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Alumni from Dr. Thomas era along with members of the faculty of the present Department of Physics and Astronomy gather in the hallway for the dedication of the plaque. |
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| Senior research professor Donald Koetke, former chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy waits for guests to assemble before beginning the dedication. |
Prof. Koetke offers contextual remarks on the development of the plaque that was generously funded by Dr. Thomas' son, David Thomas of Grosse Pointe, MI. |
The dedicatory remarks can be downloaded.
The cast bronze plaque can be seen over Prof. Koetke's left shoulder. |
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| Members of Dr. Thomas' family who were able to be present for the dedication: David Thomas, Dr. Thomas' grandson (left), Dr. Thomas' son, David Thomas (center) and his wife Ann are seen flanking the plaque. |
Among the alumni present was Jim Morris from Boston, MA
(VU '55), one of Dr. Thomas' former stiudents who came the farthest distance to be present at the dedication. |
Jim Morris ('55), David Thomas ('??), Robert Walstrom ('47), and Mel Bohlman ('??), both of Valparaiso. |
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After the brief dedication was concluded the group adjourned to Huegli Hall for a reception
and a time for remembrances. |
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| Prof. Bruce Hrivnak (standing), chair of the Deparatment of Physics and Astronomy welcomes those present and invites everyone to enjoy the food and conversation. |
David Thomas (left) with Prof. Stan Zygmunt review some of the biographical information Prof. Zygmunt had prepared on Dr. Thomas' life. |
Prof. Zygmunt shares a some of his historical discoveries about Dr. Thomas with Dr. Thomas' grandson, David Thomas. |
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| Profs. Emeriti Fred Kruger ('??) and Alfred Looman ('??) select from among the food preparations. |
Prof. Todd Hillwig (left), Ann Thomas, David Thomas, and Prof. Andrew Richter ('90) share a light moment at the
buffet table. |
David Thomas, Prof. Emeritus Richard Baepler ('??), Fred Kruger, and Alfred Looman. |
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Prof. Bruce Hrivnak (left), Richard Baepler, Fred Kruger, and Alfred Looman swap stories. In the distance is
Prof. Emeritus Merlyn Vocke ('??) and his wife Judy. |
Jim Morris engages Prof. Adam Gibson ('00) in
spirited conversation. |
In the foreground: Richard Baepler, Fred Kruger, and Alfred Looman. Robert Walstrom (left) and Mel Bohlman (right) are seen in the background. |
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| Prof. Donald Koetke shares a story with Prof. Adam Gibson and Carol Koetke. |
Prof. Andrew Richter, Prof. Todd Hillwig, and Dr. Jason Webb ('95). |
Jim Morris (back), Robert Walstrom, and Mel Bohlman listen intently to a story shared by Prof. Emeritus Edgar Luecke ('??) |
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| VU historian and author Richard Beapler describes the times in the nation and at VU during Dr. Thomas tenure at Valparaiso University. |
Dr. Thomas' service to VU (1929-1956) included the Great Depression, World War II, and the post WWII times of returning GIs. |
David Thomas, Ed Luecke, and Mel Bohlman listen to Richard Baepler's description of the times of limited resources, relatively few students, and then vastly increased enrollments after WWII. |
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| Fred Kruger describes his recollections of Dr. Thomas as teacher and mentor and how he would make equipment for laboratory use because there was no money to purchase it. |
Mel Bohlman recalls Dr. Thomas a somewhat quiet, unassuming man who had his students' success as his foremost concern and focus. |
Al Looman was not one of Dr. Thomas' students, but his older brother was and those memories were shared. |
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Walt Crosmer ('56)
Verne Kolba ('50)
Gilbert Lehmann ('??)
Robert C. Meyer ('54)
Charles Ochs ('52)
Oliver Smith ('??)
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Robert (Bob) Walstrom ('??) shared his experiences as
Dr. Thomas' student when the University resources
were very small and Dr. Thomas had to be a creative teacher. |
Jim Morris relates how Dr. Thomas literally reached out and convinced him he should be a physics major and how
Dr. Thomas trusted him and guided him in so many ways.
Jim related that he owed his career to Dr. Thomas' influence. |
At the conclusion of the comments by those present,
Prof. Koetke read several pieces submitted by other alumni from Dr. Thomas' era but who were not able to attend. |
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David Thomas was invited to share some of his
thoughts and memories. |
His father was a hard working man who made do with so little, both at home and at work. He did not complain and he loved his family. David remembers him out weeding the garden at 5:30 AM to grow food for his family. |
In the end, the memories relived at this dedication are cherished and the plaque will stand as a tribute to my father and to his
service to Valparaiso University |
