SPRINGFIELD, Ohio---Eight Wittenberg University professors with a staggering 281 years of combined service to the University will retire at the conclusion of the university's 154th academic year, according to Provost Sammye Greer.
Those retiring are: Imogene Bolls, adjunct professor of English; Nathan Bolls, professor of biology; Elizabeth Brinkman, associate professor of English; E. Charles Chatfield, professor and the H. Orth Hirt Chair in History; Robert Cutler, associate professor of history; Robert Howat, professor of music; Richard Ortquist, professor of history and Caroline Zimmerman, assistant professor of health, fitness and sport.
"With these retirements Wittenberg is losing a wide range of talent, dedication, and energy," Greer said. "The work of these individuals has been critical to the strength of Wittenberg's educational program, and their contributions to the development of hundreds of students are immeasurable. We are sad that they are leaving but also happy for them as they move into new and challenging ventures."
A reception will be held in their honor on April 29. They will be presented with gifts from Wittenberg, including their choice of either a captain's chair or rocker inscribed with the university emblem and tributes from their colleagues will be given.
Nathan Bolls, noted for his work in animal physiology, joined the Wittenberg faculty in 1963. He has taught courses in vertebrate zoology and evolution. He has studied at Argonne National Laboratories, the American Museum of Natural History, the Galapagos Islands and the Jardin des Plantes in Paris.
Imogene Bolls is a widely published poet who also teaches journalism. Author of two books on poetry, more than 500 of her works have been published in journals and has won numerous awards. She joined the Wittenberg faculty in 1963.
Brinkman joined the Wittenberg faculty in 1966. She formerly directed Wittenberg's Writer's Workshop and has done research on writing motivation and English morphology and dialectology.
Chatfield, who has been on Wittenberg's faculty since 1961, is a noted authority on the history of peace movements. A past fellow at the Mershon Center for Education in National Security at The Ohio State University, he published more than two dozen articles in journals along with introductions, prefaces and chapters in nearly 30 books. He is also a past recipient of Wittenberg's Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Cutler, who specializes in medieval and ancient history, has been on Wittenberg's faculty since 1968. He has presented papers to professional meetings on Carolingian history and the Italian policy of Louis the Pious.
Howat joined the Wittenberg faculty in 1960. He has given many piano concerts and recitals in the United States and Europe. In 1972 he was presented the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Ortquist teaches courses on American history, American constitutional history and American business history. A member of the faculty since 1964, Ortquist has also researched depression-era Michigan. During his career at Wittenberg Ortquist as also served as associate dean, associate provost and acting vice president for academic affairs.
Zimmerman joined the Wittenberg faculty in 1967 and has taught courses in physical activities for elementary education teachers and activity courses. She has done research in China on sports and examined health services in the Scandinavian countries Also during her career Zimmerman has served has head coach of women's softball.
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