In Memoriam

Thomas S. Gunnings (1935-2010)

Thomas S. Gunnings, professor emeritus in the department of psychology at Michigan State University, has died at the age of 75. Dr. Gunnings first came to Michigan State University in 1969 as an assistant professor and assistant director of the university’s counseling center. At that time he was the only African-American counseling professional on campus. In 1972 he became assistant dean for health programs at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He was the college’s first black faculty member. He remained on the faculty there until his retirement in 1999.

William Patrick Foster (1919-2010)

William P. Foster, the founder of the Marching 100 band at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, has died at the age of 91.

Foster is credited with revolutionizing marching bands and football halftime shows by including jazz and popular music and high-stepping choreography. He directed the marching band at Florida A&M from 1946 to his retirement in 1998. In 1946 the band had 16 members. Today it has more than 400 participants. The band played at the 2005 Super Bowl.

Dr. Foster was a native of Kansas City, Kansas. As a youngster, he studied the clarinet. In 1941 Foster graduated from the University of Kansas. He later earned a master’s degree at Wayne State University and an educational doctorate from Teachers College at Columbia University.

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