University Times

Donald B. Egolf, associate professor of communication in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, died on Feb. 3, 2013, at age 75.

Egolf earned all his degrees at Pitt: a BA in speech in 1960, an MS in speech-language pathology in 1963 and a PhD in communication in 1966.

That year he was hired by the University as a project coordinator in the Department of Speech and Theatre Arts; in 1968, he became an assistant professor in the department. Five years later, he was promoted to associate professor with tenure.

His main research area to that point was speech pathology. In more recent years, Egolf specialized in both the normal processes of human communications and in communication pathologies, as well as in communication technologies.

His graduate-level teaching encompassed communication theory and computer-mediated communication, while his undergraduate courses focused on interpersonal, small-group, organizational and nonverbal communication.

In 2002, he received the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award.

He served as interim chair of the communication department Jan. 1, 2005-Sept. 1, 2006.

Egolf published several books, including last year’s “Human Communication and the Brain: Building the Foundation for the Field of Neurocommunication”; “Between Thee And Me: An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication” in 2006; “The Nonverbal Factor: Exploring the Other Side of Communication” in 2005; “Forming Storming Norming Performing: Successful Communication in Groups and Teams” in 2001, and “Operant Conditioning and the Clinical Management of Stuttering,” with lead author and Pitt colleague George H. Shames, in 1976.

Ellen Cohn, associate dean for instructional development in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and a former student of Egolf’s, recalls her colleague: “It is often said that ‘everyone is replaceable.’ However, to many of us who knew Don Egolf, that is simply not the case. On a personal note, Don’s friendship and mentorship are irreplaceable. Don was generous with his time, expertise and quick wit. Until his sudden passing, Don continued to move disciplines ahead.

“He most recently authored a groundbreaking book that builds the foundations for the field of neurocommunication; new editions of books on non-verbal communication and small-group communication (co-authored with Dr. Sondra Chester), and a magnificent chapter on nonverbal communication and telerehabilitation.

“Don delighted audiences with the good fortune to attend one of his national conference presentations, wherein former students sought him out. The excellence of his University teaching was well recognized via a Chancellor’s Teaching Award. These contributions don’t begin to characterize Don’s breadth and depth of knowledge (spanning multiple subdisciplines of both communication and rhetoric, and speech-language pathology), his interests (including the Pittsburgh Symphony, New York City theatre and air shows) and his humanity. This humble and delightful man is indeed irreplaceable.”

Recalls John Poulakos, faculty member in communication and rhetoric: “Confined to a wheelchair for many years [due to polio], Don knew about adversity. More importantly, he knew how to turn it into an occasion for learning, learning about the discoveries of science, the lessons of history and the truths of Greek drama.  In effect, the 28 years of our acquaintanceship amounted to an endorsement of Shakespeare’s line, ‘Sweet are the uses of adversity which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, yet wears a precious jewel on his head.’

“Again and again, he engaged me in lengthy conversations that slowed my fast temperament by means of a refined sense of cynicism, dry humor and the wisdom of ‘the bigger scheme of things.’ It took me some time but I eventually realized that he played the role of a mentor in my education. Thanks to him, I have learned to look beyond the pettiness of the petty and the myopia of the myopic. And I have learned to pour my energies into the restoration of the humanities and my wood sculptures.

“Two or so years before he passed away he let me onto yet another secret: Death works so seductively behind the image of his brother sleep that none of us can resist him. He was so right!”

Lester Olson, faculty member in communication, adds: “I had the pleasure of knowing Don Egolf as a colleague for almost 30 years at the University of Pittsburgh, where his brilliance, incisive wit and delightful humor enriched our lives and those of our students in the communication department. He was a respected authority on nonverbal communication as well as communication and the brain. He will be keenly missed.”

Egolf is survived by partner Sondra Chester; sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Carl Dumbauld; sister Alice Emert; several nephews; a niece; a great-niece, and a great-nephew.

—Marty Levine