Longtime English professor David Saunders dies
Released: December 7, 2005
David Benjamin Saunders, 86, died Friday, Nov. 25, 2005, at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson. He was an associate professor of English at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater for over 25 years.
Saunders taught at UW-Whitewater from 1957 until 1983 where he was well respected by colleges and students alike. “Dave was a well-educated and thoughtful man,” said Emeritus Professor Bob Burrows, a long-time colleague and friend of Saunders. "He took the ups and downs of life calm and collected.”
Bob was the first recipient of the David Saunders Award for Teaching Excellence. An anonymous donor established the award in honor of Saunders. It is bestowed upon those who uphold the values of liberal education and the humanities.
“Dave was the most intelligent man I’ve ever met. He was not only a colleague, but also a friend and mentor,” added Emeritus Professor Jim Leaver remembering Saunders. “His range of knowledge was incredible. He would quote ancient philosophers in daily conversation to demonstrate his point.”
Saunders also had the reputation of being a wonderful professor who related well to his students. “His students had a deep respect for him. His love of literature came through boundlessly in his teaching,” said Mary Burrows, a former student and friend of Saunders.
Both in his personal and professional life, Saunders was a strong advocate for world peace, which became his driving interest in retirement. He was also very active in the Citizens for Global Solutions.
“He was passionate about finding peaceful solutions for international problems,” Bob said.
Saunders is survived by his wife and five children. Memorial services were held Nov. 26, 2005, at Fairhaven in Whitewater and a memorial service is being planned for Jan. 1, 2006, in Princeton, NJ. Memorials in Saunders’ name can be made to Fairhaven or Citizens for a Global Solution.
- Shauna Stevens,stevenssm26@uww.edu
