Donald Loeffler

I didn't know this until today. Doc made me feel at home in the WCU theater department when I returned to Cullowhee after divorce to finish my MA thesis in the History Department. Wondering what to do next in life, through my friend Terry Nienhuis, WCU English professor who loved theater, I was cast as an extra in the department's annual Shakespeare's birthday production of The Merchant of Venice. There I met the incomparable Tish Merrill, playing Portia. I was wearing a button which said,...

Doc impacted so many of our lives, and the fact that many of us have careers in the profession is a testament to his lasting legacy. I now head the MFA in Directing program at Florida State after a long professional career, and it all began under the tutelage of Doc. I'll never forget the critical eye, the voice that asked the challenging questions, and the unending support. We were all lucky to hitch our wagons to his bright star. Jessi

I would have never graduated or finished college if it weren't for Doc. He was the understanding ear and the helping hand. He was my advisor, my instructor, and I considered him my friend. Those of you that know me, know that I later returned to WCU and taught in the theater department, in part because of the debt that I owed Doc. His missed, and the world is a little less bright because of his passing.

I love my memories from WCU. Doc was loved by so many of his students. I remember during my senior year, he came to me to ask me when I was going to declare my major in theatre. I only had 3 credit hours remaining to have my degree to have my degree in Speech & Theatre Arts. We´ll miss you, Doc.

The world is a little less good now. Doc was one if the "good guys." He was my colleague for many years and I miss him.