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In Memoriam: April 2023
Interlochen Center for the Arts President Emeritus Edward J. Downing (IAC Fac 69, 73-75, 77-78, 81; ICA St 78-95, 95-03) of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away on Feb. 10, 2023 at the age of 87.
Downing’s 46-year career in music education included teaching roles in the Flint, Belleville, and Ann Arbor public schools and a tenure at the University of Michigan. Downing first came to Interlochen as the Director of the University of Michigan All-State Program, joining the institution full-time in 1978 as Director of the National Music Camp.
On Oct. 16, 1998, Downing was appointed the sixth president of Interlochen Center for the Arts. Under Downing’s leadership, Interlochen Public Radio launched a second station featuring an all-news format; the Frohlich Piano and Percussion Building and Harvey Theatre were built; and The Writing House was constructed.
A celebration of Downing’s life is being planned for this summer; stay tuned for details about this event. Messages of condolences can be sent to Joyceandfamily@interlochen.org. Memorial contributions to the Edward J. and Joyce Downing Scholarship Endowment can be made at www.interlochen.org/memorial.
Dorothy McDougall (UNIV 46-49, IAC St 48) of Frankfort, Michigan, passed away on Feb. 9, 2023.
Ruth Lee Still (IAC/NMC 52-55) of Sebring, Florida, passed away on Feb. 24, 2023.
Melvin Rookus (IAC/NMC 54) of Commerce Township, Michigan, passed away on Feb. 5, 2023.
Michael Zenge (IAC/NMC 56-57, UNIV 58) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on Jan. 14, 2023.
Valerie Strong Agresta (UNIV 57, 59) of Oldsmar, Florida, passed away on Jan. 22, 2023.
JoAnn Suroski Sutherland (IAC/NMC 60) of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, passed away on March 5, 2023.
Chester “Chet” Hampson (IAC/NMC 61-62, IAA 62-64) of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away on Jan. 15, 2023.
Lila Grider (IAC St 63) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on March 7, 2023.
Charles Allen (IAC St 69-76) of Alpharetta, Georgia, passed away on March 20, 2023.
Lorene Ireland (IAC/NMC 70-71) of Big Rapids, Michigan, passed away on Jan. 31, 2023.
Patricia Woodrow (IAA St 70-73) of Nokomis, Florida, passed away on Nov. 8, 2022.
Anthony Ciccone (IAC St 77) of Suttons Bay, Michigan, passed away on Feb. 25, 2023.
Marika Fischer Hoyt (IAA 77-80, IAC St 80) of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on Feb. 22, 2023.
Claudia Delp (IAA St 85-86) of Interlochen, Michigan, passed away on Dec. 23, 2022.
Beth Weiss (ICA St 90-94) of Oberlin, Ohio, passed away on Feb. 18, 2023.
Cynthia Draper (IAC St 05) of Dunnellon, Florida, passed away on Jan. 9, 2023.
