Ralph Baldwin
Ralph Belknap Baldwin, who taught astronomy at U-M, died Oct. 23 at age 98.
Born on June 6, 1912, he graduated from U-M with a Bachelor of Science in 1934, a Master of Science in 1935 and a doctorate in astronomy (physics) in 1937. He taught astronomy at U-M, Pennsylvania and Northwestern. Baldwin received three honorary degrees, a Doctor of Laws degree from U-M in 1975, a Doctor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University in 1989, and a Doctor of Science degree from Aquinas College in 1999.
During World War II he was a senior physicist at the Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University, helping develop the radio proximity fuze. After the war he returned to Grand Rapids and joined Oliver Machinery Company where he became its president in 1970.
Baldwin’s most important work was in astronomy. His studies proved that the craters on the moon were produced by the impacts of large and small asteroid-like bodies rather than volcanic in origin. Baldwin’s early work culminated in his book, “The Face of the Moon” (1949), which may properly be considered the generating force behind modern research in both terrestrial impact craters and lunar surface features. He followed up his original work with a second book, “The Measure of the Moon” in 1965.
Baldwin was a Fellow in the Meteoritical Society, the American Geophysical Union, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada made him an honorary member.
— Submitted by Thomas Zurbuchen, College of Engineering
Dr. Frank Ritter
Dr. Frank Ritter, retired clinical professor of otorhinolaryngology, of Ann Arbor died Nov. 16. He was 82.
Born in New Albany, Ind., Ritter earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Notre Dame (1949), a medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine (1953) and a Master of Science degree from U-M (1958). After completing an Ear, Nose and Throat Program residency in 1960, he joined the faculty of U-M in 1964. In the early 1970s, Ritter entered private practice at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, where he actively participated in the U-M ENT residency training program.
Later in his career Ritter rejoined U-M as a clinical professor. He retired from U-M in 2005. Ritter was a very popular teacher, awarded the Silver Shovel Award and the Senior Award by medical students. Also, the Frank Ritter teaching award is given every year to a faculty member in the Department of Otolaryngology by graduating residents.
Ritter authored 70 scientific papers and several books. He was an internationally known speaker who lectured in the U.S. and abroad, and a member — often chairman or president — of several regional and national ENT-related associations. Colleagues say Ritter was a beloved teacher and mentor who will be remembered for his integrity, wit and dedication to his patients and the ENT specialty.
— Submitted by Carol Bradford, Medical School
