UF Saddened by Passing of Professor Emeritus Dr. Edwin Stefan

University of Findlay is saddened to announce the death of Professor Emeritus Dr. Edwin Stefan on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. Dr. Stefan was a long-time Professor of Psychology at UF, serving students from 1969 until his retirement in 1995.

A much-loved professor at the University of Findlay, Dr. Stefan was dedicated to inspiring students and serving others. In addition to teaching psychology, Dr. Stefan directed the Community Urban Experiences Program of Field Placements, which he started in 1971. He also served as the coordinator of the art therapy program, which began in 1983. A licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of Ohio, he was a senior clinician of counseling services for the University. He also spent a sabbatical at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in 1989.

Dr. Stefan published more than 30 articles in educational, anthropological, religious, and psychological journals in the United States and Great Britain. He also was sought out as an expert in his field by area media outlets, giving frequent media interviews. As part of a 1993 Lima News editorial column about how kindness can have a ripple effect, Dr. Stefan was quoted as saying, “Clap your hands and we change the whole universe. We are all interrelated with everything else. I believe that very strongly.”

This ripple effect is certainly evident in the Stefan Psychology Scholarship Endowment Fund established with deep respect, gratitude, and friendship by former student Tena Madison Kirk ’75 in his honor. Ms. Kirk credited Dr. Stefan with helping her remain at UF and completing her degree.

Prior to joining the University of Findlay, Dr. Stefan served as pastor of United Methodist churches in Massachusetts, Michigan, Wisconsin, and California for 13 years.

Dr. Stefan graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisc., a bachelor of divinity in church history from Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill, a master of sacred theology from Boston University and a doctor of religion in pastoral counseling and psychology from Claremont College’s School of Theology in California.

Memorials may be made to the Dr. Edwin S. Stefan Scholarship Endowment Fund or Cancer Patient Services, 1800 N. Blanchard St.

Please keep Dr. Stefan’s wife, Katheryn, and all of his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

For more details on Dr. Stefan’s life, please read his full obituary in The Courier.