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in memoriam

Coach Don Easterling in his NC State office in the early 1970s.

Jan 18, 2023

Easterling Remembered as a ‘Master Motivator’

Don Easterling coached some of NC State's best swimmers, including 40 All-Americans and seven future Olympians, while leading Wolfpack teams to 17 ACC titles in 24 years. The legendary coach died at his Virginia home at the age of 90. 

Forrest Hentz at the blackboard in an archival, black-and-white photo.

Jan 11, 2023

Hentz Made Chemistry Make Sense

Longtime chemistry professor Forrest C. Hentz, inaugural recipient of the Holladay Medal, died in December at the age of 89 (the atomic number of actinium). 

Richard Sykes standing next to a golf cart.

Sep 26, 2022

Richard Sykes Remembered for Storied Coaching Career

Longtime golf coach Richard Sykes, a five-time ACC Coach of the Year and member of the Golf Coaches Hall of Fame, died Sunday. 

NC State Memorial Belltower

Mar 1, 2022

‘Everything Had to Have a Purpose’: Remembering Journalism Visionary Richard Curtis

NC State alumnus Richard Curtis revolutionized print journalism as the founding managing editor for design at USA Today. He died Sunday at 75. 

Dick Robb at podium at NC State.

Nov 17, 2021

One of Our Own: The Life and Legacy of Dick Robb

Dick Robb never attended NC State. But the honorary alum proved his commitment to the Wolfpack in word and deed, touching the lives of countless NC State students through his work with the Park Scholarships program and his service on the Board of Trustees. 

Headshot portrait of Marye Anne Fox.

May 12, 2021

Fox Championed NC State — and Change

A renowned scientist and visionary leader, Marye Anne Fox pushed the university into the 21st century, despite headwinds. She died Sunday at 73. 

Aerial view of the Brickyard and the block S in the bricks.

Mar 19, 2020

In Memoriam: Landscape Architect Dick Bell

Landscape architect Richard C. Bell designed some of North Carolina’s iconic spaces, but none meant more to him than his alma mater’s University Plaza, more commonly known as the Brickyard. 

Bob Jordan shakes hand of another trustee with Chancellor Woodson looking on.

Feb 18, 2020

In Memoriam: Bob Jordan

Alumnus Bob Jordan, who served North Carolina as a public official and business leader, died at his home Sunday, surrounded by family. Jordan is remembered for his unwavering support of NC State for more than 60 years. 

Feb 11, 2020

In Memoriam: Tom Hester

English professor Tom Hester is remembered for his teaching, scholarship and passion for life. 

headshot of Karami with black background.

Jan 10, 2020

Mideast Tragedy Claims Alumna

An NC State alumna returning home after visiting family in Tehran is among the 176 passengers and crew killed in the crash of a Ukrainian airliner. 

Poet Gerald Barrax sits at his desk.

Dec 12, 2019

‘The Job of a Poet Is to Tell the Truth’: Remembering Gerald Barrax

Former students and colleagues share their impressions of Gerald Barrax, a retired emeritus professor of creative writing, who died Dec. 7. 

Phil Freelon with scale model of an architectural project.

Jul 9, 2019

Acclaimed Architect Phil Freelon Dies

The NC State alumnus led the team that designed the Smithsonian Institution’s $540 million National Museum of African American History and Culture in the nation's capital. 

Feb 22, 2017

Hero of Three Mile Island Dies

Harold Denton, the cool-headed federal regulator who took charge of Three Mile Island after the nation’s worst nuclear accident, was a 1958 graduate of NC State’s nuclear engineering program. 

Jun 22, 2016

In Memoriam: Dorothy Dent Park

The president emeritus of the Park Foundation, which has left an indelible impact on NC State through its philanthropy, has died at the age of 103. 

Feb 4, 2016

In Memoriam: Burton Beers

History professor Burton Beers, a Watauga Medal winner who served NC State for four decades, died Jan. 30.