The last issue of Alumni Pipeline noted the passing in January of the Rev. Dr. Stafford Weeks, who served variously as professor of Bible and religion, chaplain and academic dean, over a 30-year career at Monmouth College. In the month since his death, reminiscences about Dr. Weeks have poured into the alumni office. Below are excerpts from tributes, in the order they were received. 

Janet Link Leonard ’63: I will absolutely never forget the morning in Chapel, sometime in 1960, I think, when Dr. Gibson announced that Stafford Weeks had been granted his Ph.D. by the University of Chicago.  The entire student body stood up in his honor, and the applause was thunderous.  It is one of the very, very few times I have ever been involved in a true standing ovation, a real expression of love.  I had not been on campus very long and probably had not yet met Dr. Weeks personally, but I could tell there was something very special about him.  Later after I had met him and taken classes from him, I knew that admiration was justified.

Dorothy Aszman Ricketts ’83: Infinite kindness and patience! and a genuine interest in the lives of the people he knew.

Pam Moore ’88: I never had the luxury of taking a class from Stafford, but he was a man I truly looked up to and admired. I became a certified lay pastor in the Presbyterian Church a few years ago, and he was very instrumental in that. I also played with him in the Maple City Dixieland Jazz Band and he was able to relate stories to the Bible that corresponded to the songs we played. Stafford will be greatly missed in this community and his memorial service was a wonderful testimony to his life and the number of people whose life he touched.

Ann Boley Parker ’73: My fondest memory of Stafford Weeks is his smile.  He always had a twinkle in his eye that made you kind of wonder what he was up to.  He WAS Monmouth College and I remember seeing him at all sorts of events. 

Alex McGehee ’81: As an 18-year-old college “student,” the last place I wanted to be was in a required religion class!  Dr. Weeks turned out to be an interesting, articulate man who seemed to be sincerely concerned with trying to educate someone like me. I actually remember a few things from his class and he made a long-lasting, positive impression on me. 

Stephen M. Bloomer ’83: Rev. Professor Stafford Weeks was a gentle-hearted man, who demonstrated strong will and conviction. My most vivid memory of Stafford as a student at Monmouth College, and most recently as a college staff member, is that each time I encountered him, his words reflected a values-based lifestyle and decision-making process that gave meaning to him in his life, and seemed to resonate with those of us whose lives he touched. Stafford always seemed to be mentoring others, and coaching them to reflect on life’s purpose.

Dennis J. Deegan ’66: Although I did not have a personal relationship with Rev. Weeks (1962-1966) I have a vivid  image of him as a man of hospitality and  dignity. He had a professional warmth and lofty respect for inquiry and good dialog. He reflected all that was good about the college while I was there. He was one of Monmouth's finest and his example touched my life in positive ways.

Deborah Day ’74: As crazy as I appeared to be, Dr. Weeks was never judgmental; he just accepted what was presented with kindness and openness. Such and open mind and heart is a rarity much needed in this world.

Paula Kikkebusch Laboe ’88: It is difficult for me to adequately put into words exactly how Dr. Weeks touched my life because it was by more than what he taught me in class, which in all honesty, I can’t remember at all at this moment.  I think I was impacted more by “how” he was a teacher or more accurately by who he was as a person.  I remember one class being held in his home and an in depth discussion about ethics (I think) over tea.  I can honestly say that when I think back on my years at Monmouth, what comes to mind is Dr. Weeks….especially his joy-filled, bright smiling eyes; but also his kindness, gentleness, intelligence, and the way he expected great things.  My memory of him and my memories of Monmouth College have converged somewhat and I am left with what at first seems like a paradox, but what is both a warm, nurturing acceptance and a strong, compelling expectation to live a life that stretches me and makes a difference in the world. I will always be grateful for the presence of Dr. Weeks in my life.

Thomas Cerkez '68: One of my favorite professors at MC was Stafford Weeks. A few years ago my wife and I happened to bump into Dr. Weeks at a football game. It was a chilly day so the three of us went to the Union to get a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. We talked about the changes to MC through the years. The discussion got around to hunting, and if my memory serves me right Dr. Weeks talked about hunting early in his life with a 16-gauge double. He was a very special person.

Joe Bartlow ’72: I was at Monmouth College from1968 to 1972.  Dr Weeks was one of my first teachers and I was saddened to hear of his passing.  He taught me many things but what he taught that I remember most was that a person could be a Christian, a theologian and still be a man.  He taught me of Dietrich Bonhoefer as his example of a man.  And he was a man, a Christian and a theologian who lived his faith.  Both Dr. Weeks and Dietrich Bonhoefferthanks for the memories

Jay Wayland ’85: The next class day after a windy fall football game, Mr. Weeks asked me to stay for a minute after class had been dismissed. Assuming he was about to ask me for a late assignment, I was preparing my alibis when he smiled and said to me, “You really kicking the ball on Saturday. You had some nice kickoffs, but what really impressed me was late in the game when you were facing that wind and kicked it to the goal line. That was quite an accomplishment. I just wanted to tell you that.” I thanked him and left the building. In all of my days as an athlete and coach, that memory has stuck with me. I was playing a position that day which is generally overlooked by most, but Stafford Weeks noticed and made an impression upon me that has lasted a lifetime. I never shared that moment with anyone until this day, but to not mention it now would have been overlooking one of his major accomplishments. He touched a young man’s life that day in such a special way that it could not go without mention. Thank you, Mr. Weeks.

William Ault ’88: Reverend Weeks spoke at an FCA gathering when I was a freshman in 1984, still a little lost as to my relationship with God and uncertain about my religious future, let alone my prospects as a whole. That brief talk he gave helped me find comfort in the knowledge that finding a connection with God was an ever evolving process that even this wise, old man (well, he seemed old at the time) was still going through. Knowing that it was OK to be confused, as long as I kept up the search, helped me through a very trying time of my life. He always seemed to have a spirit of calm around him, a pleasant and welcoming smile, everyone's benevolent grandfather, ready to listen and quietly advise.

Rev. Precious Mays-Matthews ’73: Dr. Stafford Weeks was one of my first professors. I sat in his religion classes and learned so many theological and biblical concepts that are with me even to this day. His character always exemplified the same passion and love that Christ revealed to His disciples. Therefore, I sat under him as a student, and I gained the theological knowledge; but, I felt like one of his disciples. He is a professor who I will always remember and love very much. Dr. Weeks, rest from your labor. You were so faithful in your spiritual journey and God is now making you ruler over many. I love you and will miss you.

Rev. Cam McConnell ’72: Dr. Weeks was one of my favorite professors when I was at Monmouth. He was a great teacher, always listened intently to the opinions of the class members, and inspired many to want to learn more. One always knew that you were being taught by a man who loved his job and his students. What a great role model!

Anita Ridge ’88: I remember Stafford Weeks very fondly. He sat near me in the band on campus, and it was a real joy to have him there. His warm, gentle manner made him someone I always looked forward to seeing.

Russ Marshall ’63 and Mary Bailey Marshall ’64: We have one very special memory of how Dr. Weeks touched our lives. We both got to know Stafford Weeks quite well during our four years at Monmouth. When we were planning our June 1966 wedding, we wanted Mary's father to perform the ceremony. However, we also wanted him to have the privilege of walking his only daughter down the aisle. Stafford Weeks was asked and gladly accepted the pastoral duties of the ceremony until the bride was “given away,” at which time Rev. Bailey took over and finished the ceremony. Every time we returned to campus and saw Dr. Weeks, he always commented on the wedding ceremony.

Jane Martin-Watson ’70: Stafford Weeks was my advisor; I was a religion major. He was such a kind, thoughtful, scholarly man. I did an independent study with him and found it to be one of the highlights of my studies at Monmouth. He was encouraging and helpful, the subject was interesting to both of us, and I really enjoyed the freedom of an independent study. I have thought of him with affection over the years. It is sad he is now gone, but I am pleased that he had a long life.

Nicole C. Chevalier ’77: Stafford Weeks was one of the very finest professors I ever got to know. Of all of my classes at Monmouth College and Northwestern University, his lectures and skills as a sensitive and intuitive teacher, always stood out! His "Introduction to Christian Thought" trinity of courses were among my most valuable classes as an undergrad or graduate student. Dr. Weeks was a lovely man, always caring, warm and thoughtful  to all students. And, his warm smile was a joy to see around campus! Monmouth College was most fortunate to have Stafford Weeks on board for over four decades!

Tim Dove ’64: I remember Dr. Weeks not only as an inspiring and engaging educator, but as the only member of the College faculty or administration who came to the Monmouth hospital when a married student's wife gave birth to the couple's first child. The child's father, Dr. Weeks and I viewed the newborn, red-faced and crying infant through the nursery window, and Dr. Weeks said, "She's been through quite an experience -- it's called traumatic!"  He was such a caring person. In 1962, he presented an elective class, "Christian Ethics," and brought to a Wallace Hall classroom a succession of Monmouth city business owners who told us about their thoughts on fairness, business competition, customer relations, and the role of religion in conduct of their businesses. That series of discussions is one of the most meaningful treasures of my education at MC.

Deeks Carroll ’62: Although I did not have a class with Reverend Weeks , I can remember his kind and gentle presence. As he went about the MC campus at times I would encounter him. He always had something to say and made me feel that he really cared about me. I can especially remember him conducting an alumni memorial service on the Wallace Hall lawn one beautiful June morning at our 40th reunion. Many of us left in tears. Years later I would see him at reunions and his presence remained the same. He joins many others who have made Monmouth College a special place to learn and grow.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Myron L. Fay ’87: Stafford Weeks was my academic counselor during my 4 years at Monmouth College.  He was the first faculty member I met and we stuck together all 4 years - even though I was a Business Management and Accounting major.  I had some great professors in the accounting and business department - Professor Pibal especially, but Professor Weeks made me feel comfortable about my decisions and offered some very sound advice during my last semesters at Monmouth.  I remember meeting with him on a regular basis in his basement office.

To be honest there are only a handful of professors I can remember by name from my years at Monmouth - Stafford Weeks is one of them.

Ken Geiger ’53: I was one of a few Catholics who attended MC in the late ’40s-early ’50s when it was a United Presbyterian College and I was very fortunate to have ''Dr. Staf'' for religion. He was a true gentleman who always was tolerant of every religion, and taught tolerance to each of his students. I gained an enormous understanding of all the religions in the world and appreciated his understanding of God's love for everyone. I'll miss his gentle and kind ability to teach young minds.

Bill Maakestad ’73: As a first-term freshman at MC in 1969, I took an 8 a.m., 300-level anthropology course with Stafford Weeks--only because a late registration left me with few options.  Needless to say, I felt intimidated by the upper-level course, the sophomore-through-senior students, and the early morning, four-days per week schedule.  But I was never intimidated by Prof. Weeks, whose calm mastery of anthropological things cultural, religious and otherwise soon became clear.  I ended up loving that course, and the early mornings spent with that great man remain among my strongest and fondest memories of my four years at MC.  It may even have influenced me in some small but deep way to consider becoming a teacher myself.

David Whiteman ’66: He will always be remembered as an educator a mentor, and a part of Monmouth College.

Wendell Chestnut ’51: Dr. Weeks came to Monmouth after I graduated, but most have heard my story about him and his family. Sometime in 1967, I received word via the Monmouth Alumni Magazine that Dr. Weeks and family with a number of students were coming to Japan for a few weeks’ visit. I had never met the Weeks because I graduated before they came to Monmouth, but I always tried to meet any Monmouth person who lived in Japan or who came to visit during the 27 years I spent there. In the four years I had lived there I had met or spoken with most of our Japanese alumni family. So I determined that I would be on the lookout for the Weeks and their group. One afternoon my wife, Mary, and I had gone to downtown Tokyo to visit some type of exhibit that was being presented at the International House. I signed in on their guest list and of course looked over the prior signer list. Just a little above me was the signature of J. Stafford Weeks. I spoke out, "Mary, Dr. Weeks is here." A gentleman nearby stepped over near me and said, “I am Dr. Weeks.” So my problem was solved in an instant. I had found Dr. Weeks with no effort at all in the largest city in the world! We met the family and the whole gang and enjoyed several visits together during their Japan stay. We enjoyed also taking an occasional gift of a few American items which were unavailable to them on the Japanese economy. Milk that tasted like milk was a popular item. For the next 40 years we have been friends with Dr. J. Stafford, Winifred and the girls. We have shared many an evening meal with them over the years when we stopped in Monmouth during our visits home. My last time prior to the recent memorial for Dr. Weeks was being together at the presentation given by the Class of ’58 at the Auditorium last June. I was so glad that I could be present for the memorial service. Monmouth College has been mightily blessed by the many years Stafford spent there. 

David Riddick ’74: My first interaction with Dr. Weeks was in the Basic Beliefs course he taught when I was a sophomore and subsequent great chats about "life, Christ and religions." Coming from Venezuela and with much international exposure, it was great to share and compare, as mankind in the end has more similarities than differences. My last interaction with him was on my first visit back to MC campus post my ’74 graduation, which was for Homecoming-Reunion of the Class, at the dedication of the aquatic center, where by chance I also sat and talked with Dr Weeks in the library for half an hour. He certainly remembered me and even some subjects we'd covered way back. Later in the day, he stopped and posed for pictures with myself, Steve Goss, Karen Avalos, Chuck Smith, Eileen and Steve Van Anden, up on the hill overlooking the ongoing MC football game. These pictures are great, and how glad I was that I saw him again. Fond memories of a great man with a kind heart, and no doubt a contributor in building up mankind and society! I know he smiles upon us all from Heaven. 

Rev. Bryan Siverly ’81: Dr. Weeks was a mentor, a friend, and a pastor to me. Even today I often think of his lectures and the visits with him in his office … how he would grin and say “Yes!” when he realized that I “got it.” He’s one of the few people I cannot picture without a smile. He was instrumental along with Dr. Speel (who is also greatly admired and missed) as I moved from my simple Christian beliefs to building my own personal theology. I remember the warmth I felt when my parents told me that he asked about me, as he served as one of their pastors in the Monmouth United Methodist Church where I grew up. Visits to my old church had a double-dose of “home” with him there. I have much to thank him for, and I hope he knew the great appreciation I and so many others had for his part in our lives.

Alan Magazine ’66: In 1964, Rev. Weeks invited a group of students to his office to discuss the problems Negro (as African-Americans were called in those days) students were having getting served in the town of Monmouth. There was only a handful of people of color on campus in those days, and Rev. Weeks demonstrated significant concern for their welfare. He asked two of us (Jim Hemphill, a TKE, and myself, a Theta Chi) if we would accompany our fellow student, Kennedy Reed, to the barbershops in town. Unbeknownst to us, this was the start of a very educational and emotional journey. Kennedy was turned down at the first two barbershops, supposedly because the barbers didn't know how to cut Negro hair! The third barber reluctantly gave Kennedy a haircut, but only, as he told us, because he was an ex-con and was afraid that he would get in trouble if he refused. The press heard about our attempts and, a week or two later, when we went to the barbershops again, reporters for the local radio station and newspaper trailed behind us. This, then, led to stories in the national press and a letter to the student body from Monmouth President Robert Gibson supporting our efforts. The following year, the 1964 Civil Rights Act became law. A major part of the legislation was "public accommodations," which assured all citizens the right to the type of service Kennedy Reed was denied. Interestingly, just two weeks ago (January), I decided to Google Kennedy. We had not had any contact since our days at Monmouth. I was both surprised and delighted to find out that the seemingly quiet, modest young graduate of Monmouth is now an internationally recognized Ph.D. physicist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. Reverend Weeks would be very proud.

Edward A. Jones ’72: When I heard about the passing of Dr. Stafford Weeks, I was deeply saddened. It wasn't that long ago that I read about him in the Monmouth College magazine. It brought back some pleasant memories. I had the good fortune of taking two of his classes, one during my first term at Monmouth College, and the other during my Junior year.  Dr. Weeks thoroughly knew his material and did a good job imparting that knowledge to his students. Dr. Weeks inspired me more than any other professor at Monmouth. He was a top-notch human being and an excellent role model. In fact I can remember thinking that he is someone that I would like to be like.  He really cared about his students and Monmouth College.  I spoke briefly with Dr. Weeks when I visited Monmouth shortly after graduating. I was impressed that he not only knew who I was, but also that he remembered my name.  It is hard to imagine Monmouth College without Dr. Stafford Weeks, but his legacy lives on in the many lives that he touched .

Judy Hogfeldt ’75: I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Stafford Weeks. At a time in history when so many of us were drowning in a sea of conflicting ideas, confusing philosophies, and so-called "truths," Dr. Weeks gave clarity and purpose to my learning. He not only shared his wealth of knowledge, Dr. Weeks also showed us how to use that knowledge and let it inspire and guide us. Dr. Weeks influenced my life beyond his classroom, and beyond graduation. I am grateful to have been his student. 

Tina Hartwig ’68: As a student at Ole MC from 1964-1968, Stafford Weeks was synonymous with the college. I was only in one of his classes that was a graduation requirement. His wisdom I greatly admired. May we celebrate his many years of service to the college and the students. Thank you, Stafford.

Ida Augspurer Wahls ’65: As a religion major I had Dr. Weeks for many classes. He always told us not to take any more than three classes from him as at that time we would have drained his knowledge pool. Well, I had more than three and although I did hear things more than once there was always something new. However, I did remember that advice when I went into teaching. One of the events that he helped coordinate was the merger of the four Presbyterian churches in Monmouth. With his usual gentle wisdom he helped guide the congregations to outline and accept a unified plan. He seemed to fall into in to these leadership roles bringing his wisdom, guidance and humility.

Mark Kopinski ’79: I took two religion classes with Stafford Weeks in my later years at Monmouth. He presented the material always as a scholar, never as a moral judge. His openness, non-judgmental manner and quest for understanding, profoundly impacted me.

Charlie Easterly ’76:  I am sad to hear about Stafford and send condolences to his family. My home library still has the three books for Introduction to Christian Thought. I still look at the Paul Tillich book from time to time because it got me looking a little differently at the world. Stafford made class interesting and we knew it would be relaxed and fun with his ready smile. Monmouth College has lost a great ambassador.    

Dick Yahnke ’67: I was one of those fortunate MC students who had the privilege of experiencing his teaching in the classroom and his friendship on campus. He had the unusual talent of recognizing where students were coming from and relating to them in ways they could understand and take meaning from. His word pictures in Bible survey class brought ageless stories and Christian ethics to life. In my years as a trustee of the college, I always looked forward to seeing Dr. and Mrs. Weeks at campus events when I returned to Monmouth. His faith and joy for life are lessons for all. His presence and smile will be missed on the campus and in the Monmouth community.

Caroline Kurtz ’72: I recently sent a letter to Dr. Weeks thanking him for a brief time that he was my advisor. Below is a copy of my letter. You may use any or all of it in a tribute to him.

5 January 2009

Dear Dr. Weeks,

Greetings from a student long past. It’s been some time since my sister Janie told me about her visit to Monmouth. She especially enjoyed meeting you again, and her report reminded me of how significant you were in my Monmouth experience.

I don’t know if you remember being my advisor for a short time. I was taking your Freshman Bible course and was shifting from being a math major to the unknown.  Based on my experience as a “mish kid,” you suggested I major in Anthropology. The college was in the process of hiring an anthropologist in the social sciences departments, so you suggested I begin by going on the Costa Rica off-campus archaeology program.

I did go to Costa Rica.  It was a great experience. Unfortunately, I found the anthropologist the college hired to be a very poor teacher and could not face having him as both my major teacher and advisor so the idea of majoring in anthropology didn’t work for me. I drifted through the rest of my time at Monmouth and graduated with an interdisciplinary major that set me up for many years in education. So it worked out okay.

I’ve often thought that I did become an arm-chair anthropologist. In 1989 I went back to Ethiopia with PCUSA as a missionary and taught English to Ethiopian children for six years, and then worked in Kenya for another four years with church leaders in exile from South Sudan. I work with my dad now, in PFF, and broker partnerships between U.S. churches and the friends I made and have met since in Ethiopia. I learned the language well and I do f cross-cultural work and training of short term visitors in cultural issues!

I’m sorry I didn’t stay in touch with you after I moved on to another advisor. I don’t know how much you knew or figured out about how hard the college experience was for me. Janie probably shared some of how much we both struggled (and our two sisters as well) in the transition from overseas to the U.S.  They’ve studied our generation of mish kids to help our kids do better, but then we were just like sheep to the slaughter. And the late ’60s weren’t the easiest years even for kids who had grown up in the U.S.!  So I haven’t stayed in touch with anyone from the college, either other students or teachers.

Janie’s report of meeting you again, and her comments about your warmth and interest, reminded me of how much that brief time of connecting with you did mean to me in a difficult string of years. You were an island in a choppy sea. Please accept my belated thanks! And blessings in the new year.

Love,
Caroline Kurtz

Mary “Betty” Grable McLeod ’87: I think of Dr. Weeks with great fondness, respect, and amusement. It was the first days of college and as my freshman orientation professor, Dr. Weeks would generate discussions about religion, politics, literature, and topics of the day. I was sitting in class with a group of boys and Dr. Weeks looked at me and said, "Well, Betty. What is your opinion about President Reagan's foreign policy." Although my first name was actually Mary, my last name is Grable and I had been called Betty by mistake before this time. I answered Dr. Weeks' question. Classmates thought Betty was my name and introduced me as “Betty from freshman orientation class,” which then became my new name and identity at Monmouth.

Sandra Epperson Wolf ’64: Reverend Weeks embraced our motto, “What College Was Meant to Be”—indeed, in his productive and thoughtful way, he exemplified what life is meant to be. For 50 years, he was fully engaged at the college and in the larger community. His lectures in “Old Testament” and “New Testament” contributed to the best of our course work; they were carefully organized, scholarly, and like listening to the best of a Sunday sermon, minus the moralizing. Twenty-five years after my graduation, a line of former students was waiting to talk with him at the homecoming football game. I realized that his engagement with the college did not end with his retirement. I saw him reading at the library; walking briskly across campus for his exercise; sitting at the dedication of the Dave Fleming Plaza on a bitter cold morning; attending the pork supper at the Methodist church; and with Mrs. Weeks, viewing many events in the chapel, including the Whiteman Lecture in ’08, where again a line of us formed to talk with him. In the last two years, I asked to meet with him twice about the future of Monmouth and the goals as he saw them because more than anyone at the college I wanted to know what he thought. He shared many ideas, and his generosity about where the college had been, even in difficult times, gave way to his optimism about Monmouth’s future. He asked me as a trustee to talk with students every chance I have and add their voices as part of my knowledge. That advice is helping me come full circle -- from being a Monmouth student to looking at the college as an adult. Our lives were greatly enriched by his presence. He truly was a special human being, and he will be greatly missed.