June 9, 2004

Contact: Dan Lara, University Relations, (785) 864-8855.

Statements by chancellor, colleagues on death of Associate Professor Paul Rehak

University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway; Pam Gordon, chair of classics, and Michael Shaw, associate professor of classics, made the following statements today in response to the death of Paul Rehak, associate professor of classics, on June 5 in Lawrence of complications from a heart attack. He was 50.

KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway:
"Professor Rehak was an excellent mentor and cared deeply for his students. KU will miss Paul's insights, but most important, we will miss his presence on campus and in the community. We wish his family and friends well during this difficult time."

Pam Gordon, chair, KU classics department:
"Professor Rehak's students' affection and admiration for their teacher was wonderful to behold. For weeks after Paul's heart attack this spring, students showed up at his house every day to visit, help around the house or to walk his four dogs. The loss has been rough on all of us, but the students' response really made a difference."

Michael Shaw, associate professor of classics:
"Paul's passing is a terrible loss to the department and to the profession. He left us just at the height of his career. He was a pleasant colleague, a highly industrious scholar and a committed teacher. He was very active in the world of archaeology, and he had given a well-received paper on Roman art in April."