Robert Keller ’52 (Bob), former academic dean, died Sept. 10, 2022. Dorothy Keller (Dee), former professor, died Feb. 20, 2021.

Bob graduated from Manchester with a degree in sociology in 1952. He then earned a master’s degree in social and technical assistance from Haverford College in 1953, and later earned a Master of Social Service degree from Bryn Mawr College in 1960. He completed his Ph.D. in sociology and social work at the University of Michigan in 1970.

A conscientious objector, Bob’s alternative service took him to Turkey, where he met Dorothy Birge, whom he married in 1955. The two were together more than 65 years.

Dee graduated from Oberlin College in 1955 with a degree in history. Her love of learning never ceased as she earned her master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Michigan and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.

Bob taught and served as associate dean of the School of Social Work at The Ohio State University before becoming dean of academic affairs at Manchester from 1978 to 1987. Dee taught social work at Manchester for 18 years. The couple retired in 1996 and spent the following decades directing college exchange programs, working for Global Ministries and actively supporting local and regional ecumenical initiatives in Vermont.

Bob’s last words to all were to “keep the love flowing.”

Paul Hoffman ’54, 90, former dean of students, died Sept. 30, 2022.

Hoffman was dean of students at Manchester for 14 years before becoming president at McPherson College in Kansas, a sister school to Manchester, in 1976. Passionate about his work at McPherson, he served as president for 20 years before retiring in 1996. During his years teaching and administering, he also served terms as moderator for the Church of the Brethren districts of Michigan and of South-Central Indiana.

Prior to returning to Manchester, Hoffman served as a pastor for the Church of the Brethren.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Manchester, Master of Divinity from Bethany Seminary, master’s degree from the University of Michigan and Ph.D. from Purdue University.

Survivors include his wife, Joanna Begerow Hoffman; son-in-law, John Wagoner; son, Dan Hoffman ’97 and Dawn (Robbins) Hoffman; son, John and Sandra (Sharp) Hoffman; son, Jim and Lisa (Lee) Hoffman; sister, Elizabeth Bauer; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.