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John Homer, Ph.D., a beloved professor at Olivet College, was killed in a car accident in December 2021. Homer taught at the school for 42 years, offering mainly economics courses.
Sophomore MacKenzie Hillsburg stated she was “broken-hearted” to hear the news.
“Without Professor Homer, I don’t know where I would be,” said Hillsburg. “He reminded me why I was here.”
Provost Maria Davis, who had known Homer for 28 years, said her favorite memories of the professor involved jokes around the lunch table.
“I think students don’t necessarily know how funny he was… he was just a hoot to be around,” said Davis.
Davis stated that although life at Olivet College will continue without him, Homer’s legacy will live on.
“There will never be another Dr. John Homer, but we will continue to learn from his example and celebrate his life,” said Davis. “I think more than anything, his absence from us has made us appreciate him and all that he was.”
According to the Olivet College staff directory, Homer won the Drs. Gorton and Peggy Riethmiller Teacher of the Year Award four times.
Homer studied economics at Western Michigan University and completed his graduate degrees at the University of Hawaii.
Olivet College is planning a celebration of Homer’s life for Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 2:30
p.m.
Photo taken from Olivet Website.