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Conrad Fink Obituary
Fink had been battling prostate cancer that had returned two decades after successful surgery and was admitted to a local hospital for treatment last week, said E. Culpepper Clark, dean of the university's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
"He was fighting it manfully, but it got him," Clark said.
Fink had taught as a journalism professor since 1983 at UGA, where students either feared or revered him for his gruff persona and merciless editing of their class assignments and published news stories.
His approach to teaching resembled that of a newsroom editor more than an academic, drawing on Fink's 20 years of experience with The AP. In a career that spanned 1957 to 1977, he had served as a night editor in Chicago, a foreign correspondent and as an AP vice president in New York. In the 1960s, he covered major news stories — including several wars and armed conflicts — in India, Vietnam, the former Soviet Union and the Middle East.
"He would say, 'Each year thousands of students come to the University of Georgia, and I try to save a few,'" said Les Simpson, publisher of the Amarillo Globe-News in Texas and a student of Fink's in the 1980s. "If somebody ever told you Fink wanted to see you, first of all it would scare you. But second of all you would know you had caught his eye."
Fink's influence reached beyond his classes at UGA. He also wrote 11 journalism textbooks on subjects ranging from editorials and sports writing to newspaper management.
"He was inimitable and is irreplaceable," Clark said in an email sent to faculty and staff Saturday. "The loss is grievous. If you had Conrad as a friend, and all of us did, you didn't need but one."
UGA President Michael Adams called Fink "a dear personal friend and the consummate colleague and teacher."
"He fought valiantly in the last year against difficult health circumstances," Adams said in a statement.
Kathleen Carroll, executive editor and a senior vice president for the AP, praised Fink in a statement Saturday.
"Conrad Fink lived a reporter's life," she said. "He traveled far from home to explore and tell stories for the AP, then brought decades of experience home to the classroom. Among his many contributions to journalism, the greatest may have been using his broad experience to launch several generations of new journalists."
A native of Michigan, Fink served in the 1950s as a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Marines before landing his first newspaper job at the Daily Pantagraph in Bloomington, Ill. During his AP career, Fink also served in London as executive director of the AP-Dow Jones Economic Report and later as AP's vice president of newspaper membership.
He was also a visiting lecturer at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., for several years in the 1980s and '90s.
Fink's family planned to hold his funeral in New York state, where he had a summer home, Clark said.
UGA honored Fink last November by inducting him into the Grady Fellowship, a group of distinguished alumni and media professionals. Simpson traveled from Texas to attend with a gift for the professor — personal letters from more than 30 former students.
"I think sometimes even he was surprised at the kind of impact he had," Simpson said. "I think he was just doing his job and wanted to do it right."
Russ Bynum,Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
40 Entries
J. Martin Wildes
November 6, 2024
He called me a "real meat eater" after he read my front page Athens Banner Herald story. I enjoyed his newspaper management class conducted during Desert Storm 1990 to Jan. 1991. We were talking about smart phones 25 years before their creation. Awesome Professor who was not a professor, Mr. Fink was V.P. of the Associated Press and when I verbalized this career detail he said, "You remembered." The eye brows man was sharp as glass and I was fortunate enough to stay in touch via Facebook till the end with his skydive. He really added alot to my UGA experience.
George Melloan
March 10, 2012
I always felt privileged to be able to count Con as friend. Our conversations were all too rare, since we only once when we first met lived in the same town, but they were always stimulating. I loved his stories from his days as a foreign correspondent, particularly how he scooped the other wire services on the death of Nehru. He was brave at the end when he told me that he was "in for it." I will miss him a lot. George Melloan
Bradford Hagstrom
February 8, 2012
Profoundly convincing in 1983, Fink unlocked his office door for me. For 20 minutes he shared a vision of the coming information age, and ways I could capture the moment of a lifetime. Challenged me to abandon distractions like football, fraternities and women to find a greater good in purpose. He knew God was using him even if I had not realized the impact. He was late to his own class for perhaps the very first time. And I am forever in his debt. My first mentoring moment. Of course, on the way out he commented, "Wish I could have gotten to you sooner."
I added as many classes of his for which I would qualify before graduating in 1985. He threw The Wall Street Journal halfway across the classroom at me on the first day. It was so rich to be in his path. Mostly kicking and screaming for mercy from his prowess.
He allowed me to serve as treasurer and later president of his Media Management Club of Georgia. Kicked my tail to open doors with the Atlanta Journal as the first multi-discipline intern going through 26 areas of operation. Through him I had the privilege of being featured in Delta's Sky magazine and inclusion in his text books.
Fink's leadership, encouragement and sage counsel helped me to launch two publishing companies and serve at eight different newspapers across the U.S. My children and I have jointly authored four titles which are sorely in need of Fink's mastery.
Among the greatest privileges I have ever received was an invitation to share my story with his class at UGA. Never have I been so nervous to do my very best. He brought that quality out in all of us. We were his and he was ours. The stories he brought to life were so vivid. I could tell them for hours, but not like Conrad could. Through him I understand the thin line of life between the heavy fire of combat overseas and the sunbeam of peace shining through a bullet hole in the tent.
Peace and blessings to you Sue, Karen, Stephan and brother Don.
Jenny Bennett
January 23, 2012
Professor Fink brought so much to the classroom simply by being who he was. I was not the type of journalism student prone to getting in Fink's good graces, though perhaps he did remember me, even if it was not for a reason I would have liked. I once nodded off in his class. (It wasn't his fault. I was having a bad day.) As I was drifting I heard a clap of the hands that may as well have been a thunderclap followed by, "Wake her up! She'll fall on her head!" The mere thought of Fink addressing me in his class was enough to jolt me into a state of alertness, where I remained completely embarrassed for the rest of the period. Of the lessons Fink taught me, there are two that stand out the most: the grammar rule more rain, fewer drops, and the idea that real-life experience will get you so much farther than a graduate degree in our field. Perhaps unconventional advice, but when leading by example as he did, it was difficult to dispute. My first internship at a trade publication was a stepping stone on my path to working for a cable network, and to this day I remain grateful to Fink for his impact on my college experience. It may have seemed small at the time, but it has made a difference. I pray that he knows his life's work was an inspiration. My prayers are with his family. -Grady College class of 2002
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January 21, 2012
We found in Conrad a man who loved his wife, two children, brother and sisters. He was proud of his time with the Associated Press and, even more, his long years of teaching his true love - journalism. On an all too brief visit in New York state, we also found a man who enjoyed fellowship and laughter. We deeply regret the all-to-brief time we had with Conrad, but relish the memory of a wise and brave man. Jack & Phyllis Leach
Rebecca Boone Martin
January 20, 2012
My thoughts are with the Fink family. There will never be another like him. He was a true mentor and friend. I took every class I could with him, sometimes two at a time, and he always believed in me. I carry part of him with me always...in every word I write, and in every young student that I mentor. None of us will ever forget, and his legacy will live on through those he mentored.
Henry Dionne
January 20, 2012
Its not possible to express the enormity of this loss. Professor Fink did more for his students, for journalism, for UGA and for the world than most people will ever realize. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for the personal help he offered me and I will always remember his advice to 'always pay it forward.' You will be missed dearly, Fink. RIP.
January 19, 2012
I am truly sorry for your lost. In your time of bereavement, know that God assures us that we will see our loved ones again. I'm sure that with the help of our loving Heavenly Father, your family, and friends you will be able to endure this trial. May your memories give you comfort.
Gates, GA
Victor Kulkosky
January 19, 2012
He taught me Opinion Writing, and I continue to use what he taught me every week in my column in "The Leader-Tribune" in Peach County, Ga. From him I learned the importance of focus -- each column about one thing -- that columns still have to include reporting, and that the privileged space of a newspaper column should not be wasted on trivial matters.
Although he could seem intimidating, he really cared about students and wanted them to succeed. I looked forward to class, which always began with his question: "What do you like in the papers?" His war stories were hopefully written down somewhere: what he taught us wasn't from a book but from life. Farewell, Sir, you truly made a difference, and I hope to make a fraction of the difference you made.
Kelly Daniel
January 18, 2012
He was my friend, and I loved him. Along with everything he taught me since I first walked in his door in 1992, Fink never left a doubt about how much he believed in me. I hope I never left a doubt about how much he meant to me, and all us grateful Finkites.
(I still have all the letters, Sir Professor Sir...)
Xiaokui Huang
January 18, 2012
He is the best teacher I had at Grady. I will never forget being in his office and seeing him writing a recommendation letter for me with his typewriter. I will miss him so much. May him rest in peace.
Jaye. W.
January 18, 2012
I am sorry for your loss. Daniel 12:2 offers hope for those we have lost to death. It says And there will be many of those asleep in the ground of dust who will wake up, these to indefinitely lasting life . . .
January 17, 2012
To the the family of Conrad Fink - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Carolyn Stadler
January 17, 2012
Our thoughts are with you Sue in your time of sorrow.
January 17, 2012
My condolences to the Fink family, God is a refuge and strength to us a help during distresses. Psalms 46:1
Tina King Atlanta, Ga.
Erle Norton
January 17, 2012
As many will write here, he was the best teacher I ever had. He told us the most important thing he could do for us was to bleed red ink all over our copy and he did just that.
He also said to never walk into this class once the door was closed. The one day I turned the corner and it was closed, I stopped, turned and walked away.
Mr. Fink always helped with advice after I graduated. I firmly believe that most of what I've done well as journalist is a direct result of what he taught me.
T B
January 17, 2012
God Bless. And my I add, I wish all had more teachers like him!
JEWELL ROLLEN
January 17, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Professor Fink on my son's recruiting trip to UGA back in 03'. Although Allen was not admitted, Professor Fink did critique several of his articles that he wrote for the Berkmar High school newspaper. He was quite a man, and will be missed!
Cletus Stripling
January 17, 2012
An ultimate gentleman. Even though I only knew Fink as an IT person at Grady College and did not have the honor of being one of his student's, he often engaged me in conversation in the hallways or when he needed assistance with his computer.
His passion for his student's and fellow man was evident in every way. His touch and lessons will be felt for many generations to come.
May God Bless his wife and family during this difficult time.
Branan
January 16, 2012
Professor Fink cared so deeply about his
students. The way he treated me is
something I can never forget. He has always been a mentor, even though I
did not become a journalist. Thank you, Professor Fink.
Lauren Patrick
January 16, 2012
Professor Fink was the best teacher I ever had. The world feels different now knowing he's not in it. I always hoped one day I could come back to the Grady College to chat with Mr. Fink in his office. Guess now I'll have to wait until Heaven. God bless you, sir.
January 16, 2012
I knew Conrad for he married my first cousin, Sue Carol Henry, and
their children are Karen and Stephan. They traveled with him on the
Associated Press reporting. He was a fine teacher and friend to many
people. You could have an intelligent conversation with him. His
sense of humor was so good. I feel very sad and express my love
to Sue and children. I continue to keep them in my prayers during
this painful time of loss. We have lost a truly interesting and caring
gentleman in our family.
Janice Henry Montrose, Michigan
January 16, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with your family at this time of grief. May your loving memories of Conrad stay close to your heart. Psalms 46:1 Joanna
January 16, 2012
I am truly sorry for your lost. In your time of bereavement, know that God assures us that we will see our loved ones again. I'm sure that with the help of our loving Heavenly Father, your family, and friends you will be able to endure this trial. May your memories give you comfort.
Gates, GA
January 16, 2012
Dear Sue and Family; I remember "Rod", in the forties and early fifties, when he and his family would visit his Aunt Olive Fox in Marquette, MI. My brother, Allyn, and I would often get together with the family then. Olive Fox was a mentor to me, for she was my kindergarten teacher and I often told her that she influenced my going into teaching. Conrad was a mentor to many in the Athens Georgia community, as one of his fomer students, Kylle Wingfield, wrote so elequently, in a recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution piece. He will be missed by many. Sara (Roberts) Osborn,Stone Mountain, Georgia and Allyn Roberts,Madison,Wisconsin
Eliott C. McLaughlin
January 16, 2012
Fink was, by far, the most influential professor I had during my time at UGA -- and that's not be construed as criticism of my other teachers, many of whom were tremendous. Fink was simply special, a man who could dress you down, make you feel like a hack, drive you to spend five hours on a rewrite, and then, with a pat on the shoulder and a backhanded compliment, make you realize he pushed you because he genuinely wanted you to be excellent. His wit, candor, intelligence and experience will be difficult to replace, or even rival. I am saddened UGA's future ombudsmen won't have the opportunity to benefit from his critiques and guidance. Since I graduated from UGA in 2003, rarely a day has passed that I wasn't thankful Fink let me into the tent for what he called "educational triage." We, his students, "the unwashed," had tremendous responsibilities upon us if we were to be journalists. He ensured we understood the gravity of our aspirations and that we appreciated our obligations to the Fourth Estate ... while omitting any unnecessary words. UGA has lost a legend. I mourn with the university and his family, yet am honored to have been his charge.
Ben Bussard
January 16, 2012
The greatest teacher I've ever had--both in the classroom and in life. I learned so much from him in such a short amount of time and credit a significant deal of my success (past, present and future) directly to the lessons he taught me.
Dawn Holder Anderson
January 16, 2012
Professor Fink played a defining role in so many lives - mine included. He challenged his students to do their best. He inspired us to keep moving ahead. He will be missed.
Stephen Gurr
January 15, 2012
Hands down the best college professor I ever had. He was a highly influential man in my journalism career and the careers of countless other journalists. A great tree in the forest of journalism has fallen, and we shall never see his likes again.
January 15, 2012
Conrad married my first cousin, Sue Henry, and their children are Karen and
Stephan. His family traveled with him when he did his AP reporting. You always had an intelligent discussion with him. He had a real sense of humor.
We are very sad that he is gone and I
feel we have lost a truly caring member
of our family.Our hearts go out to Sue,
Karen and Steve. You are in my prayers.
His sense of humor was so good. The Henry Family is very sad and we send our love to Sue and children. I feel that we have lost a truly caring member
in our family.
John & Kathy Read
January 15, 2012
Dear Sue and family, Conrad will be missed. The visits with him will be fondly remembered. Our prayers are with you.
January 15, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Conrad and our thoughts and prayers are with Sue and family. Irene & Bruce Pomella Sharon Springs, NY
Johnston Mitchell
January 15, 2012
As Conrad Fink's first graduate student in newspaper management, he was the driving force in directing my dual course of study in the schools of journalism and business administration at The University of Georgia.
Upon my first visit to his office, he stopped me cold in the middle of my introductory speech and said, "Start over, please... slow down, look me in the eye, and deliver."
When he stopped me a second time, Prof. Fink asked, "Where are you from Mitchell - using my last name as was his practice as an ex-marine. When I responded that I had grown up in Flint, Michigan, he jokingly answered, "They follow me everywhere." Prof. Fink also grew up in the Flint area.
Thank you, Conrad Fink, for showing me the way in media management and for being not only my major professor, but a great mentor, too.
My warmest regards to his wife, Sue, and family.
Dick & Bargara Holmes
January 15, 2012
Dearest Sue and Family
We can not tell you how sadden our little church here in Ames, NY was this morning to hear of Conrad's passing. We have been praying everyday that the outcome would be different. We will keep you and your family in in our prayers. May the sympathy of those who care for you and the precious memory of Conrad help to comfort you at this time.
Kirsten Polentz Haas
January 15, 2012
I took a graduate seminar in journalism ethics from Conrad Fink in 1994 and I will never forget the first thing he said to the class: "I'm not a doctor, I'm not a real professor. I'm just Conrad Fink, newspaper man." That single statement said it all. He prized excellence in all he did and expected it of all his students. My condolences to his family.
January 15, 2012
R.I.P.
Ralph Sherman
January 15, 2012
I had the opportunity to know Conrad in the late 70s when we developed a business relationship between the AP and our company providing television listing information to the AP members. I will always cherish that relationship and send my sincere condolences to his friends and family. As a former Marine too.
Terry Welch AL_Shhri
January 15, 2012
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2012-01-14/conrad-fink-longtime-uga-journalism-prof-dies-80
January 14, 2012
A Marine, an AP man and a teacher. Many do worse in life, but Con always insisted upon the best, from himself and others.
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