First Shansi Visiting Scholar from American College Passes Away

Oberlin Shansi received news from Madurai on January 18, 2012 of the death of Professor Arthur Harris. He was the first Shansi Faculty Fellow at Oberlin (1960-61) from the American College, Madurai. He stayed an extra year to complete the requirements for a Master’s degree in Physics at Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University) in Cleveland, Ohio. When he returned to India, he took up leadership in academic thinking and planning for the American College, Madurai. He helped develop the concept of academic autonomy and worked to prepare a blueprint for it. However, he left Madurai before the College became autonomous. He moved on to serve as Principal of Martandam Christian College in his hometown.

Professor Harris was a good friend to many former Oberlin Shansi Fellows and will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence and faith.

West China Rep Passes Away

It is also with sadness that we report the passing of Harold R. Howes, Jr., Shansi Rep to Chengdu, China from 1948-50. Harry passed away on November 11, 2011. When westerners were expelled from China with the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, Harry taught math, science and English for one semester at Woodstock School in Mussoorie, India. He married his Oberlin classmate Alice Spore in June 1952 and moved to the Albany, NY area to serve as guidance counselor at Milne School from 1954-62 and then as professor of education at SUNY Albany’s graduate counseling program. After he retired he returned to Woodstock School in India with his wife where they worked for two years.

Harry will be fondly remembered by his many dear friends and beloved family.