Ripon College

Dr. Dino Zei, age 82, of Ripon, passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2010, at his home with his family by his side.

Dr. Zei was born on August 20, 1927, in Chicago, IL, the son of Gino and Corradina (Mascani) Zei. He graduated from Harrison High School in Chicago. He went on to further his education and attended Beloit College and the University of Wisconsin Madison for his MS, PhD, and MA. Dr. Zei served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He married Joan Archambault. Dr. Zei taught Physics at St. Cloud College, Milton College, Beloit College, The University of Wisconsin, and Ripon College as Chair of the Department. He was honored as a William Harley Barber Distinguished Professor and was awarded several times for his teaching. He did extensive research at Argonne National Laboratory, the Bureau of Standards, The High Altitude Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NASA in Houston, TX. He also consulted for Giddings and Lewis and other companies. Dr. Zei was a member of Phi Sigma Iota (honorary language society) and state President of American Association of University Professors. He was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and served for many years on its vestry and as a licensed Eucharistic Minister. For many years he was a member of the Kiwanis Club and a member of the regional board of ACLU. Dr. Zei was a well-known accordionist, enjoying his Geriatric Trio with Maurice Morgan and Ed Biedron. They were well known at local nursing homes, civic events, and Ripon Memorial Hospital. He loved to travel in the United States and all over the world and led several oversea programs for students, family, and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Joan M. Zei of 60 years; children, Elizabeth Gina Zei and Victoria Dina Zei; Burmese sons, David Chiong and Vincent (Tok) Aye; grandchildren, Andrew Chiong, Angela (Mark) Ziskis, Joseph and Patrick Hickey, Sarah Elizabeth Zei, Ashley Denise Vancil, Jonathan Casey Zei and nephew, James (Ellen) Matthews. Dr. Zei was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Dr. Dino Zei will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2010, at 1:00 pm at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 217 Houston St. Ripon, WI 54971. Father Thomas H. McAlpine will officiate. A memorial is being established in his name.

Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, Ripon, is assisting the family.

Professor William J. "Bill" Schang from the English department at Ripon College has announced his retirement from teaching due to medical reasons, effective next week. The announcement comes as Schang rings in his 41st year of teaching at Ripon.

Bill’s journey at Ripon College began in the 1969-70 academic year, having earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. He quickly gained a reputation as an excellent and engaging teacher, earning four May Bumby Severy Awards for Excellence in Teaching (2000, 1989, 1984, 1975). A longtime student favorite, he also won four Senior Class Awards for teaching (1998, 1986, 1985, 1982) and a James Underkofler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (1993). He was awarded tenure during the 1976-77 academic year.

"I barely knew Bill when I arrived in 2003. He was serving as interim dean until the arrival of a new president. I asked him to continue on as dean until the transition of leadership was complete. He reluctantly agreed, serving with distinction until 2006,” said Ripon College President David C. Joyce. “Considering how much more at home he was at the front of a classroom than behind a desk, I have always appreciated his willingness to step in when the need arose.