Lawrence mourns passing of Sumner Richman, pioneer in aquatic research

Sumner “Sub” Richman, a professor of biology at Lawrence University for 38 years, passed away July 25 surrounded by loved ones. He was 93.

Richman taught aquatic biology during a brilliant career at Lawrence, taking his classrooms to the beaches of the Cayman Islands and the waters of Green Bay and Lake Winnebago. He set the foundation for aquatic research and teaching in the Department of Biology, work that continues to flourish today. 

Bart De Stasio ’82 was a student of Richman’s who would later follow his mentor to the Lawrence biology faculty. The Dennis and Charlot Nelson Singleton Professor of Biological Sciences and professor of biology calls Richman one of his greatest influences.

“Sub’s enthusiasm and love of life were contagious, and he always led by example,” De Stasio said. “He was an extremely important mentor and friend to me, and I have tried to pass along to my students that same joy of learning while exploring the world.”

Richman was the recipient of Lawrence’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 1992.

“You have involved your students from the moment they enroll in your courses in the pursuit of real and rigorous science, and you have made certain that they enjoy the process of learning even as they meet the high standards you have set for their work,” then-President Richard Warch said in a citation to Richman upon his retirement in 1995.

After retirement, Richman continued to mentor young people for decades as a volunteer at the Science Museum of Minnesota. He championed liberal arts education, traveled the world, and was a patron of the arts.

A memorial service is planned for 10:30 a.m. Aug. 9 at Shir Tikvah Synagogue, 1360 West Minnehaha Pkwy., Minneapolis. An obituary can be found here.