Dear Colleagues,

Many have paid condolences regarding the death of Steve Shuklian. Below is a newspaper article regarding his death and some statements. I thought that some of you might like to see them.

Fred Lee

I did not know him well but he was a heterodox player and I liked him bouncing around AFIT and AFEE with ideas we don't give enough attention to always. John Adams

Steve graduated from our Econ Department at CSU Fresno and many older colleagues remember him.

Sasan Fayazmanesh

Sad news. Didn't know him well: he reffed a paper for me , I guess just before he died. He was very constructive and very gracious. I had a strong impression that here was an able, decent guy. Gary Mongiovi

Business college restructures

Teaching positions filled after deaths of professors

By Mitzi L. Miller

Published: Wednesday, September 3, 2003

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The Lewis College of Business is finding a way to restructure and recover after the sudden loss of two respected professors.

The deaths of Dr. Joseph Abramson, professor of marketing, and Dr. Steve Shuklian, professor of economics, shocked students and faculty this summer.

Abramson was killed July 14 in a 13-car crash on Interstate 64. He had been a professor at Marshall for 12 years and had just been appointed as interim head of the division of management and marketing.

"Everyone was shocked," Dr. Fred Mader, interim head of the division of management and marketing, said. "Joe was never rude to people, but he would always stand up for what he believed to be right, even if there were consequences. You need that kind of person and we worry about how that can be replaced."

Mader was appointed interim head of the division shortly after Abramson's death.

Bryan Little, a former professor of marketing whose position was eliminated last year because of budget cuts, was rehired for the fall and spring to teach marketing courses.

On Aug. 8, nearly one month after Abramson's death, Shuklian's body was found at Calamity Café, 1555 3rd Ave. The cause of death is still under investigation. He had been a professor at Marshall for 15 years.

"He will definitely be missed," said Dr. Lawrence P. Shao, head of the division of finance and economics. "You don't spend 15 years in a place without having a lot of friends who know, respect and care about you."

Nicholas C. Kontos, a retired economics professor with nearly 30 years experience, was given a one-year appointment to teach Shuklian's courses until the position can permanently be filled.

Shao said Shuklian was concerned with issues such as social change and diversity.

Because of this, the department is looking for a professor with a politically-focused knowledge of economics.

Both departments will conduct a national search later this year for Abramson and Shuklian's positions.

A memorial service for Abramson was conducted July 25 at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse, while a memorial service for Shuklian was given August 27 in the Campus Christian Center.