Jan. 2, 2003

Contact: Ranjit Arab, University Relations, (785) 864-8855.

Chancellor's, professor's statements on death of student Joseph Niehues Jr.

University of Kansas Chancellor Robert E. Hemenway made the following statement in response to the death of Joseph Gerard Niehues Jr. Niehues, a KU freshman majoring in mechanical engineering from Corning, died Wednesday in a car accident in Nemaha County:

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Joseph Niehues Jr. On behalf of the university, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to his parents, family and friends for the untimely and tragic loss of such a promising young man."

Ronald Dougherty, chair of mechanical engineering at KU, taught Niehues in an introductory engineering course. Dougherty made the following statement:

"Joe was a good kid, very friendly and a very easy person to like. He always had a smile for everyone; he sat in the front row and he was very helpful in class. I'll miss seeing him around and I'll miss his positive attitude. I'm sure his classmates will miss him too."

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