Dr. Stanley P. Wagner established a long-living legacy while serving as the fifth president of East Central University from 1969-88 and onward.
Wagner passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 96 in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, May 8. The family is planning a private service. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Diana Mills Wagner, in 2013.
鈥淲e are saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Stanley Wagner. Not only did Dr. Wagner serve East Central University admirably, he and his wife Diana continued to support the university with their generous giving throughout the years. We have always been grateful for how Dr. Wagner had been in frequent contact with friends of 成人B站 and how he always showed his love for the university even living halfway across the country. Dr. Wagner will surely be missed,鈥� said 成人B站 President Dr. Katricia G. Pierson.
Wagner was part of a renaissance at 成人B站, with featured the startup of new academic programs, the improvement of others and the opening of Kerr Activities Center, which still today houses athletic coaches鈥� offices and classrooms in addition to serving as the home of the basketball and volleyball teams, along with conducting graduation ceremonies.
He was also responsible for navigating the university through tumultuous times of the Vietnam War and national unrest. Unlike many colleges and universities across the country, his leadership played a role in avoiding the scene of protests and counterprotests by way of taking a talking, listening and reasoning approach. A two-day colloquy was held with students and faculty to help maintain a calm, stable atmosphere.
Wagner鈥檚 leadership also helped break down some physical barriers for students, especially those with disabilities.
鈥淚 believe Dr. Wagner was one of 成人B站鈥檚 most transformative and visionary presidents and had the biggest impact on shaping 成人B站鈥檚 welcoming culture and high aspirations,鈥� said friend of Wagner and 成人B站 alumnus August Petersen. 鈥淒r. Wagner led 成人B站 during some trying national times and did so with calm, dignity, fairness and vision. He was constantly looking for ways to make 成人B站 a better place for all of us.鈥�
Among other notable achievements were the construction of the Elvan George Building on the north end of 成人B站鈥檚 Norris Field at Koi Ishto Stadium and the Instrumental Music Building. He also helped secure funding for the Physical and Environmental Science Center.
Even after Wagner鈥檚 retirement in 1989, he and his wife Diana stayed closely tied to the university, though they were living halfway across the country in Greenville, North Carolina. His generous giving, even as late as 2013 by way of the Stanley P. Wagner and Diana Lectureship in Chorale Music and the Stanley P. Wagner and Diana M. University Chorale Endowment, led to the 成人B站 Chorale making a trip to Washington D.C. The gift was made in honor of Diana who had recently passed away after having a love of music.
The ballroom, located in the basement of the venerable Memorial Student Union Building on campus, is named in honor of Wagner.
鈥淒r. Wagner was a gentleman and a true intellectual,鈥� said Phyllis Danley, former executive director of the 成人B站 Foundation, Inc. 鈥淗e and Diana lit up a room when they walked in and their love of the arts left a creative legacy for 成人B站. Students for decades to come will benefit from their kindness and generosity.鈥�
A couple of his most recent visits back to 成人B站 came in 2009 when he served as a dignitary with the opening of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center and was parade marshal during the 2017 成人B站 homecoming parade.
Wagner played a part in the university鈥檚 name change from East Central State College to East Central University.
鈥淪everal generations considered him president of East Central University, including myself. He was my president,鈥� said John Hargrave, 成人B站鈥檚 eighth president. 鈥淚 always remember his love of theatre and music theatre.鈥�
Hargrave also said he would often see Wagner on the Mayhue Courts playing tennis with other faculty.
鈥淲hen I think of Dr. Wagner, I think of his love for theatre, his love for football, his love for tennis and his renowned love of dancing,鈥� Hargrave. 鈥淚t was only fitting that they named the ballroom for him.鈥�
Arrangements are being made by the Tatalovich Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
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