Noah Langdale Obituary

Dr. Noah N. Langdale, who took Georgia State University from a two-building college to a major university as its president from 1957 to 1988, died Saturday.

Dr. Langdale, 87, of Atlanta, died of cardiac arrest at Piedmont Hospital. Memorial service plans will be announced by H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill. The body was cremated.

A one-time University of Alabama football star, he is credited with building a major urban university in the heart of Atlanta. He earned his bachelor's degree at Alabama and his law degree and a master of business administration degree at Harvard University.

An erudite man, Dr. Langdale could quote great thinkers from Spinozo to Walter Lippmann or discuss such concepts as "The Equity of the Universality" as glibly as he could quote dialogue from Marx Brothers movies.

He is the scion of one of South Georgia's most powerful and wealthy families, a clan of timber barons and businessmen whose clout has reached far beyond their headquarters in his native Valdosta in Lowndes County, according to a 1986 Atlanta Journal-Constitution article.

Dr. Langdale was 37 when he left his law practice in Valdosta to head up Georgia State, then a college with two buildings, 5,200 students, a $1.9 million budget and offered only one degree, in business.

When he retired, the university had more than 22,000 students and 20 buildings, a budget of $118.6 million and offered 50 degrees in more than 200 fields.

Survivors include a son, Mike Langdale, of Atlanta.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Feb. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Noah Langdale

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104 Entries

The greatest speaker I have ever heard,he would hold you spellbound and begging for more of his wisdom.

Sonny Bell

March 23, 2015

I would give almost anything for a tape of some of Dr. Langdale's speeches of early years. I heard him speak in Atlanta in 1976 that literally propelled me into a career I felt initially ill equipped for. Great speakers Like Noah are so very rare.

Tim Heavers

August 14, 2012

I worked my way through school in the GSU Post Office under Ray Cox. One of my jobs was to deliver Dr. Langdale's mail. He took the trouble to learn my name and would say hello to me if he was in his secretary's office when I came by. One of my clearest memories is of Dr. Suttles(Provost) and Dr. Langdale discussing going to down to the State Capitol to argue against a Student Fee increase. They felt it was their duty to lobby against it.
Dr. Langdale, said to me, "Brian, you're working your way through school, you can't really afford a fee increase right now, can you?" I said, "No, sir". I will never forget that my opinion mattered to them. He was a good man. And he loved Georgia State University.

Brian Keith O'Hara

April 13, 2012

I had the fine honor of meeting Dr. Langdale during my first week at GSU (then Georgia State College) in 1963 --and I was fortunate enough to frequently interact with Dr. Langdale, both academically and socially, until I finished my Master's Degree in 1969. Those were years during which GSC made great strides in size and academic prominence -- all under the tireless leadership of Dr. Langdale. Incredibly, he was always upbeat and he always made those in his presence feel special.

One of my fondest memories occurred at an awards banquet in 1967. Dr. Langdale shook my hand (with his usual vice grip) and with his left hand he pressed a knuckle into the outside of my right hand until I went down on my knees and, as quietly as humanly possible, begged for mercy. I never felt more special than at that moment.

John Boyle

September 23, 2009

I'll never forget the speech Dr. Langdale gave at my GSU inception in '85. You just wanted to run through a wall for this guy. He was always very approachable in the hallways. I really looked up to him as a man's man. I regret that he couldn't sign my diploma as he retired a year before I graduated.
His presence will certainly be felt when GSU and 'bama tee it up on the gridiron in 2010.
RIP, Dr. Langdale...

Harrison Foster

July 27, 2009

I was a student at Georgia State University from 1978 to 1984. I will always remember him waiting to greet students mornings in Sparks Hall. I know he was a very decent gentleman. He loved his students and the university. Georgia State will never be the same without him.

July 13, 2009

I was a student at Georgia State University from 1978 to 1984. I will always remember him waiting to greet students mornings in Sparks Hall - he always had a smile on his face and was genuinely interested in our well being. I knew him to be a very decent gentleman. He loved his students and the university. Georgia State will never be the same without him.

Lawrence Sowers

July 13, 2009

I had the great fortune of not only hearing Noah speak at a seminar for GM Sales Executives, but to become friends during the event. All I had to do was talk about classic movies and I became his friend. After the first seminar in 1984, he asked for me to join him the next year for the same seminar. He was a giant of a man with old world Southern manners. I am writing this memorial now because I am watching a movie that he recommended. He was a great fan of Preston Sturges movies. Particularly, he liked Sullivan's Travels. I went online and searched for Noah. That is where I found out that he passed. My heart is heavy and my memories of him a great comfort.

Bob Mercieca

June 10, 2009

Dr. Lagdale was a great man at the helm of an educational instituition dragged into prominence through his sheer will. I will always cherish his cheerful greetings to all of us in the halls.

He truly embodied the GSC/
GSU spirit. He is missed and loved by many.

Phil Yorston BBA '67

PHIL YORSTON

April 21, 2008

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Langdale while he was using our home nursing service. He quickly became a celebrity around the office and with our nurses. One quote he always would tell me sticks out in my mind: "Non ti scordar di me" which means "do not forget me" in Italian, 1 of the 4 languages he spoke. He made a lasting impression with nearly everyone on our staff and will sincerely be missed.

Josh Unruh

April 2, 2008

Very sad to hear the news today as I read Georgia State Magazine. While I was attending GSU and working on my BS in Biology with a minor in Chem and Philosophy I had the honor of meeting Dr. Langsdale who was very pro-student. As co-President of the Mortar Board, an honor society, there were opportunities to converse with the then President of GSU. He retired after 31 years the year after I graduated in 1988. I will always remember his as a very kind and gentle giant of a man. He is responsible for what GSU is today as a leading university in urban studies and a top ranked business school. - JP Saleeby, MD

Blog entry:
http://docsaleeby3.blogspot.com/2008/03/dr-noah-n-langdale-passes.html

Yusuf (JP) Saleeby, MD

March 29, 2008

I will truely miss Doc i had the pleasure of taking care of for 4 yrs. the maxiam nurses will truely miss him.

charisse Taylor

March 13, 2008

Dr. Langdale has been a hero of mine for many years. He was a great Alabama football player, a great educator, and one of, if not the best speaker I ever heard. He agreed to speak to our FCA group in Knoxville back in the 60's when I was an assistant coach at Tennessee, and requested his presence. He did a magnificent job.

I got reacquainted with him a few years ago when we both were recipients of an honor at the University of Alabama. He couldn't go for health reasons, and I brought his award back to him. We spent many lunches together in his home after that, and I always marveled at his intelligence, his vocabulary, and his many diverse successes in life. Though our discussions dealt with many subjects, there weren't many , times that he didn't reflect back to his days at Alabama, his teammates, his coaches, and how much he loved every minute there.

He was a great man who made a positive difference in the lives of many people. May he rest in peace as he joins his beloved wife in Heaven, and may God continue to bless Mike and all of his family and friends. He will be missed.

Bill Battle

Bill Battle

March 8, 2008

Thank you, Dr. Langdale. Because of your great leadership, my twin sister & I were the first of five children to attend college. School was affordable back then & GSU gave me an excellent education that I am still grateful for. Few men impact generations as Dr. Langdale did. He was a great man & will be missed. My heart goes out to his family as they mourn his passing.

Linda Cannington Bell

March 4, 2008

My condolences to the Langsdale family on loss of Dr. Langdale, a loss felt too by all of us thousands of students, staff and faculty of GSC/GSU who were blessed with his inspiring leadership. I was privileged to attend GSC in 1957-1961, from which upon graduating I obtained a regular army commission in the Infantry and my subsequent professional career, made part in large measure by Dr. Langsdale's steady support of the school's ROTC program. I was also privileged to return while on active duty in 1973-1975 to now GSU for a graduate program of study, and found Dr. Langdale still inspiring in his leadership and even in those turbulent times undiminished in his enthusiastic and patriotic support of the university's ROTC program. He was a great man and leader, a blessing for Georgia State, and a friend to us all. We he touched, led and inspired are thankful to Dr. Langdale!

COL (Ret) John D. (Dave) Blair IV

March 3, 2008

Dr. Langdale was a giant of a man, at the right place and at the right time, for Georgia State. If not already done, some portion of the university complex should be renamed in his honor. God Bless you Sir.

Larry Reams

March 3, 2008

So sorry for the loss of your loved one. Death is an enemy the bible says and that is why God promises that one day soon he will put an end to all sickness, pain, suffering and even death.
Respectfully,

Ivy Faber

February 29, 2008

My family loved Noah. He was one of us. I grew up knowing and loving him. He will be missed by all of us. When I was a child, he lived with us in Boston for a while, getting his LLD while my Dad got his PhD. Both of them gone now. Such legends. great men. Noah will always be an example to me of what it means to give to others. He was very generous with his time and his affection.
Joanna Brooks
Anne Brooks Dasher (my mom)

Joanna Brooks

February 27, 2008

When I was a freshman at GSU, I was always amazed that Dr. Langdale seemed to possess more energy than students a third his age. In the mornings, I used to see him park his yellow Cadillac Seville. He would always roar words of encouragement. What a great man. What a noble human being. How we all loved him.

James Spencer

February 27, 2008

In the AJC article concerning Dr. Landale's love and vision for Georgia State he is quoted in 1986 as saying "The most important thing is that over the years, we've been able to educate a great number of people who otherwise would not been able to go to college." I was one of those persons of whom he spoke. Thank you Dr. Langdale and God bless you for your vision. GSC Class of '68

Jim Lawrence

February 27, 2008

We all were truly blessed to have Noah Langdale in our lives. He was a great man. My father, Glen Hallford, was his barber for many years downtown. He watched GSU grow under the leadership of Dr. Langdale. When it was time for me to attend college, there was no other choice but Ga State. In fact, I think Dr. and Mrs. Langdale gave my parents a baby gift when I was born. Dr. Langdale was a great customer for my father. Sometimes I saw Dr. Langdale when he was in the barber shop for a hair cut, in the Hurt Building. I can't remember how many times I walked the halls of Sparks Hall or Kell Hall with him. He was a gentleman. Everyone knew him and was delighted to see him. You couldn't just walk straight to somewhere with him, he was stopped or stopped to talk to anyone and everyone. He knew my name and my brother's name and always asked my father about us even after I graduated in 1986. He was a delightful philosopher with always something profound to inspire you. We had a great man in our world at Georgia State University and I thank GOD for him. To Dr. Langdale's family, I offer my heartfelt thoughts and prayers. My father died in 1994 and I know he and Dr. Langdale can chat now in heaven. Dr. Langdale was a blessing to many people. Thank you and GOD bless.
Debbie Hallford DeLoach (B.B.A. 1986) Suwanee, GA

Debbie DeLoach

February 27, 2008

Noah and his beloved Wiggie opened their home on Tuxedo every spring for students. He would greet you at the door, hear your name and call you by that name - then and when you left - some several hundred students later. He was larger than life in all sense of the word. He would have made a great Governor - but then he was MUCH too smart for that. His presence in all our lives was a blessing.
Pat Thomas Brannon '64

Pat Brannon

February 27, 2008

I had the honor of meeting Dr. langdale in 2007 while installing a dishwasher in his home. while only there for a short time Dr. langdale left a lasting impression of just how caring and knowledgeable he was. I have been to many diffrent houses and met thousands of people during my jobs but never have i met a nicer man. you will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Chuck Williams

February 26, 2008

Those of us who knew President Langdale during our undergrad years at Ga. State were given a model of a university president that we have tried to apply to many succeeding senior administrators at other institutions. However, there will never be another Noah Langdale. He will be missed.

Col. (retd.) Robert G. Knowles, Jr.

February 26, 2008

In the mid-1960's, if you wanted to talk to Dr. Langdale, all you needed to do was go to the Refectory most afternoons and he would be there. What a great President and person! He had no equal as a public speaker and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him. Class of 1966.

Tim & Janet Grogg

February 26, 2008

I had the honor of getting to know Dr. Langdale during the late 80's, he knew me by name and always had a smile on his face. Yet, I was just this little nobody of an undergraduate student but he made me feel 7 feet tall. As I sit it my office and look at my GSU diploma with his signature - many fond memories. I will also cherish the many photo's of us together, expecially at graduation. You will be missed.

Angela Sloan-Allan

February 26, 2008

Dr. Langdale was a very special man to me as a night class student.He made certain that there was recognition to out spouses as they were most responsible for our staying the course. In fact he gave a diploma to my wife that was justifiably larger than mine.
Paul J. Bieger - Class of 1961

Paul Bieger

February 26, 2008

Indeed, riding with Dr. Langdale in the car was an incredible experience. I had the pleasure of driving him to a Toastmasters meeting in Atlanta where he easily displayed his wonderful public speaking abilities. He was a true treasure for our area and will be remembered for his warm wit and depth of knowledge.

David Lunde

February 26, 2008

A truly amazing man who had time to talk to even underclass students. He was larger than life and I will never forget him. Class of 64.

Joe Fortune

February 26, 2008

I was a student at Georgia State University beginning in 1964 and received my MBA in the College of Business, Graduate Division School in 1967. I returned as an administrator in 1969. After teaching for three years at California State University, Sacramento from 1971 to 1973, I returned to GSU and was able to get Dr. Langdale to give the keynote speech to APICS at its international convention in Atlanta. My condolences to his family. Jim , James W. Harrison, Sr., BS Ga Tech, MBA Ga State

James William Harrison, Sr.

February 26, 2008

I treasure the relationship I enjoyed with Noah Langdale, which grew out of my giving him a ride to the Atlanta Touchdown Club luncheons and other events. One-on-one conversation (if you can call it that - Noah asks the questions and tells the jokes) with Noah within the confines of an automobile is a remarkable experience. This led to countless, entertaining telephone conversations and lunches. Inasmuch as I am a stalwart Georgia Tech Fan, Noah called me "Gelba Jacke" (sp?) which means Yellow Jacket in German. I reciprocated by calling him "Crimson Tide." If he was not home when I telephoned, Wiggie would say, "The Tide's gone out." And from my wife's laughter when she answered our phone, I always knew when it was Noah on the other end. I wish I had saved and recorded some of the voice-mail messages he left at my office. They were priceless. My life has been enriched by association with Noah, and I shall miss him very much. It is a distinct honor to have had him for a friend. My condolences go out to Mike.

Randy Brown

February 26, 2008

Joe Hicks

February 26, 2008

An incredible man who touched the lives of countless people and inspired them to be free thinkers. Those who never knew him missed out on one of Georgia's treasures.

Ty Weston - Class of '88

February 26, 2008

Please accept my condolences. I attended GA State from 1963-1970, during that time we became GA State University thanks to the leadership of Dr. Langdale. Our prayers are with the family.

James Rish

February 25, 2008

I am a 1982 graduate of Georgia State University and I was saddened to hear of Dr. Langdale's passing. May God comfort the family during this time.

Betty Kennebrew

February 25, 2008

Commanding in stature and energy , he had rapid fire command of the English language that rivaled that of Winston Churchill.He was , always, a gentle MAN , and a friend to all. From the class of 1966:

J.Ronald Newton MD

February 25, 2008

During most of my faculty life at Georgia State as Regents Professor of Accounting, Dr. Langdale served as President. He is one of the most intelligent men I have ever met. I had many fruitful discussions in his office and over lunch. He was the best thing to ever happen to Georgia State. Please accept my deepest sympathies
for his family. Thank you for sharing him with us. May he rest in peace.

Roger Hermanson

February 25, 2008

Noah and I became very close the last 10 years. I knew him through my wife, his niece. His knowledge of both business and history gave him rare insight. He astounded the most brilliant of minds with phenomenal memory and vast knowledge of every subject. He was a true scholar, athlete and leader. I was fortunate to have visited with him over those years and listen to invaluable perspective from a brilliant, gifted mind. I cared for him deeply.

The family has just set his memorial for Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Road N. W., Atlanta.

Don Smith

February 25, 2008

I worked at Georgia State University in the 70's and remember Dr. Langdale as a giant man with a kind heart.

Paula Frank Snell

February 25, 2008

I introduced Dr. Langdale at a scouting function 43 years ago, he teased me much to the delight of the audiance that "My mom and dad must love me, but that was the worst introduction that he had ever heard. In the venacular of Football I was a blocked punt, like going bird hunting and having to carry your dog". It was a delight to know him and we have had a laugh over this first meeting a number of times. I am sure that I was not the only one to fall prey of his quick wit.

Steve Roden

February 25, 2008

I extend my condolences to the Langdale family. As one of the 125 students awarded a doctoral degree (1978) during Dr. Langdale's tenure at the university I was also one of the students for which Dr. Langdale's efforts provided an opportunity for higher education in the early years of his presidency. I found Dr. Langdale to be a "gentle giant" of a man, so eloquent in speech and tenacious in his love of the university and his plans for its future. The stature of Georgia State University in the state, nation and world is a tribute to his dedicated work. Thank you President Langdale--rest in peace.

Edward Knight

February 25, 2008

During freshman orientation in 1964 Barry Goldwater spoke in Hurt Park as part of his presidential campaign. One of the orientation speakers said that if he had to choose between hearing Barry Goldwater or Noah Langdale, he would choose the latter. As a political science major I thought that strange, but I quickly came to appreciate Dr. Langdale as a superb speaker with an erudite sense of humor. Speaking of Dean England, he said: "Oh, to be an England in April." I still remember his voice quoting one of his favorite lines: Upon the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of millions who, having reached the threshold of success, rested, and having rested, died. When I boarded the airplane to Austin for graduate school, I was pleasantly surprised to see and greet Dr. Langdale. I felt it a benediction upon my future. He was a man of vision who shaped Georgia State into a great university, positively affecting the lives of many thousands and through them many thousands more. What a legacy! What a man! What a privilege to have known him.

Tim Eastling

February 25, 2008

Dr. Langsdale was a giant among men. He will be missed, I always learned so much from this man who was a true scholar and a gentleman. You are gone but not forgotten, so long good friend.

Dr. Wilson Trivino

February 25, 2008

I met and talked with Dr Langdale several times when I was student. He was an idealist who inspired all around him. We have lost a truly great man.
Classes of 1967 and 1975

Steve Wilkerson

February 25, 2008

Thank you Dr. Langdale for being the very best you could be. You brought GSU out of the concrete and gave wings to so many!
My sympathy goes out to Mike. I am sure your wonderful memories of your father are countless.

Barbara Park Class of 1973

February 25, 2008

I will never forget my personal experiences with Dr. Langdale when I was at Georgia State "College". He truly "connected" with everyone and especially the students and he could often be observed in the halls between class changes reaching out his big arms to greet everyone. He had a truly "Open Door" Policy and that was the exception at large Universities where the administration was never seen and rarely heard. Everyone who came in contact with Dr. Langdale always remembered him and we are all better off for having him pass our way. He was a Big Man with an even bigger Heart.

James Franks GSC Class of '69

February 25, 2008

I had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Langdale while being a Wildcat from 52-53 and being a Consulting Member of the Technical Staff while working with Bell Telephone Laboratories in Norcross, GA.
While a Wilcat, Mr. Langdale (that is what we called him then) took several football players to Tuscaloosa to visit. He generally chewed on a cigar all the time and the smell in the car was overwhelming. As as an engineer with BTL, I had the pleasure of not only listening to him speak at Engineers Week, but I was selected to obtain his services. I met many times with Dr. Langdale leading up to the Conference and saw him many times during the ensuing years. While driving to the Conference, I was hit by another automobile. Dr. Langdale was not injured, I escorted him into the hotel and returned to the accident to take care off the situation. He found me after the meeting to be sure that I was ok and offered any assistance that I needed.
I will never forget this unique individual, whose main concern was the people around him and not his position or status.

Harry O. Lindstrom, Jr

February 25, 2008

To: The Langdale Family
My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you at the loss of your special loved one. Dr. Langdale was an outstanding educator and leader. GSU stands tall in the twenty first century because of vision, dedication and leadership.
Sincerely,
Tony Smith
Classes of 1981 and 1985

tony smith

February 24, 2008

I attended GSU during Dr. Langdale's last four years there. Whenever I would see him strolling around campus, I would feel pride, knowing that we had a great man as our college president. I wish I had graduated sooner so that his signature could be on my diploma.

Class of 1990

Ken Davis

February 24, 2008

I was Senior Vice President in 1977 and occasionally had contact with Dr. Langdale. He made GSU what is it today, an incredible university that all graduates can be proud of. I am very proud to say that I am a graduate of a school where he was President. God bless his family.

Melinda James Mobley

February 24, 2008

I remember Dr. Langdale speaking to
our local athletic booster club
after the 1975 season in Thomaston.
I'll never forget the crux of his
message! "Find out your talent
and 'cultivate it!" I'm glad I got to hear him that night!

Lance DeLoach

February 24, 2008

It is because of this man's vision that I was able to receive an excellent education at GSU, and then go on to receive a PhD later. My story is not unique. I only wish I had the time to say thank you to him in person.

Willie Davis

February 24, 2008

I heard Dr. Langdale speak once and was blown away by his command of the english language. He will be greatly missed.

Jim Harrison

February 24, 2008

Your shoes are close to impossible to fill. I count myself lucky to have been among the graduating classes under your tenure. God bless!

Elaine Mayo

February 24, 2008

Dr. Langdale was a remarkable man who will be missed by everyone he touched at GSU. My son recently graduated from Georgia State and I now realize how special the administration was when I went there in the late sixties and early seventies.

Steve Forrester

February 24, 2008

Dr. Langdale was one of those rare people who combined intelligence and integrity with true respect for others. I hope GSU will promptly rename the law school in his honor.

Our prayers go out to his family.

Jim Watkins '77

February 24, 2008

My husband and I attended GSU when Dr. Langdale was President and remember him fondly- He was a person who was "larger than life". He always had time to stop in the hall and speak with you and gave the most wonderful speeches-I still remember his "booming" laugh.
He was a warm, caring and "genuine" person who cared for GSU and all the students. He is the reason many of us have college educations.
Unlike college graduation ceremonies today-He actually handed me my diploma on December 12, 1981; and I remembered that day fondly this past Dec when my son also graduated from GA State University.
Our prayers are with his family.
Mary Stephens Gilbert BBA 1981
Lawrence Remi Gilbert BS 1982
Corey Remi Gilbert BA 2007

Mary Stephens Gilbert

February 24, 2008

I remember Dr. Langdale speaking at an Incept orientation gathering. He instructed us to look at the person on our left, then to look at the person on our right. Then he said that only two of the three would be there when we graduated. He was a fine orator and would have served the people well had he chosen politics. Instead he served the students at GSU greatly. I don't know about the persons on my left and right, but I graduated and his signature is on my diploma. He will be missed.

David F Blau Class of 1979

February 24, 2008

BBA-GSU-1960 & family friend.

Floyd & Ann Moon

February 24, 2008

I remember my "look to the right, look to the left" freshman orientation speech given by Dr. Langdale as if it were yesterday. Truly a captain of higher education in Georgia who will be missed dearly. Love and prayers go to the family...

Cyrus Tookes

February 24, 2008

May God Bless the Langdale family. Without Dr. Langdales' vison I probably would not be a graduate of Georgia State University. Thanks for your vison Dr. Langdale

Michael Finley

February 24, 2008

Noah Langdale was an inspriation to all who knew him.

Jane & Ed. Willis

February 24, 2008

You are truly one of a kind and you have earned your rest.

Ronald Goodman

February 24, 2008

I met Dr Landale in 1969 for an interview for a job at the then GSU smaller facilities. He approved my position and became very fond of his way of managing and organizing the new grand university which it was and became better. I am sure h'ill be missed.

Robert Meurrens

February 24, 2008

A giant of a man in both the literal and figurative senses of the word. I'm proud to have been one of "his" students with his name on my diploma. His legacy reaches farther than we will ever know.

February 24, 2008

Over 30 years and two degrees later (BS 80, MS 86), I still remember Dr. Langdale's speech to my Freshman class. He stressed tolerance of other peoples views and, overall, kindness to others in all that we do. The address struck such a chord with me that I still quote Dr. Langdale frequently. He was a great man and I am proud to have earned my degrees under his leadership.

David Bignault

February 24, 2008

I think Noah and Bear Bryant are starting a football team in heaven.
My son and grandaughter both were students at GSU while Dr. Langdale was there and both are better persons, thanks to Noah Langdale.
He was an outstanding Lions Club member, also.
ROLL TIDE.

Bob and Faye Kelley

February 24, 2008

My God bless the Noah Langdale family.

Class of 1977

Joel Free

February 24, 2008

I came to GSU (as a transfer student) the year after Dr. Langdale retired, but I knew GSU was a great place to be because of him.

Prof. S. R. Chandler

February 24, 2008

God bless Dr. Noah Langdale. He was a great man and an outstanding university president. BBA Class of 80

Jim Crutchfield

February 24, 2008

My thoughts are with the Langdale family. I am a current GSU student and want to thank him for building such a great school.

Paul Oresteen

February 24, 2008

Dr. Langdale taught a Sunday School class in Valdosta when I was in the Air Force at Moody AFB (1954).
He was a great SS teacher, and later was made President of GSU where he gave impetus to the then smallish school.
I still remember how easily he lead the collegs age folks, and was not surprised when he became such a compelling leader.

Ga. has lost a great presence.

Valjean Brookshaw

February 24, 2008

I heard him speak numerous times and it was always a joy to hear that man talk. What a voice and what a sense of presence he had. He will be missed.

Randy Tyndall

February 24, 2008

Mike,

My dad spoke so well of your father. Our fathers would meet for breakfast and discuss all things good about Atlanta. I had the opportunity to meet him several times. He was great to be around. Very humurous and so smart. I lost my father in December. We both have lost great fathers, role models and icons of Atlanta.

God be with you during this difficult time.

Gus Morris

February 24, 2008

God bless you Noah and thank you for all the lives you touched in a positive way. I can still recall your many surprise entrance to my office years ago when you travel on your favorite airline Delta.

Harold Vernon

February 24, 2008

God Bless a great man and President

Class of '72

Jim Fuller

February 24, 2008

God's speed.

Fred Voigt

February 24, 2008

I was honored to get to know Dr. Langdale during a term as Student Body President in 72-73. It was not a time when many student bodies got along well with administrations but we always had a good relationship. He always made student leaders feel that their opinions mattered in the future plans for the University.

He is one of the greatest people I have had the honor to know. Mike -- you and yours have our sympathy for your loss but all of us have a great university as his legacy

Russ Childers, Americus

Russ Childers

February 24, 2008

Loss of a great leader.

B. Brtan

February 24, 2008

Amy Eileen Cox Ferrell

February 24, 2008

Harley & Eileen Langdale

February 24, 2008

Stanley & Sue Cox

February 24, 2008

I admired Noah Langdale from the frist time he spoke to us freshman students in 1964. He helped me and the students as we fought thru the meaing and impact of the Vietnam War on students and the Nation.

A Great Man!!

Michael Evenson

February 24, 2008

Noah Langdale and I were classmates in Valdosta High School. He was a first team starting lineman and I went out for quarterback. I was injuried in spring practice in 1935 or 1936 and he showed a great deal of concern for me. I never played again but I have followed his career with great pride and have bragged more than once that I knew Noah Langdale in high school.

I doubt that he would have remembered me but he was one of the most outstanding people I have ever known. I regret that his time on earth has come to an end and offer my deepest sympathy to his family.

Charles F. Kelly (Charley)

Charles Kelly

February 24, 2008

I would like to leave my regards for the family and loved ones of Dr. Langdale. I was a student at Georgia State from 2000 to 2004. Without the school Dr. Langdale built, I would not be where I am today -- employed in a job I love with a great company. He made a wonderful education available to even those in metro Atlanta from the humblest of means. I wish I could have known him.

Tony Montcalm

February 24, 2008

As a GSU grad, thanks for all of your efforts. God be with you.

J.E. Forster

February 24, 2008

Georgia State University has lost a great leader & friend.

anonymous anonymous

February 24, 2008

Class of 1974

Ken White

February 24, 2008

My graduating class was the last to have the honor of Dr. Langdale's name on the degree. I was always enthralled to hear him speak, likening my Incept class to St. George as he prepared to slay the dragon. And I was astounded and charmed when, one evening, he plopped his tray next to my husband's as we were eating dinner in the B&D and proceeded to inquire about our scholastic & personal lives (he knew my husband from the various honor organizations Roger was a member of). I will miss him greatly, and my deepest sympathies to his family.

Anne Lawrence

February 24, 2008

God Bless!
Class of 1965

Charles Barton Rice, Sr

February 24, 2008

Noah Langdale was one of the greatest and most dynamic leaders this state has ever claimed.

His passion for excellence in education and in all aspects of life, and his adherence to ethical standards above reproach made him the type of citizen who everyone could respect and admire.

He will be greatly missed.

Joann and Tom Watson

February 24, 2008

He was very kind. I remember going to his home as a freshman many years ago. Prayers for his family.

Frances Bussey

February 24, 2008

I enrolled at Georgia State in 1965 and have watched with pride as it has grown into a major university. I greatly supported Dr. Langdale's philiosphy that a broad liberal arts education is much more important than a football team.

Charlotte Harrell

February 24, 2008

He was a great man. My best friends father, Emory Kelly, grew up playing football with him in Valdosta. Sympathies to his family. We have all suffered a loss.

Harold Chastain

February 24, 2008

A great leader and inspirational mentor to his students and staff at GSU. We all loved him.

s Wilson

February 24, 2008

I was a GSU freshman in 1979 and literally ran into Dr. Langdale while rounding the corner of Sparks Hall. I was so embarrassed and was shaking like a leaf. He asked me for my name and major and wanted to know why I could be in such a hurry to get to class. My papers had scattered and all the while he was questioning me he was using his cane to help scoop them up. I thought for sure that I would be expelled. After all the papers were picked up he continued to chat, telling me all about how I had entered GSU at a great time and how I had picked a good major.

For years after that incident, whenever I would see him in the hall, he would greet me by name and ask about how my classes were going or he would make a comment about the need for stop signs in Sparks Hall. He was truly a great leader for GSU and a great spirit. He will be missed.

Gloria Stafford

February 24, 2008

Dr Langdale will truly be missed. As a two time GSU graduate, Georgia State is a university force to be reckoned with, thanks to Dr Langdale.

S James

February 24, 2008

A great man that created a great University!

Mike Poplin BBA 1970

Mike Poplin

February 24, 2008

A true Southern gentleman!

Deborah Davis

February 24, 2008

A truly great member of the GSU family will be missed but not forgotten. Your achievement's for the school and its place in todays Atlanta can not be understated. Thanks for all.

Kevin Shields

February 24, 2008

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