In Memoriam

ESTHER DAVIDOWITZ

Esther “Essy” Davidowitz died on May 17, 2022. Mrs. Davidowitz’s service to the University’s Board of Trustees began in 1973 and continued until 2006, at which time she was given emerita status. During her tenure on the board, she served as treasurer and secretary, and was the chair of the academic program committee and executive board. In her role as co-editor of “Essays of an Educator” written by Eugene S. Farley, Davidowitz helped to ensure that the writings and ideals of Wilkes’ founding president lived on long after his presidency came to a close.

In 2020, Mrs. Davidowitz was presented with the President’s Medal, which is bestowed annually on an individual whose personal and professional life reflects the highest aspirations of Wilkes University. Interim President Paul S. Adams had the honor of awarding her with the President’s Medal. He described her impact by saying, “Few people have preserved the history of Wilkes University in the detail and eloquence of Essy Davidowitz. She has been a force in our evolution, seeing us through one of the most formative moments in our history when Wilkes College became Wilkes University in 1990.”

JOHN OREHOTSKY

John Orehotsky, longtime faculty member in the College of Science and Engineering, died on March 23, 2022. During his tenure at Wilkes, he received two Fulbright Scholarships and numerous research fellowships.

JOHN G. REESE

John Reese, legendary Wilkes former wrestling coach, director of athletics and teacher, died on Feb. 28, 2022. Coach Reese served as Director of Athletics at Wilkes for 34 years (1958-1992) and as head wrestling coach for 42 years. From 1953 through 1995, Reese guided the Colonels to 39 consecutive winning seasons. Coach Reese will be remembered as one of the winningest coaches in NCAA wrestling history with 515 wins; he was only the second wrestling coach in the NCAA to top 500 wins. Under his leadership, the wrestling program gained national attention with 40 winning seasons, 14 Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) titles, the 1974 Division III National Championship
and a nationally ranked Division I program.

Coach Reese was also responsible for creating the Wilkes Open, often referred to as “The Rose Bowl of Wrestling” which is held annually during winter break. He has been inducted into ten sports Halls of Fame including the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 2015, Coach Reese’s lifelong commitment to Wilkes was celebrated when he was presented with the President’s Medal, the University’s most prestigious honor. His motto, “victory goes to those who are willing to pay the price,” has inspired decades of Wilkes student-athletes.

SANDY RIFKIN

Sandy Rifkin died on Sept. 11, 2021. Sandy and her husband, the late Arnold Rifkin, president of A. Rifkin Co., were dedicated supporters of Wilkes University. Together they donated Rifkin Hall, the lobby of Evans Hall and the Rifkin Cafe in the Henry Student Center.

ATTORNEY HAROLD ROSENN

Harold Rosenn died on June 2, 2022. Rosenn initially partnered in the practice of law with his brother, the late Judge Max Rosenn, then went on to co-found Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald, now the largest law firm in northeastern Pa.