Volume 58, Number 2    August 23, 2010         

Professor R. Newby Schweitzer
Robert Newby Schweitzer, emeritus professor of economics at San Francisco State University since 2002, died peacefully in San Francisco on July 22, 2010. He was 80 years old and had lived with Parkinson’s disease for the last 15 years.

Newby graduated from Wabash College in 1952 with a degree in economics. He pursued his studies at Duke University and completed his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley in 1963. Newby was appointed to his position at SFSU in 1962, ultimately dedicating three decades to the University. He was an ardent admirer of John Maynard Keynes which led to Newby specializing in macroeconomics. Newby was an activist for peace during the Vietnam War, chair of the economics department and head of the faculty union. Towards the end of his career at SF State, he taught an innovative course on literature and economics. He is remembered by his colleagues as a kind and gracious gentleman dedicated to teaching and the University. He attributed these qualities to his Quaker upbringing in the Midwest.

A reception in celebration of his life was held at the Rhoda Goldman Plaza, 2180 Post Street, San Francisco, on Monday, August 2. The family has requested that any donations in his memory may be made to Médecins Sans Frontières or any other charity.

Margulis, who came to SF State in 1999, was a devoted teacher and a gracious colleague, always eager to discuss literature and writing. Margulis requested that there be no memorial service. Notes to Margulis' spouse, Dinah Dickson, may be delivered to the Composition Program Office in HUM 209 or to the English Department Office in HUM 289 for forwarding.

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Last modified August 23, 2010 by University Communications.