The Rocket

Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Submitted Photo Abbass Alkhafaji [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Submitted Photo Claudia Balach [Click to enlarge]

It is not uncommon for professors to leave a university.

Normal reasons may include sabbatical, a move to a different school or retirement.

It is when professors leave a university before they are ready that it becomes difficult for their colleagues, as was the case with Abbass Alkhafaji and Claudia Balach.

Though they are no longer teaching, they are remembered for their commitment to students and faculty alike.

Alkhafaji, a professor in the Slippery Rock University School of Business, was only 59 years old when he died in Baltimore from complications following a car accident in the Middle East during the summer. Though his time at SRU was shorter than most hoped, he is remembered as a great man and scholar by colleagues and students.

"He will be remembered for his warmth, caring, and energy. The outpouring of who he knew and touched was incredible," said Diane Galbraith, a colleague of Alkhafaji at SRU.

A founder of and executive vice president for the International Academy of Business Disciplines, a worldwide organization of scholars dedicated to promoting education in all functional and support areas of business, said Alkhafaji is missed worldwide as a scholar and friend.

"Dr. Alkhafaji was the primary reason for the success of the IABD, because of his personality, his knowledge of the business disciplines, his caring attitude, and his unwavering commitment to the promotion of peace and prosperity for people all over the world," said Ahmad Tootoonchi, the chair for the Department of Management at Frostburg State University in Maryland.

According to Tootoonchi, Alkhafaji was like a friend, big brother, and mentor for many in the IABD.

Anindya Chatterjee, a colleague of Alkhafaji's in the School of Business, recalled Alkhafaji commitment to education and his drive.

"What used to truly amaze me the most is how he could juggle so many things," Chatterjee said, "(including) four classes, the most active research (in the department), and work with the IABD."

Chatterjee credits Alkhafaji with bringing visibility to SRU on an international level, especially in the Middle East, and feels that he will have a very lasting impact on the School of Business.

But colleagues aren't the only ones who have fond memories of Alkhafaji

"He was an excellent professor, a mentor, and a great human being," said Iffat Zia, a 1999 Rock graduate from Bangladesh. "He made me a better person, and I will always remember him."

The Alkhafaji Scholarship for Excellence in Management Education was established in his honor this semester by Susan Lubinsky and Galbraith.

Another loss that the faculty and students at SRU experienced was the death of Claudia Balach.

Balach, a professor of elementary education, is fondly remembered both as a valued colleague and friend, and as extremely instrumental in the Elementary Education/Early Childhood Development department.

Balach was responsible for SRU receiving the Teacher Quality Enhancement and Recruitment grant, which brought in $1.4 million for the university, the largest grant in school history. Although this alone is a claim to fame, faculty in the Elementary Education/Early Childhood Department remember Balach as a caring, deep-thinking, and loving individual with a sincere commitment to education.

"She was brilliant, kind and gracious to all. All of the positive changes that have occurred in the College of Education over the past few years can be attributed to her," Geraldine Jenny, assistant professor in the Elementary Education/Early Childhood Department at SRU, said.

According to Sherry DuPont, an associate professor in the Elementary Education/Early Childhood Department, many faculty members are trying to continue Balach's dreams.

"Little did she know, we felt like she was preparing us, mentoring us, to make sure her dream lives on," DuPont said.

A memorial service was held Sept. 20 in honor of Balach. The service's purpose, DuPont said, was to celebrate her life, accomplishments, and the impact she had on those who worked and learned from her, not to rehash old feelings of grief.

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