The Aquinas community lost a true leader Friday, Jan. 18 as Ralph Bennett, professor emeritus of economics and founder of the Continuing Education program passed away. Bennett, who was known to friends as R.J., was inducted last year into the Aquinas Hall of Fame in recognition of his devotion to his students and his prominent role in initiating the Career Action Program (now known as Continuing Education).

Over the course of his life, Bennett served in the Air Force, the Reserves and the Michigan National Guard, and earned six academic degrees. He was a pioneer in bringing college-level courses to inmates in prison, and in the 1960s initiated a program at the Ionia Prison. A lifelong learner and esteemed academic, Bennett taught accounting and economics at Aquinas from 1960 to 1996, during which time he was known for his steadfast commitment to his students and for keeping long office hours. Recognized for his excellence in teaching both within and outside the College, Bennett was the proud recipient of the Sears Roebuck Foundation Award for Teaching Experience and Campus Leadership.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held for Bennett last night at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Rockford, after which he was interred at Courtland Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the R.J. Bennett Scholarship Fund at Aquinas. The Scholarship was established in 1996 in tribute to Bennett, and is awarded to outstanding students in business administration, accounting or economics.