In Memoriam

Gender equity champion Dr. Bernice (Bunny) Sandler -- the "Godmother of Title IX" who held a doctorate in counseling -- passed away in January.

Longtime ACA member and counselor educator ​John Carl Dagley passed away this month at age 76.

Joseph R. Kandor, an ACA Fellow and former professor in the Department of Counselor Education at The College of Brockport, State University of New York, passed away in July.

Remembering Janet WindWalker Jones, a social justice advocate and active leader in the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, Counselors for Social Justice, the Military and Government Counseling Association (formerly the Military Educators and Counselors Association) and the American Counseling Association.

Almost a year ago, ACA’s first president, Robert H. “Bob” Shaffer, passed away at the age of 101. Shaffer was professor emeritus in the schools of education and business at Indiana University, an institution at which he served for 40 years. A native of Delphi, Indiana, he earned his master’s degree in guidance counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University, and his doctorate in higher education from New York University.

Bruce Shertzer, ACA's 22nd president (1973-74) and professor emeritus of Purdue University , passed away on Dec. 25, 2017 at age 89.

Jon Carlson, private practice counselor and psychologist, school counselor and school psychologist, film producer, author, journal editor, professor, supervisor, avid runner, wellness fanatic, friend, father and colleague, passed away on February 1 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Dr. William Krieger, a past president of the American Mental Health Counselors Association, died Feb. 10 at age 78.

Paul B. Pedersen passed away in Minneapolis on Jan. 11, 2017, surrounded by his wife, Doris Hsio Feng Chang, and his loving family.

After an active life and career as a counselor and university faculty member, Dr. Sandra (Sandi) Meggert died in Illinois in December 2016, shortly before her 75th birthday.

Garry R. Walz, the 20th president of the American Counseling Association, passed away in December after a battle with cancer. Counselors who worked with Walz throughout his many decades as a leader, researcher and educator in the profession remember him for being both a high-energy visionary and a caring professional who nurtured relationships and new ideas.

Don C. Locke, a longtime counselor educator and leader within the profession, died after a brief illness on June 8 in Asheville, North Carolina. A member of ACA's Governing Council, Locke was the author of several books on multicultural issues in counseling.

Robert L. “Bob” Gibson, a counseling professor at Indiana University, textbook author and leader and pioneer in the profession, passed away July 23, 2015 at age 95 after a long and illustrious career. In addition to his academic program leadership, Gibson is remembered by colleagues for his quick wit, high energy and strong sense of loyalty.

Dr. Edwin Herr, the 32nd president of the American Counseling Association, passed away April 23 at age 82. He is being remembered as a giant in the field — a scholar and leader who was an example and mentor to many in the profession.

The counseling and journalism professions are mourning the loss of Craig Windham, an American Counseling Association member and National Public Radio (NPR) newscaster who died unexpectedly on Feb. 28. Windham, a licensed clinical professional counselor, was a keynote speaker at ACA’s 2012 Conference & Expo in San Francisco.

Rose Cooper, a past president of the American Counseling Association and a longtime champion for the profession, died on Dec. 4 after a brief illness. A former school counselor and counselor educator, Cooper was 96 when she passed away at her home in White Plains, New York. She retired only last year from her longtime position as dean at Westchester Community College.

Dr. Yvonne Lee Callaway made her transition to glory on August 16, 2015 while vacationing the Atlanta area. She was there to celebrate her 65th birthday. Yvonne was baptized at an early age at the family church, St Paul AME Zion Church of Detroit. Her home was filled with the love of the Lord and reliance on his grace and blessings. Throughout the years she maintained her relationship with God and most recently worshiped at Middlebelt Baptist Church of Inkster, MI.

Dr. Fannie R. Cooley, Professor Emerita and former head of the Department of Counseling and Student Development, has died. Cooley was also a two-time Tuskegee University alumna and founder of the Huntsville-Decatur Alumni Club. She was also a Distinguished Life Eminent/$1000 Plus Associate. She died Thursday, August 13.

ACA’s 39th president, Dr. Jane E. Myers, passed away on December 23, 2014. Dr. Myers was a renowned scholar specializing in wellness and gerontological counseling. She served on UNCG’s Counseling and Development faculty for 24 years, with prior teaching service on the counseling faculty of Florida State, Florida, and Ohio University. Her leadership and contributions to Chi Sigma Iota, NBCC, CACREP, ACA, and AADA were immeasurable, leaving a lasting legacy within the counseling profession. She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Dr. Thomas J. Sweeney, as well as her stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many colleagues, mentees, and devoted students.

Dr. (Paul) Joe Wittmer was born to the late William and Anna Wittmer in 1937 in Montgomery, Indiana. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sue Torr Wittmer, his three children, Diane Wittmer Thompson and Scott Wittmer from Melrose, Florida and David Wittmer from Bangor, Maine; and four grandchildren, Raechel, Haley, Colby and Torria, two great grandchildren, Daniel and Noah, and his beloved pet, Murphy. He is also survived by his sister, Rosa Graber and three brothers, Amos, Henry and Wilmer, all from Montgomery and Evansville, Indiana. His sister Mary Wagler preceded him in death.