Sergei Raygorodsky
Sergei Raygorodsky, a research engineer at the College of Engineering’s Space Physics Research Laboratory, and his wife, Liana, died Jan. 11 at their Ann Arbor home.
Raygorodsky, 34, had worked as a space instrument parts engineer at the space physics lab since 1992, where he helped develop equipment for space exploration.
“Our laboratory has a very long tradition of building instruments for space exploration, and Sergei played a large part in the development of that hardware,” said Charles Edmonson, associate director of the lab. “He worked with lots and lots of people here and was one of the most colorful people I’ve ever met.
“He came here from Russia, and talking with him was like getting a Russian history lesson. He seemed to know the entire history of Russia and its people. Sergei was just a really charismatic guy, and an awful lot of people are going to miss him.”
Stephen Director, dean of the College of Engineering, echoed Edmonson’s sentiments.
“Anytime a tragedy like this occurs, it is difficult to find the right words to convey our feelings,” Director said. “This obviously is a terrible loss, and our heartfelt condolescences go out to the families and friends of Sergei and his wife.
“Sergei was an integral part of the College of Engineering’s space physics lab, and his work was highly valued. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends, not only at the lab, but throughout the College and among those who knew him across campus.”
A 1992 graduate of the U-M with a bachelor’s degree in general studies, Raygorodsky also had a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering that he received in the Ukraine.
The Russian-born Raygorodsky and his wife are survived by their son, Misha (Michael). A scholarship fund will be established for Misha by the Gandy Dancer restaurant, where Liana Raygorodsky, 37, was employed. Contributions may be sent to Grace Singleton, general manager of the Gandy Dancer, 401 Depot St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
From News and Information Services
Peter Fodale
The Department of Linguistics is greatly saddened to report the death of Prof. Emeritus Peter Fodale last fall, after a short illness.
A native of Detroit, he entered the U-M as a freshman after active service in the U.S. Marine Corps and received his B.A. (1952), M.A. (1957) and Ph.D. (1964) from the U-M.
Fodale began his career teaching Italian, Spanish and English as a second language while still a graduate student. Throughout his career, he was known as an inspiring and energetic teacher, and he is remembered fondly by thousands of former students as the man who introduced them to the wonders of their own and other languages. He regularly taught extension courses in addition to his popular LS&A classes. His many dozens of Ph.D. students are distributed throughout the world in departments of linguistics, English, Romance and other languages.
When he joined LS&A in 1964, his initial field of interest was English generative syntax, which he introduced to Michigan. In later years, he became interested in nonstandard varieties of English, including African American vernacular English, and in pidgin English and Creole languages. He compiled the first reference grammar of Papiamentu and served as an educational and language planning consultant for a number of groups, including the Peace Corps, the NAACP, and the governments of Canada, Nigeria and Netherlands Antilles.
He retired and received emeritus status in 1986. He was preceded in death by his youngest son. He is survived by his wife, Carie Ruth Garrity; one daughter; two sons; and three grandsons.
Peter, as he was universally known, will be remembered for his warmth and ready smile, his eagerness for new ideas, and his enthusiasm for teaching, especially for teaching about language.
An endowment fund for a linguistics graduate student teaching award in his name has been established. Contributions may be sent to the U-M, attention of the Peter Fodale account, c/o LS&A Development Office, 350 S. Thayer St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
From the Department of Linguistics
Jo Ann Allen
Jo Ann Allen, associate professor emerita of social work, died Dec. 16. at her home.
She was born in Troy, Ohio, in 1927. After attending Ohio University, she earned degrees from the University of Colorado and the University of Michigan. She joined the School of Social Work faculty in 1967, where she enjoyed teaching. She wrote numerous professional articles and book chapters, and she presented workshops at state and national professional conferences. In addition to teaching, she had a clinical practice at the Ann Arbor Center for the Family for 20 years, where she was the core member of the Family Therapy Training Program.
Allen was a member of the American Academy of Family Therapists and the National Association of Social Workers, and she was a supervisor for the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
She is survived by her life partner, Joan Bild; four siblings; and many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. A celebration of her life was held on Jan. 13.
From the School of Social Work
Calvin Elliker III
Calvin Elliker III, assistant professor of music (musicology) in the School of Music and head of the Music Library, passed away suddenly Jan. 14.
Elliker received degrees from several different universities, including a B.M. from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music; an M.L.S. from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; and an M.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and was a longtime member of the Music Library Association.
“I know I speak for the entire School of Music faculty, staff and student body when I say how shocked and saddened all of us are at the untimely passing of Calvin Elliker,” said Dean Karen Wolff. “Dr. Elliker served in a generous and wholly professional manner as head of the School of Music Library for 11 years. He will be greatly missed by all of us, and we extend our greatest sympathies to the family.”
“Calvin was an accomplished musician and outstanding scholar,” said William A. Gosling, director of the University Library. “He contributed greatly to the advancement of the Music Library, as well as more broadly to the profession through his numerous articles and professional activities. His untimely death leaves a great void in the Library family, and he will be greatly missed.”
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
From the University Library
