Paul Pintrich
Paul Pintrich, professor of education and psychology and chair of the Combined Program in Education and Psychology, died suddenly of a massive stroke at age 49, while on a bike tour.
“He was dearly loved and greatly respected and admired by all his friends and colleagues within the School of Education and the University. His untimely passing represents an enormous loss for us all,” School of Education Dean Karen Wixson said.
He received a B.A. in psychology from Clark University in Worcester, Mass., and an M.A. in developmental psychology and a Ph.D. from U-M. He served as associate dean for research for the School of Education from 1998-2001.
Pintrich published more than 120 articles and chapters and was co-author or co-editor of nine books, including the “Advances in Motivation and Achievement” series. He served as president of Division 15-Education Psychology for the American Psychology Association. He won the 1999 Best Research Review Article Award from the American Educational Research Association. He also won the Class of 1923 Teaching Award from LSA and the School of Education for excellence in undergraduate teaching.
In 2002 he was a visiting scholar at Oxford University and had been asked to return. Graduate students and junior faculty regarded Pintrich as an exceptional mentor who made invaluable contributions to their growth as scholars.
Pintrich was born Nov. 4, 1953, in Wilmington, Mass., to Paul and Teresa (Prescott) Pintrich. He married Elizabeth DeGroot Oct. 15, 1988. He is survived by his wife, Liz; stepson Bill and his wife Lyn DeGroot of Ypsilanti; and father Paul and mother Teresa Pintrich, both of Wilmington, Mass. He also is survived by four sisters: Patty Sugrue of Hampstead, N.H.; Dianne Herther and Lynda Pintrich of Nashua, N.H.; and Kathleen Grover of Wilmington, Mass.; and five nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held July 17 at the NIE Funeral Home. Pintrich’s family has established the Paul Pintrich Education and Psychology Scholarship to honor his memory and commitment to students. Memorials may be sent to Laurie Stoianowski, development officer, U-M School of Education, 610 E. University Ave. #1123B, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1259.
Sharon Gebhardt
Sharon Gebhardt, administrative associate I in the College of Engineering’s (CoE) Division of Resource Planning and Management, died July 8 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Gebhardt was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in July 2002 and had been on leave from her position since then.
She joined the staff of Engineering Administration in January 1990 and quickly demonstrated her financial management skills. She became an expert on graduate student appointment issues and then on the broader range of financial support for research activities in the college.
Gebhardt managed CoE’s cost-sharing and research incentive funds and served as a key support person for CoE’s associate dean for research. In this capacity she interacted with a broad spectrum of CoE faculty and staff, and with central staff in financial operations and research administration. She was a member of the M-Pathways Student Financials Beta Team and served the college on many special assignments, including playing a central role on the team that organized Engineering Administration’s move into the Lurie Engineering Center in 1996.
George Carignan, who was associate dean for research and graduate education during much of Gebhardt’s tenure with the college, praises her for her technical skills, dependability and pleasant demeanor. Carignan says Gebhardt’s work was a major factor in the growth of excellence in the college during the 1990s.
Her colleagues lovingly remember Gebhardt as a warm and caring individual who was a friend, dedicated team member and loving family member. Her love of learning allowed her to embrace new technologies in the workplace. She always was eager to master the latest tools and techniques and to share her knowledge with others. Gebhardt was a devoted family member who took great pleasure in traveling with her husband, Karl, and often shared touching stories about her granddaughter, Emily. Gebhardt had many interests, including sewing and home decorating, and she enjoyed canning fresh vegetables from her garden. Her enthusiasm and friendship will be missed greatly.
Gebhardt, who grew up in Manchester, Mich., is survived by her husband Karl, daughter Michelle, son Jeff, daughter-in-law Laura and her beloved granddaughter Emily. She was a devoted member of the Bethel United Church of Christ. CoE will host a memorial and tree planting service in her honor in early fall.
—Submitted by Division of Resource Planning and Management, CoE
