Jim Taylor, longtime track & field coach at Susquehanna, passed away Jan. 10, 2025. He was 88.

Jim’s extraordinary leadership of Susquehanna’s men’s track & field team is nothing short of legendary. Over his remarkable tenure from 1979 to 2004, he guided the team to an astounding 11 Middle Atlantic Conference championships. Under his mentorship, 32 student-athletes achieved All-American status, with seven reaching the pinnacle as NCAA champions. He also coached 42 individuals and nine relays to compete at the NCAA Division III championships.

Jim’s teams were powerhouses, amassing an incredible 117–14 record, which included an unrivaled streak of 71 consecutive wins from 1980 to 1990. Susquehanna recognizes his contributions to the men’s track & field program each season with the Jim Taylor Duals, formerly known as the Jim Taylor Invitational.

Beyond Susquehanna, Jim’s impact extended to the neighboring community, where he founded the Selinsgrove boys track & field program. His outstanding contributions have been honored with induction into three Halls of Fame: Susquehanna in 2005, the Middle Atlantic Conference in 2016 and the Selinsgrove Hall of Fame in 2024.

Jim’s legacy is defined by his passion for the sport, his dedication to his athletes and the enduring excellence he fostered both on and off the track. His motto was, “It’s a great day to get better,” which continues to inspire the track & field program and countless others who knew him. The university extends its sincere sympathies to Jim’s family and the many alumni who competed under Jim’s leadership.

His full obituary can be found here.

Sally Feitig ’68 Caruso, wife of the late Richard E. Caruso ’65, emeritus member of the Board of Trustees, passed away on Jan. 22, 2024. She was 77.

The Carusos were engaged and committed alumni who generously supported Susquehanna over the years.

In 2018, they founded the Dr. Richard E. and Sally F. Caruso Mentoring and Innovation Center in Susquehanna’s Blough-Weis Library. Funded through the Uncommon Individual Foundation Event Series and Innovation Program Endowment created by the Carusos, the mentoring and innovation center is the hub of entrepreneurship education at Susquehanna. The Carusos’ endowment also supports activities and events that help students exercise their entrepreneurial skill set — through alumni mentorship and open mic nights for entrepreneurial pitches or problem-solving sessions with local business owners.

We extend our sincere sympathies to Sally’s family.

Peter “Pete” DaDalt, assistant professor of finance, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 12, 2024.

Since joining the university in 2016, Pete had become a familiar and respected figure on campus. Known for his willingness to engage in discussions ranging from finance and teaching to current events, he was as approachable to his colleagues as he was to his students. Pete was passionate about finance and teaching, a fact evident whether he was in the classroom, during office hours, or chatting in the hallways of Apfelbaum Hall.

Pete played a key role in the recent advancements of our finance program at Susquehanna University. He was instrumental in establishing the CFA Affiliation at the university and mentored students preparing for the CFA Level 1 exam. Additionally, he led the university’s River Hawk Fund, where students manage an actual investment portfolio exceeding $200,000. Pete served on several committees during his time at Susquehanna University and was faculty recording secretary for the 2022-2023 academic year.

The university extends its deepest sympathies to Kathy, Alyssa and Ben during this extremely challenging time.

Harry Richard “Dick” Hess passed away Thursday, November 30, 2023. He was 88.

Dick served in the United States Air Force as an active-duty personnel officer before retiring in 1979 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was the Air Force track and field coach and trained athletes for the 1960 Olympic Games. At Susquehanna, he was the associate director and director of Career Development and Placement Services from 1989 to 1997 and women’s track and field team coach and cross-country team mentor throughout the 1990s. At his induction into the Hall of Fame at the age of 83, he described his time as coach as “pure fun.”

Dick remained active in the local community and regularly participated in the Cancer Society Relay for Life and in the Pennsylvania Senior Games. In 2002, he was named Senior Athlete of the Year.

We extend our sincere sympathies to Dick’s family.

James B. Steffy, former professor and head of the Department of Music, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023. He was 89.

Jim attended the Curtis Institute of Music as a trombonist and held a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University and a Master of Education from Pennsylvania State University. He joined the faculty at Susquehanna in 1959. During his 26 years at the university, he served as conductor of the university marching and symphonic bands.

During his time at SU, Jim spent summers at the New England Music Camp and Northeast Music Camp, where he served as band director. He also ran Campde Musique International in Switzerland. His full obituary can be seen here.

We extend our sincere sympathies to Jim’s family, including his wife, Nancy, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Scott David Hollenbach, longtime staff member in event management, passed away Friday, October 6, 2023. He was 63.

Scott graduated from Selinsgrove High School in 1978 and attended Susquehanna. He came to work at the university in 1995 and very recently retired after 28 years as associate director of event management. Scott was often the first smiling face guests of the university would see, and he made everyone feel welcomed.

We extend our sincere sympathies to Scott’s family, and his friends and colleagues here at Susquehanna.