Adjunct professor Bob Orsini dies suddenly
Bob Orsini, adjunct professor of the business area, died Feb. 15 of a sudden heart attack. Survivors include his wife, Karen, and two adult daughters.
He came to Milligan during summer 2001 and began teaching business strategy in the Adult Degree Completion Program. He also taught cases in marketing and this semester taught principles of marketing in the traditional program.
Orsini had extensive experience in the business field, specifically in marketing and consulting. He wrote two books including "Korean Automotive Industry Perspective-Structure, Strategy, and Prospects" and "Automotive Suppliers in the 80's-A Strategic Approach to the Opportunities Ahead."
He was also featured in such publications as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Business Week, New York Times, Los Angeles Times and National Public Radio.
"He just knew so much," said Bill Greer, associate professor and chair of business and economics. "He had a great love for the traditional students. He wanted to teach all he could to make them successful."
Orsini's formal funeral was held in Albany, NY on Feb. 21. A memorial service was held in Hopwood Christian Church on Feb. 20 during his regularly scheduled 2:10 class. The service was lead by Greer, Paula Gentry, director of adult education, and president Don Jeanes and students Dan Pavlin, Dan Martin and Autumn Hamby.
Loretta Nitschke, a professor who retired from Milligan in 1997, will be teaching the principles of marketing class and Tim Sigland, a professor in the adult degree completion program, will be teaching the business strategy class.
"I've learned that the part time faculty has a tremendous impact on the students," Greer said. "We need to make sure we're embracing them and getting to know who they are."