In Memoriam: Alberto Casas, Ann Loranger, Frederick Samuels, Paul Verrette
Alberto Casas, Professor Emeritus of Spanish, taught Spanish literature and philosophy at UNH for 35 years. A Barcelona refugee from the Spanish Civil war and a combat veteran of WWII in North Africa, Alberto was a stately and elegant colleague who mentored many at UNH over his career. Most on campus also knew that Professor Casas was a nationally ranked tennis player. He died on September 27, 2009, at the age of 90. More.
Ann Loranger, Professor Emerita of Education, came to UNH in 1992. Earlier in her career, she served for decades as a high school teacher in New Hampshire. Her secondary school colleagues thought so highly of her talents that they supported her return to college to pursue an Ed.D., which she earned at Boston University in 1988. Once joining the UNH faculty, she again proved herself an exemplary teacher, winning a university-wide faculty teaching excellence award. Professor Loranger died on April 19, 2009, at her home, following a brief illness. She was 67. More.
Frederick Samuels, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, taught at UNH from 1966 to 1993. In addition to his teaching and publications in the field of sociology, he taught courses in race relations and psychology. In 1998, UNH established the Dr. Frederick Samuels Fund for Diversity, initiated by a gift by one of his former students. In later years, Professor Samuels returned to his first love, writing poetry. A longtime member of the Poetry Society of New Hampshire, he served on its board until his death. Professor Samuels died on June 16, 2009, at the age of 81. More.
Paul Verrette, Associate Professor Emeritus of Music, taught for more than 35 years at UNH. Himself a product of a UNH undergraduate education, Professor Verrette was a dedicated teacher. Although identified with jazz for much of his career, Professor Verrette’s teaching included classical piano instruction, music appreciation, and music history. One of his enduring legacies was bringing the New Hampshire Library of Traditional Jazz and the Traditional Jazz Series to UNH in the 1980s. He and Prof. David Seiler worked tirelessly to establish the concert series, for which Professor Verrette wrote program essays for nearly 200 concerts. It remains a vital force for jazz music in the region. Professor Verrette died on August 5, 2009. He was 79. More.
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