedented position within higher education. The people of the University will always honor his name and his contributions to its development.

Henry L. P. Beckwith, Society of the Cincinnati

My only connection with Illinois Wesleyan was Minor Myers. I am the Secretary of the Rhode Island Society of the Cincinnati, an hereditary organisation that Minor became a member of in l976 by virtue of descent from an officer of the Continental Army of the American Revolution, and of which he served as President in the early l990s.

Minor looked ahead, planned, and our Society would not be in the position and with the strengths it has today without his forethought. He gave of his time, his knowledge, and from the depth of his commitment and enthusiasm for the Society.

On Tuesday, Sept. 9, he will be memorialised by resolution at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Society. And, I will take to that meeting the material Illinois Wesleyan has on its Web site about him, and am very grateful to have it.

Minor and I shared interests in heraldry, insignia of orders & societies, flags, and other like subjects. I will miss him greatly, as will the other Rhode Island Cincinnati.

"Quis desiderio sit pudor aut modus tam chari capitas?"

Tom Myers, younger brother of Minor Myers jr.

During a reception prior to the Commemoration on August 25, Tom Myers promised to provide his speculations about the formative events in his older brother's youth.

Follow this link to Tom Myers' recollections.

George Coontz Jr., Class of 2004

A great loss was felt by the IWU community with the passing of President Myers. His passion lives strong in IWU, in the academics, and in the facilities. There will never be another Minor.

My memories of President Myers start on my first visit to campus. I saw this white-haired man briskly walking around campus and I remember asking myself, who is this intriguing character? But, I would have to say that my best memories of President Myers are from the Ames Library where I got to know him on a personal level. I am a student assistant in the Tate Archives and Special Collections so I was brought especially close to one of President Myers' passions — books. I would be working on research, look up, and here comes Minor with a box of treasures he picked up over the weekend. Some of the treasures were books about IWU while others were just really old and interesting. But one thing is for certain, they were all special because the caught the eye of President Myers.

President Myers was an inspiration to all students here at IWU. He will be dearly missed but his dreams will live on in all of us as we "go forth and do good."

Anne Guckenberger Delo, Class of 1948

Although I graduated in 1948, I felt closer to IWU since I met President Myers, Jr. It has been a privilege to know him and listen to what he has had to say. He gave so much to all of us.

Barbara J. Ford, Class of 1968 and past president of the American Library Association

Books are gifts you can open again and again. Libraries preserve books and knowledge in a variety of formats for the ages. Minor Myers' leadership in providing Illinois Wesleyan University with a library we can all be proud of is a legacy that will be appreciated and enjoyed by future generations of students. This library, its collections, and its dedicated staff are wonderful gifts from a special person who will be missed.

Kristin Serna, Class of 2006

I only had the opportunity to know Minor Myers jr. for one year, but I feel I will get to see his spirit live on in the Illinois Wesleyan community for years to come. He helped form Illinois Weselyan into the wonderful instituition that it is today, and I, for one, am thankful he did so. I am also glad that he was such a supporter of the liberal arts and encouraged all of us to study anything that interested us, just like he did. He (and his amusing speeches) will be remembered. Thank you, sir.

Ginette & Terry Pepper, Parents of Victoria ('04)

Emphasis on the education of multi-talented students first attracted our interest in Illinois Wesleyan, but it was the dedication of Minor Myers to this vision that resulted in our daughter's choice to attend Illinois Wesleyan. During her campus visit, Dr. Myers dropped by to share the story of the book he was writing on multi-talented people and to describe the commitment of the University to facilitating the pursuit of double majors. After his speech at the Freshman Convocation we returned to Colorado confident that she was in good hands and would receive an outstanding education. Here's hoping that one legacy of this multi-talented man is recognized in IWU's continued dedication to the multi-talented citizen.

Judy Stephens Williams, Class of 1962

I did not know Dr. Myers personally but always felt like he was a close friend from the many letters, notes, and greetings that he sent by mail to us alums. His kinds words, his pictures, and even his signature touched me every time a piece of mail came my way. My sincere sympathies to his family and fellow Wesleyan associates.

Susan Kieffer, Guest Lecturer

Dear members of Minor's family and of the Illinois Wesleyan community--
I visited your lovely school a few years ago to give some lectures, and had the privilege of meeting Minor. Many tributes have mentioned the words "Renaissance Man", and this is a tribute to be taken very seriously. We had in common the fervent belief that a liberal arts education is the best preparation for life, and in his position as your President, he had a chance to make those beliefs a reality. Even before I arrived, Minor and I had figured out that we had music in common, and he arranged that we would have a chance to sight-read a harpsichord, cello, and flute piece before dinner guests arrived. After I left from my visit, we kept in touch, usually when he had purchased yet another meteorite on E-Bay. He never missed the chance to tell me of yet more accomplishments of the students at IWU. Although I knew him only briefly and at a distance, his spirit was universal and the world of education, and the world in general, is diminished by his loss.

Vasan Ramanuja, Class of 1996

Although I did not know him well, my best memory of Minor Myers Jr. was him announcing my name at the Senior Dinner as a recipient of the outstanding senior student award. I remember him describing my extra-curricular involvements and my future plans after he announced my name. I also will never forget my graduation, when numerous graduates placed garlands of Mardi Gras beads and leis on him as he gave them their diplomas! At the end he exclaimed "Wow, I came out of this more decorated than I thought!" A picture of him with all those garlands was printed in The Pantagraph the next day. He will always be an inspiration to me and will always be an important symbol of my years at Illinois Wesleyan.

Judy & Jim Hoyer, Parents of Dan Hoyer, Class of 2003

I met Mr. Myers in February at a music concert in Bloomington. He was sitting alone, and I went to introduce myself; to tell him what a wonderful school I felt IWU was. He told me that he wasn't feeling well, and almost hadn't come, but was glad he had. We talked about some of the teachers, classes, and what he thought of Illinois Wesleyan in general. He was warm, soft spoken, and I could feel the pride he had for his school. Our son Dan was in the graduating Class of 2003, and we missed Mr. Myers at the graduation. What sad news when we heard he had passed away. Illinois Wesleyan will continue to be a fine, first-rate University, due in large part to the efforts of Mr. Myers. Our condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed by students and parents alike.

Ed Pacchetti, Class of 1991

Of all of the people that I have ever met, Minor Myers most closely personified the definition of a renaissance man. From current affairs to the harpsichord, his interests seemed to encompass all. As President of the Student Senate from 1990-91, I had many opportunities to meet with President Myers. I was impressed every single time, and I left each meeting a little bit wiser. As a result of his counsel, I am currently completing a Ph.D. in Education Policy at the University of Maryland.

While at Illinois Wesleyan, I also had the opportunity to watch Minor's two sons when he and Ellen had to be away on University business. Over the course of a year, I got to know his sons fairly well, and never have I seen two boys love, admire, and revere a father the way that Minor and Jeff did. My heartfelt sympathy to his two sons, as well as to his wife, Ellen. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Deanna Frautschi, Community Friend

When I first met Minor Myers at a United Way function, I had no doubt that he was an extremely intelligent man, but I had no idea what an advocate of learning at all levels he was. In the course of my duties as Vice President of Human Resources and Communications for COUNTRY Insurance & Financial Services, I had numerous business encounters with Dr. Myers and learned about many of his interests, which were vast and varied.

On one particular occasion, Dr. Myers began talking to me about backyard birds, a passion of mine (and he knew it). He listened intently as I explained feeding habits of some local birds, and I could tell that he was equally as enthralled to be adding to his knowledge of them as he might have been to be learning about a new 18th century piece of furniture . Dr. Myers loved the notion of continuous learning and practiced it every day. He was a true asset to the University and the community, and his presence is dearly missed by many.

Stacey McClenathan, Class of 1992

President Myers WAS Illinois Wesleyan University. Everyone felt they had a personal relationship with him, because he had a genuine interest in everyone and their passion. His leadership was by example, and he was an inspiration to anyone that had the pleasure to know him.

Erin N. Simpson, Class of 2000

It was with great sadness I read of Minor Myers' death. I have such fond memories of my time at Illinois Wesleyan, and my memories of him are some of the best. Whether it was an orientation session or a speech, one always felt the love of learning and education he had. Most inspiring was his excitement for life and for opening student's minds to different possibilities. He had an incredible drive to make Illinois Wesleyan occupy a place of respect in the public's eye, and a place of love in its graduates hearts.
During my parents' campus visits, he always caught their attention. They loved hearing him talk about Illinois Wesleyan and all it could do for those who walked its quad. While [Dean of Admissions] Jerry Pope made me want to come to IWU, it was Minor Myers who made my parents want to become part of the IWU family as well. He will be missed.

Megan Thoma, Class of 2005

I warmly remember the fall night of 2002 when a group of five or six of us accidentally assembled on the porch of Blackstock Hall with a guitar. After a few songs, Charles began playing blues chords, inviting everyone else to invent lyrics. The best song of the night was the ode to President Myers — each person on the porch contributing a verse.

The interest and wonder of Myers captured that night reignited in our Practical Criticism course with Dr. Muirhead when we discovered that every one of us was a major Minor "groupie". When Dr. (Pamela) Muirhead suggested he come to our class, we were ecstatic; when she told us we were going to visit him at his home, we were in utter shock. Together, we had (deservedly) elevated President Minor Myers to rock-god status.

You have never seen a group of college students more giddy than the 15 of us standing on his doorstep that day, waiting for him to answer the door. I think a few of the girls may have even fainted. President Myers was bashful and curious about our interest, but he happily gave us the grand tour, sharing his home and passions with a grateful group of 20-year-olds.

Everyone laughed (including President Myers) when Dr. Muirhead passed out the hand-made name tags that read, "I hung out with President Minor Myers Jr." with the date underneath. We all saved those name tags, though, and I know that I will treasure mine forever. Rarely is a man so well-loved. He will be greatly missed.

Gerri Wenger Friedberg, Class of 1960

I join with all the people whose lives Minor touched and influenced in both the sadness of his loss, and gratitude for his life. He was a rare human being with wide passions and the genius to inspire larger visions. His leadership, friendship, and always personal example will be deeply missed by us all. Special sympathy to Ellen and his family. May we pay tribute by trying harder in our own lives to follow his lead.

Stephen Duermeyer, Carleton College Class of 1964

Speaking on behalf of all of Minor's Carleton College classmates, we mourn the tragic loss of a friend, and extend our deepest sympathy to his family. Even 40 years ago, we knew that Minor was going to make a distinguished mark on humanity. We are most particularly proud of his accomplishments at Illinois Weslyan University. Rest peacefully, Minor.

Michele Zimmerman, Class of 2003

The fondest memories I have of Minor were the times I was working in Sheean and he would come in (more often than any student I am sure). He would have his head down, occasionally look up and smile, and head straight for the reference section. He would take a piece of paper out of his pocket and begin writing notes. Sometimes he would stay for only a minute, sometimes for hours. He had more passion about learning than anyone I have ever met. He was an inspiration to us all. He has had such a huge impact on what Illinois Wesleyan has become. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Dr. Kenji Tanaka, Chairman, Takana Memorial Foundation
(From a speech at 12th Annual Grant Presentation Ceremony of the Tanaka Memorial Foundation on July 25, 2003, in New York City)

I wish to honor a close friend and highly respected colleague. We have received the very sad news of the passing of President Minor Myers jr. at Illinois Wesleyan University on Tuesday morning. Dr. Myers was here at the start and it is with him that I first shared my dreams [for the Takana Memorial Foundation] 17 years ago at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. On that hot summer’s evening, I met a kindred spirit. He has remained a treasured supporter and contributor as our international network has grown. Dr. Myers understood so well how we inherit the achievements of the past and, through them, shape our future. We especially admired his scholar’s appreciation of Japanese culture, as well as western art and music. He was truly a Renaissance man.

We were delighted when the introduction of Pembroke College to the Tanaka Memorial Foundation and Technos College family led President Myers to develop an Oxford program at Illinois Wesleyan and eventually to acquire historical stained glass windows for the new library in Bloomington. What a marvelous legacy he hands on. We truly miss Dr. Myers’ presence today, although his spirit lives on in all he inspired. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with Ellen Myers and their family as we farewell a special, special friend.

Erika L. (Kamholz) Briesacher, Class of 2002

What I remember the most about Minor Myers is the night that I was invited to his house for dinner. Several of my friends and classmates, including Tom Hladish, Jeff Stumpo, Anita Kesavan, and Katie Brokaw (all from the class of 2002) attended. We toured his home and looked at his prized collection of rare books that was offset by a harpsichord. Conversation went the general direction of what it was like to have multiple majors and minors; he always tried to encourage students' interests in many disciplines, no matter how unrelated they appeared on the surface. The kindness he showed me and the interest that he showed in what I was doing made an impression on me. It is partially he who inspired me to continue on to graduate school — hopefully to culminate in two Ph.D.s. The University will miss him. He was a wonderful person who tried to help as many people as possible fulfill their potential, and maybe to reach that potential in a way that hadn't been done before.

Bob Dillon, Physical Plant

Illinois Wesleyan has lost a great President and leader. I will miss Minor at all the functions I work. It was so much fun to watch him speak, his comments and quips, both sincere and funny. His side-to -side head movements in the way he spoke as if he were talking to each one of us. His way of speaking was especially fun for me trying to keep the sound levels correct as he turned from side to side. I definitely miss the way he almost always came over to compliment thesound. That meant a lot to me. In talking to my friends on campus, those who worked with Minor on these occasions, it was universal: we all miss him. Illinois Wesleyan will be hard pressed to find another Minor.

Nancy Sultan, Professor of Greek & Roman Studies

Follow this line to Professor Sultan's Ode to Minor Myers, jr.

Ellen Hurwitz, President, New England College
(Former Illinois Wesleyan Provost and Dean of Faculty)

Minor Myers was a consummate enthusiast whose love for learning lifted us to a higher plain. His encyclopedic grasp of humanity dazzled and delighted all who knew him . He was a true evangelist of the liberal arts who graced Illinois Wesleyan and all of higher education with his authentic leadership.

Rebecca Gearhart, Assistant Professor of Anthropology

Follow this link to Professor Gearhart's "Egg Drop Soup" story

Robert Bray, R. Forrest Colwell Professor of English

Follow this link to Professor Bray's poem, "Tigger"

Diane Stempinski, Sports and Scholars Program

For me, Minor was a source of constant questions. "Can we do more? How can we help? Where is the need?" Through my relationship with the President's office, Dr. Narendra Jaggi and the Illinois Wesleyan faculty, I found myself wanting to be a better teacher, colleague, and person. The loss that I feel, along with the 200 Sports and Scholars students and faculty, is one of great gratitude. My life path was significantly altered by one question, "What can Illinois Wesleyan University do for District 87?" I am so honored to be part of the answer that brought us together for eight continual summers. My thoughts are with the faculty, students and staff of Illinois Wesleyan and with the Myers family.

Susan Wigginton Meister, Class of 1974

I will certainly miss Minor Myers. As an alumnus and the parent of a current student (Katherine Meister, 04)I have had the opportunity to hear him speak several times over the last few years. He was a memorable figure, with his shock of silvery hair, his green and white striped tie, and his glasses slipping down his nose. He was always able to entertain and to inspire his audience. I was impressed by his passion for learning, for the kind of education that Illinois Wesleyan provides, for the university, and for the students themselves. Illinois Wesleyan has made great strides under his leadership, particularly the construction of our beautiful new library. He inspired alumni to continue to contribute to the University. He cannot be replaced.

Sarah Williams, Class of 2004

The Illinois Wesleyan Community has experienced a great loss. No one will ever be able to fill the shoes of the man who loved all of us and the university so much. He is missed already. Everything will seem so different when classes start. I know I will be looking for him to come blowing through the Admissions Office or walking around on campus. No matter how busy he was, he always had time to stop and talk. He was one of the great people in this world, and we were very lucky to have him for 14 years. Thank you, President Myers!

Sarah Ayre, Class of 1998

I had the opportunity to work in the President's Office the four years I attended Illinois Wesleyan. In that time I was able to see, first hand, the remarkable person Minor Myers was. Moving at top speed, glasses perched precariously mid-forehead, he was genuinely involved in every aspect of life at the University. (Not a task for the faint of heart or mind.) The many improvements he helped bring to Illinois Wesleyan, both academically and to the physical campus, were the main reasons that I chose to attend IWU. To that end, I truly enjoyed my four years in Bloomington. He will be greatly missed, but would not want us to dwell on his passing or the past. Therefore, "...go forth and do good."

Ryan Anderson, Class of 1997

Even though I only had the chance to share a casual "hello" with President Myers from time to time, I could clearly feel that his passion for education and his leadership at Illinois Wesleyan was contagious and inspiring.

Judy Markowitz, Bloomington Mayor (from The Pantagraph)

[President Myers] was one of a kind. He was a man for all generations. He was a renaissance man...For the community as a whole he was a jewel, and he will be so missed...It's just hit me so hard. It seems so unfair. He didn't have the air of a university president. He was so natural...He was very, very special.

Chris Koos, Normal Mayor (from The Pantagraph)

It's an incredible loss to the community...He's done so much for Illinois Wesleyan and for Bloomington-Normal as a whole. Certainly our hearts go out to his family.

Ed Rust, Chairman and Chief Executive, State Farm Insurance Cos., Class of 1972 (from The Pantagraph)

Many of Illinois Wesleyan's remarkable achievements over the past decade and more can be directly attributed to Minor's enthusiasm and his pride in the institution and its students. It was contagious. His legacy is that he helped the University dream what it could and then helped it achieve those dreams.

George Hearne, Eureka College President (from The Pantagraph)

"[President Myers] has been a marvelous leader for Illinois Wesleyan and a marvelous colleague for those of us who work in higher education and particularly for those of us in independent universities. He was just a delightful person, a great scholar, a great leader and a good friend."

Celeste Flachsbart, Associate Director of Development

"We all knew Minor was a very brilliant man. It did not take long to discover this about him. I feel that part of Minor's legacy will be that in spite of his brilliance he never forgot to be interested in every single person he met. It was a sincere interest that we all witnessed. He always took a moment to send the personal, hand written note or Thank You. He greeted everyone he encountered on IWU's campus, and in the community. He cared about all of us, no matter what our interests or professions. He wanted to learn even more than he already knew from all of us. We have lost our biggest and most visible cheerleader, but his spirit will carry all of us on to continue his dreams, and to move Illinois Wesleyan into one of the top ten liberal arts institutions in the country. We love you, Minor, and we THANK YOU for all the joy and pleasure you gave to each and every one of us."

Judy Stephens Williams, Class of 1962, Kappa Kappa Gamma

"I did not know Dr. Myers personally but always felt like he was a close friend from the many letters, notes, and greetings that he sent by mail to us alums. His kinds words, his pictures and even his signature touched me every time a piece of mail came my way. My sincere sympathies to his family and fellow Wesleyan associates."

Susan Kieffer, Guest Lecturer

"Dear members of Minor's family, and of the Illinois Wesleyan community --
I visited your lovely school a few years ago to give some lectures, and had the privilege of meeting Minor. Many tributes have mentioned the words "Renaissance man", and this is a tribute to be taken very seriously. We had in common the fervent belief that a liberal arts education is the best preparation for life, and in his position as your President, he had a chance to make those beliefs a reality. Even before I arrived, Minor and I had figured out that we had music in common, and he arranged that we would have a chance to sight-read a harpsichord, cello and flute piece before dinner guests arrived. After I left from my visit, we kept in touch, usually when he had purchased yet another meteorite on E-Bay. He never missed the chance to tell me of yet more accomplishments of the students at IWU. Although I knew him only briefly and at a distance, his spirit was universal and the world of education, and the world in general, is diminished by his loss."

Vasan Ramanuja, Class of 1996

"Although I did not know him well, my best memory of Minor Myers Jr. was him announcing my name at the Senior Dinner as a recipient of the outstanding senior student award. I remember him describing my extra-curricular involvements and my future plans after he announced my name. I also will never forget my graduation, when numerous graduates placed garlands of Mardi Gras beads and leis on him as he gave them their diplomas! At the end he exclaimed "Wow, I came out of this more decorated than I thought!" A picture of him with all those garlands was printed in The Pantagraph the next day.
He will always be an inspiration to me and will always be an important symbol of my years at Illinois Wesleyan."

Ginette & Terry Pepper, Parents of Victoria, Class of 2004

"Emphasis on the education of multi-talented students first attracted our interest in Illinois Wesleyan, but it was the dedication of Minor Myers to this vision that resulted in our daughter's choice to attend IWU. During her campus visit Dr. Myers dropped by to share the story of the book he was writing on multi-talented people and to describe the commitment of the University to facilitating the pursuit of double majors. After his speech at the Freshman Convocation we returned to Colorado confident that she was in good hands and would receive an outstanding education. Here's hoping that one legacy of this multi-talented man is recognized in IWU's continued dedication to the multi-talented citizen."