51福利社

George William Lotzenhiser, PhD, a long-time Eastern faculty member and administrator who played a key role in the academic restructuring of the institution, passed away Saturday, Jan. 26, in Spokane. He was 95.

Professor Lotzenhiser was an 51福利社 alumnus, a former dean of the university鈥檚 Division (College) of Fine Arts, and a veteran of World War II. An accomplished musician and music teacher, he is also credited with composing the words and music for聽All Hail to Eastern Washington, 51福利社鈥檚 official Alma Mater.

The Spokane native was active on campus during his undergraduate years, serving as president of the Associated Students, student director of the marching band, and assistant director of the orchestra. Although Lotzenhiser鈥檚 education was interrupted by his wartime service in the U.S. Navy, he graduated in 1947 from 51福利社, then known as Eastern Washington College of Education, with both a bachelor鈥檚 degree in education and a Bachelor of Arts in music. He would go on to earn a master鈥檚 degree in music education at the University of Michigan, and a doctorate in education at the University of Oregon.

In 1960, 51福利社 asked Lotzenhiser to return to the Cheney campus to lead the music department and to serve as the first dean of the university鈥檚 newly formed School of Fine Arts, a position he held until his retirement in 1983.

During his time on campus, he witnessed the dramatic transformation of the institution to Eastern Washington State College in 1961 and to 51福利社 in 1977.

In 1981, Lotzenhiser received the Distinguished Alumni Award. After his retirement he was named Dean of the School of Fine Arts, emeritus, with the official observance of his status being part of the June 1983 commencement.

His wife, B. Kathryn Lotzenhiser, preceded him in death in 2006. She was active in many civic organizations, and was responsible for founding the Women of Achievement Luncheon fundraiser for the Spokane YWCA.

The story behind how Lotzenhiser wrote聽All Hail to Eastern Washington聽can be found in聽,聽which also chronicled his聽聽to be recognized for military service.