AROUND
THE QUAD
In Memoriam: Chris
Noya
Professor
Honored at
Commencement
The Stevenson community is saddened to an-
nounce the passing of Christine Noya, former As-
sistant Professor of Business Communication, on
March 7. A few months prior, in September 2018,
family, friends, and colleagues celebrated her re-
tirement after 33 years of dedication to Villa Julie
College and Stevenson.
“Chris’ big heart is what we will miss the most,”
said her longtime friend and colleague, Chip Rouse,
Associate Professor of Business Communication.
“She loved people, loved to listen to their stories,
loved to advocate for them, and rejoice in their
success. She was proud of being honored with the
President's Medal, but she was equally proud of
having been the coach of the cheer team in those
early Villa Julie days.”
There were few parts of the university where Noya
had not served in one capacity or another during
her lengthy career here. From her first position as
a special assistant to Dean Rose Dawson and later
directing career services and experiential learning, to
helping new students transition to college through
the Faculty in the Halls program, it was clear that
Stevenson students were her number one priority.
“She loved Stevenson and would go to any lengths
to help a student succeed,” said Claire Moore,
retired Vice President of Student Affairs, who worked
together with Noya throughout her 33-year career at
Villa Julie and SU. “She has made a loving impact on
Stevenson and its students that will forever be part
of our history and culture.”
8
|
VENTURES/SUMMER 2019
Dyer Bilgrave, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, was honored
with the title of Professor Emeritus this May during Steven-
son’s 66th Commencement. Professor Emeritus is a distinc-
tive honor, conferred by Stevenson’s Administration and
Board of Trustees upon a retired faculty member who has
demonstrated a distinguished professional career and made
significant contributions to the university. Bilgrave is retiring
from full-time service after a 32-year career at Villa Julie and
Stevenson. He led the development and implementation of
the Psychology degree program and served as the Psychology
Department Chair from 2002 to 2005. In 2004, he received
the Rose Dawson Award for Excellence in Teaching.