James Edward Lesch
James Edward Lesch, 80, died on March 24, at the Saline Evangelical Home.
Lesch was a widely respected research administrator whose U-M career spanned 33 years. He served as director of the Division of Research Development and Administration (DRDA) from 1973 until his retirement in 1987. Prior to that appointment he worked as a research assistant in the Engineering Research Institute, later known as DRDA. He assumed several roles in this organization until 1962 when he took over as assistant to the vice president in the Office of Academic Affairs.
“Jim left indelible impressions on both research administration here in general and on me in particular,” says James Randolph, associate director of DRDA. “At the institutional level, he established a culture of collegiality between investigator and administrator that continues in DRDA today. On a more personal note, he transformed my job into my career. He had the unusual ability of leading while standing off to the side.”
Lesch found great satisfaction in helping U-M faculty secure funding for research and was known for his leadership and integrity in fostering mutually beneficial relationships among the University, the business community and government agencies.
He is survived by Jane, his wife of 58 years, a brother, five children and eight grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd, United Church of Christ or Individualized Care Hospice of Michigan.
—Submitted by News and Information Services
Wolfgang F. Stolper
Professor Emeritus Wolfgang F. Stolper, 89, died on March 31, in Ann Arbor.
More than 60 years ago, Stolper developed a theory about international trade that to this day helps explain its effect on national economies. Although the Stolper-Samuelson theorem has greatly evolved since its inception in 1941, economists still see it as an essential tool in evaluating world economies.
Stolper joined U-M’s economics department in 1949 and stayed at the University until he retired in 1983. His last position was as professor of economics and associate director of the Center for Research on Economics Development.
“Many people will remember Wolf for his accomplishments as an economist—he wrote a very famous article called the ‘Stolper-Samuelson Theorem,” says James Adams, LS&A associate dean of academic affairs and professor of economics. “I will always remember Wolf Stolper not simply for his scholarship, but for what he stood for in the economics department. I remember vividly a very big debate where he stood up and said he for one would forego an increase in his own salary to promote the quality of the intellectual life of the community and department. He was my foremost example of senior leadership in economics.”
Stolper also was an accomplished pianist. He had two grand pianos in his Ann Arbor home and often invited guests over for chamber music concerts.
He is survived by his wife Margot Kaufmann, two sons, a brother and sister.
—Submitted by News and Information Services
