Beloved communications professor dies

By: Jim Vogel, Staff Writer

University of Dayton communications professor Donald Yoder died “peacefully” and “surrounded by friends and family” shortly before midnight on Monday, April 14, according to an email from Director of Advising of the Department of Communications, Heather Parsons.

Yoder began teaching at UD in 1989 and most recently served as Basic Course Director for the Department of Communications.

In November 2013, Yoder was honored with the Distinguished Faculty Award in the basic course division by the National Communication Association for his nearly forty years of commitment to his field, according to a Nov. 20, 2013 Flyer News article titled “Comm. professor recognized as ‘exceptional’ role model.’”

Yoder has taught undergraduate communication courses since 1976, working at Iowa State University and then Creighton University prior to joining UD as a full-time faculty member in 1989.

During his time at UD, Yoder served as department chair twice and published extensive research on interpersonal and organizational communication.

Yoder was fond of the personal and frequent contact he kept with students on what he described as UD’s “intimate, beautiful campus.”

Yoder’s colleagues and students describe him as “an amazing man who affected everyone he came in contact with” and stressed his great sense of humor. He was a life-long New York Yankees fan and an avid camper and fisherman.

A memorial service for Don Yoder will be held April 16, 10-10:30 a.m. in the UD Chapel, followed by a reception in KU 222.