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In Memory of Dr. Edward Sawyer
1936-2013

Ed Sawyer was the epitome of kindliness. We served together as colleagues on the Culver-Stockton College faculty; and Ed was renowned for inserting sanity into fits of righteous indignation with such soothing comments as "You know...we really should concentrate on the task at hand." Not this is right and that is wrong. Just, let's return to rational conversation about what is good for the college and our students. He was instrumental in developing the chaplaincy program for Culver; and, he taught whatever the religion and philosophy program needed...from Greek to Christian Heritage to Intro. to Philosophy. He even added credentials to teach psychology when the college needed him to do so, because it was good for the college and our students. He was a good friend to my husband and to me. His firm but kindly guiding of students as he taught them clear expression of rational thought made him a model of a scholar and a gentleman.
Carol Mathieson -

I met Dr. Sawyer when I applied to be his successor in the Religion and Philosophy Department at C-SC. He was very friendly and offered to help in any way possible. I had no idea how difficult it would be to try to walk in his footsteps. He has had a profound impact on Culver-Stockton College, and his footprints are found all over this community. Dr. Sawyer maintained high expectations for his students, and I benefited when students expected me to maintain high expectations. Dr. Sawyer had crafted the religion and philosophy curriculum, established connections with local churches to work with our majors, written the departmental handbook, organized the Robison lectures, maintained alumni lists, and so much more. I still have many of his records, and they have helped me tremendously. I spoke to him on several occasions, and he helped me to understand the history of C-SC. I am delighted that I had the opportunity to meet Ed Sawyer, and I hope that someday my successor has half as much respect for me as I have for Dr. Sawyer.
Andy Walsh -

Dr. Sawyer had a passion for what he taught. He would get so excited trying to explain some philosophical idea we might be puzzling over! He loved what he did and that came through in his passion, but also his compassion, as he worked with students (like me) who just couldn't get it at times. He helped to guide me through my years at Culver-Stockton, giving me the tools and encouragement I needed to complete my education and do ministry. He will indeed be missed.
Rev. John Simpson - 1996

My first semester I took Philosophy with Dr. Sawyer (mainly to get my Humanities credit). I quickly learned that the secret to an A was to be able to put yourself in the shoes of someone with that philosophy and follow it to its logical conclusion. He guided us to learn that skill and I have used it almost every day for the last 26 years. I kept my lecture notes from Dr. Sawyer and Dr. Sperry's classes because the lessons there were too valuable to part with. He was terrific and will be greatly missed.
Linnea Deeds - 1990

Dr. Sawyer was a great mentor and professor but I think the memory that most influenced my life path was the day I learned he also volunteered as a youth sponsor in his local church. He modeled to me the way great leaders and teachers are supposed to be. He was Dr. Sawyer to me but to those youth he was simply Ed, their beloved youth sponsor. I am forever thankful for his example as scholar/teacher alongside Friend/mentor.
Rev. Bill Spangler-Dunning - 1990