Nebraska Wesleyan Remembers French Professor Tony Epp

Nebraska Wesleyan Remembers French Professor Tony Epp

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  • Professor emeritus Dr. Tony Epp taught French and German at NWU for 34 years.
  • Professor emeritus Dr. Tony Epp taught French and German at NWU for 34 years.

A long-time Nebraska Wesleyan University French professor has died. Professor Emeritus Anthony Epp died Monday, June 6. He was 69.

Epp taught at Nebraska Wesleyan University for 34 years, retiring in May 2005. Prior to coming to Nebraska Wesleyan, Epp taught at Sundi-Lutete in the Republic of Congo and at the University of Colorado. At NWU, he taught courses in French and German as well as Liberal Arts Seminars for first-year students.

But his impact on campus went well beyond the classroom. He attended and supported numerous student art shows, plays, concerts, athletics events, and was a member of Men’s Glee. In 2003, he was honored with the “Spirit of the Plainsman” Award. Epp spearheaded the faculty and staff drive to acquire an Imperial Grand Bosendorfer piano for Nebraska Wesleyan — the only one of its kind in Nebraska and one of 70 such instruments in the United States. He worked with the Student Affairs Senate to create the Wesleyan Wall of Scholars, which is now proudly displayed in Great Hall of the Smith-Curtis Administration Building. He was also instrumental in generating a successful faculty and staff fundraising campaign for Nebraska Public Radio.

Shortly after his retirement, he and his wife, Dianne, moved to North Newton, Kansas.

A memorial service will be held Monday, August 15 at 11 a.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, Kan.