November 1998

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In Memoriam: Sam di Bonaventura, 1920-1998 Sam di Bonaventura, a professor of music at George Mason since 1975, died on July 2 while on vacation in Canada. He was buried in Baltimore on July 7 at a family graveside ceremony. Students, colleagues, and friends honored his memory at a service on Aug. 15 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ellicott City, Md. Di Bonaventura, affectionately known to students and colleagues as "Dr. Sam," taught musicology, music theory, and private violin lessons until he retired earlier this year. He was also chair of George Mason's Department of Fine and Performing Arts from 1975 to 1978, and taught in the Learning in Retirement Institute. "Dr. Sam will be fondly remembered by students, faculty, and staff at George Mason for his kind spirit, intellectual vitality, and willingness to help others," says Joseph Shirk, chair of the Music Department. "We are all fortunate to have known and worked with him during his years at George Mason." A scholarship fund to benefit George Mason University music students has been established in memory of di Bonaventura. Donations should be sent to the GMU Foundation, MS 1A3, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4444. Checks should be made payable to the GMU Foundation and should include the notation "di Bonaventura Memorial."