Knox College Life Trustee Vernon L.E. Stisser, Jr. '62 passed away May 2. He was 72. In accordance with his wishes, a private family service was held.

After earning his degree in economics and business administration at Knox, Stisser had a long career in business and community economic development, both local and international. He was elected as a general trustee of the College in 1996 and named life trustee in 2010.

"Vern served Galesburg and Knox in a variety of leadership capacities," said Knox President Teresa Amott in a message to the campus. "I recall how sincere Vern was about expressing his concern and commitment for Knox and Galesburg when I met him during my first visit to the community."

Stisser was a founding member of the Siwash Athletic Club, served on the Board of Trustees' Fitness & Athletic Initiatives Task Force, and took a special interest in the renovation of the Knosher Bowl.

"I think he ranks in the top percentile for loyalty to the college, as far as Knox alumni are concerned," [retired athletic director Harley] Knosher said, in an interview with the Register-Mail newspaper in Galesburg. "He was not seeking individual aggrandizement... All he was interested in was making Knox the best place he could."