In Memoriam

First Black pilot at a big U.S. airline? He was a Buckeye

David E. Harris ’57 not only broke barriers, he was an all-around great guy—and credited those who came before him.

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David Harris poses for an American Airlines headshot in a suit and narrow tie and pilot’s hat. He is a Black man and his expression says he is serious yet open or trustworthy—like someone you’d trust to fly your plane.

Remembering Ohio State alumni who have passed away

The following lists include updates reported by family members, newspapers and other sources. Each entry includes name, graduation year(s), city of residence and date of passing. 

News of the passing of Ohio State graduates may be shared with the university community by sending an email to bioupdate@osu.edu. 

Click here for a primer on the years used after alumni names.

Ohio State students at a candlelight vigil

2024

Spring

Summer

Fall

2023

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

2022

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

 

2021

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

2020

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

2019

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

2018

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

2017

January–February

March–April

May–June

Fall

Winter

  • George Acock, an older white man with pure white hair, sits with hands clasped and legs crossed, looking happy, confident and comfortable in a studio where canvasses line the wall and other available space.

    George W. Acock helped define the campus experience

    This architect and 1963 graduate redesigned Thompson Library and Pomerene Hall and designed several new residence halls.

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  • In a portrait showing her head and shoulders, Romaine Bayless smiles while wearing her lab coat, gold hoops earrings and a pair of gold necklaces. A black woman with close cropped hair, a pretty and wide smile, and eyes that crinkle as the corners, her expression says she is friendly and smart.

    Romaine Bayless: Trailblazer, doctor, mathematician …

    The veteran and 1978 alumna always had the courage to adventure forward, and helped develop in vitro fertilization at Yale.

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  • Coach Bobby Knight gestures with both hands as he yells at his team on the court. He looks focused and intense.

    Buckeye friends recall the magic of Bobby Knight

    The coaching legend honed his skills on a team that won multiple national championships and included future NBA players.

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  • In an older photo, a white man leans toward the camera while wearing his baseball uniform, glasses and a baseball cap. He looks focused and serious.

    Frank Howard, a gentle giant who hit epic home runs

    In his Ohio State days, the 6-foot-7 Howard was a 2-sport athlete and basketball star, whose rebound record still stands.

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  • Dressed in a pinstripe suit and wearing glasses, a Black man stands in front of Ohio Stadium, looking into the distance and smiling

    Dimitrious Stanley was a football star, cancer fighter

    The 2001 graduate made it his mission to help men guard against prostate cancer, which he was diagnosed with at age 45.

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  • Two white women, one with short blond hair and the other with long dark hair, lean into the photo as parade-watchers line the street behind them. The women’s smiles say they are happy and proud.

    Linda Schuler ’68 made Columbus more festive, inclusive

    The Buckeye chaired the Pride Parade for 22 years and spent three decades as a leader in the Recreation and Parks department.

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  • Bear Braumoeller sits in a chair as he speaks with three graduate students sitting around him. He has curling, graying hair and wears a cardigan and loafers, and his skin crinkles around his eyes as he smiles.

    Professor Bear F. Braumoeller: A true scholar and friend

    While his research focused on escalation and war, this professor was beloved for spreading encouragement and kindness.

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  • On the field in Ohio Stadium, an older white woman wearing a scarlet and gray argyle vest stands next to a younger black woman. She’s looking at her friend and they are both laughing.

    She made Ohio State a leader in women’s athletics

    With gusto, wit and charm, Phyllis Bailey was persistent in pushing to get women’s sports the respect they deserve.

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  • An older man wearing glasses and a checked button-down gestures while teaching a class in front of a white board.

    Bill Lowrie gave constantly, in ways big and small

    William G. Lowrie ’66 and his genuine support of Buckeyes earned him respect and appreciation wherever he went.

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