JERRY STEWARDSON

Professor Jerry Stewardson retired from the philosophy and religion department after 34 years at Adrian College.

Much of Stewardson’s teaching focused on the theological tradition of Western Christianity. His academic interests ranged from the early church fathers to Black Religion.

Rev. Richard Dake ’77, who is now pastor of Chelsea United Methodist Church, says that Stewardson was one of the most significant mentors in his life. “He was the best educator that I ever sat under, and he helped to prepare me for when I went on to Duke University,” he said. “Everyone knew his reputation: he wasn’t easy, but he was fair.

“In addition to being an outstanding educator, he was also very personable, caring, nurturing…Not only was he a good role model, but he was also a friend. I’ve been fortunate to maintain that friendship for all these years.”

Stewardson earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan, a master of divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary, and a doctorate from Northwestern University.

In addition to teaching, Stewardson filled in as pastor at area churches, sometimes for months or even years at a time. On campus, he was heavily involved with Wesley Fellowship, and with African American student organizations.

In his retirement, Professor Stewardson says he plans to maintain his connections with professional societies, and to work on research projects for publication. He also wants to spend time with family, to travel in Europe, and to pursue outdoor activities.

HANK CETOLA

Psychology professor Hank Cetola is retiring after 23 years at Adrian College.

Cetola taught a broad range of psychology classes, including personality theory and research, and a weekend seminar every May on the psychology of humor. He aimed to teach his students the scientific method, and a healthy skepticism to enhance critical thinking skills.

His most recent areas of research include the brutalization of capital punishment, and the effects of extraversion and arousal on humor appreciation.

“Hank has been one of the most significant influences on my career and my life,” said Dr. Tim Lawson ’85, who is now a psychology professor at College of Mount St. Joseph (Cincinnati, Ohio). “Talking and working with Hank helped instill a love for psychology in me. 

“I continue to get together with Hank to this day, and I always enjoy my time with him. He’s truly a wonderful, caring person.”

Cetola earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from San Diego State University, and a doctorate from Wayne State University.

He is a member of the school board for Adrian Public Schools, and the Lenawee Council of Visual Arts. His interests include photography, travel, and his two granddaughters.

Now that he’s retired, Cetola will serve as adjunct professor at the University of Michigan, where he will teach organizational psychology. He will also teach honors introductory psychology at Eastern Michigan University.

MICHAEL MCGRATH

History professor Michael McGrath is retiring after 19 years at Adrian College.

McGrath taught primarily in the area of Asian Studies, focusing on the cultures and civilizations of China and Japan. His academic interests focused on understanding people from vastly different cultures, and developing a generous empathy for them from an academic perspective. His languages include Chinese, Japanese, French and German.

Norikazu Yaguchi, who works in real estate in Tokyo, Japan, and who studied English language at Adrian College from 1996-2000, had this to share. “[He] was my favorite teacher ever, including any I had while I was a student in Japan. He has always been thoughtful and very kind to me. I’ll never forget the moment when I first met him at Adrian. I was in trouble, because I couldn’t speak English at all. He used easy words to help me understand. I was so relieved and felt comfortable.

“Ever since then, we’ve been close. He helped me at every stage of my stay, from helping me choose classes as my advisor, to having me over for Thanksgiving, to helping me get an apartment, and much more. I don’t think I would have succeeded without him, and I have visited him every year since I left.”

McGrath earned his bachelor’s, masters, and doctoral degrees from Princeton University.

In retirement, McGrath wants to complete five book projects, to try gardening, and to keep up on his distance running.