James J. ‘Jim’ Buffer, June 1937 – Oct. 2017
Buffer, professor emeritus of technology education, Ft. Myers, Florida, helped broaden the field’s perspective of what was then called industrial technology. During 22 years at Ohio State, he helped ensure that the vocational education program ranked No. 1 nationwide. As associate dean, Buffer worked with graduate students to provide advanced training and development services to major manufacturers, institutions of higher education and banking, and financial and sales operations around the world.
Walter F. Ersing, June 1932 – Feb. 2018
Ersing, ’55 MA, ’64 PhD, of Columbus, faculty emeritus of physical education and exercise science, served the college for 32 years. He received many honors for coaching and officiating soccer and swimming. He coordinated the Adapted Physical Education Graduate Program and played a pioneering role in developing building and public space accessibility policies and early accessibility projects. He helped establish Ohio Special Olympics Athletics and served on the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Jean Dearth Dickerscheid, Jan. 1932 – Oct. 2017
Dickerscheid, ’53 BS, ’56 MS, ’67 PhD, of Columbus, was professor emerita of family relations and human development. She served Ohio State for 31 years, first as a professor, then as associate dean of the Graduate School. She is known for landmark leadership in establishing the Critical Difference for Women program. It continues today, providing grants to advance the education and professional lives of Ohio State women. She received Ohio State’s 1991 Presidential Citation.
