Thomas J. Edwards, 1925-2015
Tribute to Dean Thomas J. Edwards
On Friday, May 27, at 3 p.m. in Rosse Hall, a tribute was held to honor Dean Thomas J. Edwards (Nov. 15, 1925 — Dec. 13, 2015).
The tribute including a welcome from Tom Hoffmann ’62 and President Sean Decatur and reminiscences from Don Omahan ’70, Cheryl Steele, Jim Carr ’62 P’91, Jim Steen P’01,’04 and Tom Edwards Jr. The tribute concluded with "Kokosing Farewell" performed by the Kokosingers and the pealing of the bells and was followed by a reception on Ransom lawn.
At the tribute and in the preceding months, Kenyon alumni, staff, faculty and current students shared memories and honored Dean Edwards:
On Video: The Tribute to Dean Thomas Edwards
"Dean of Deans"
May 27, 2015 — By Tom Stamp '73, (first published online December 24, 2015)
Kenyon mourns the death of Thomas J. Edwards, dean of students for more than three decades.
Remarks by Donald J. Omahan '70
May 27, 2015 — By Donald J. Omahan '70, former dean of students
"Tom Edwards was a great Dean and an even greater person. I miss him dearly. Tom, you are right, there is a lot of work yet to do. But do it we shall, knowing that the path you have paved will forever provide the model and guide for our efforts." Read Omahan '70's tribute.
Remarks by Cheryl Steele
May 27, 2015 — By Cheryl Steele, former dean of students
"How fortunate we were to have you in our lives, and how fortunate Kenyon was as well. Yours was a life very well-lived, and one I can only hope to achieve. You will remain in thought and in heart — love always to you, Tom — and happy thoughts." Read former dean Steele's tribute.
Remarks by Jim Carr '62 P'91
May 27, 2015 — By Jim Carr '62 P'91, senior U.S. district judge for the northern district of Ohio
"What we learned from Tom's teaching mattered more, and stayed with us longer, than all that we gained, as much as it was, from so many other splendid Kenyon teachers... A coach sees into our hearts, knows what is missing and what to do to help us make them whole, more strong, to prepare us to meet straight on what lies ahead." Read Carr '62's tribute.
Remarks by Jim Steen P'01, 04
May 27, 2015 — By Jim Steen P'01, 04, former head swimming coach
"Like many of us here today, I owe Tom Edwards so much more than can ever be expressed in words. He gave me a career I could have never imagined and an education in humanity that made me a better coach and a better person." Read former swim coach Steen's tribute.
Thomas Edwards, former Kenyon dean of students and onetime swim coach, died last week at the age of 90
December 20, 2015 — By Rachel Mitchell '16 of the student newspaper, The Collegian
"From swim coach, to dean, to dean emeritus, Thomas J. Edwards’ official tenure at Kenyon was 36 years, but his legacy persisted long after his retirement. Edwards, who died on December 13 at the Ohio Eastern Star Home in Mount Vernon, has been remembered by Kenyon faculty for his thoughtful and caring treatment of students." Collegian article.
Kenyon College Television Classic Report: Dean Thomas Edwards Retires
1990 — Published online September 29, 2012
Tom Edwards was Kenyon's swimming coach and dean of students before retiring in 1990. Watch the televised report.