J. Bonner Ritchie

Bonner was forever controversial, exciting, and ever so verbal. He forced me to think in an entirely different way, which took me on a very different and exciting path in life! At 92, I still talk to those I love and respect. Bonner hears from me on the other side!

Bonner was such a powerful mentor at BYU. His wisdom, insights, and care changed the lives of thousands of our students. As a faculty member, his colleagues respected his opinions and valued his input. Bonner's style of kindness and fairness are needed in the Middle East today. His legacy will live on as we build on his important work and honor him through our actions. I'll forever be grateful for his friendship and care.

In the 1980s, most firms and universities had elaborate orientation programs but BYU provided little help for new faculty members. When VP Todd Britsch asked me to start something along those lines in 1992, we were fortunate to get Bonner Ritchie as co-director of what became the BYU Faculty Center. He was key to its success because he knew how to get BYU deans and department chairs committed to faculty development and see it as crucial to their units' success. He was deeply concerned about...

Bonner changed my life! I was his student at BYU and continued a lifelong friendship. He opened my mind and heart for forever. We were both born during the Great Depression and WWII, and though Bonner remained a lifetime Democrat, I've remained a Republican-which made the relationship especially fun and interesting. As a believer, when one door closes, another opens, and I look forward to our continued relationship when I pass through!