A memorial service for David Suda, emeritus Monmouth College professor of humanities, will be held at 3 p.m. May 22 in the College’s Dahl Chapel. It will also be streamed live on Facebook.
Suda, who died Feb. 27, taught at Monmouth from 1985-2011, across a range of disciplines, including history, philosophy, religious studies, art and music. A skilled musician, Suda served 23 years as concertmaster for the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, and played violin alongside his wife, Monmouth music instructor Carolyn Suda, in the acclaimed KGS Trio.
Officiated by the Rev. Dr. Teri Ott, dean of the chapel, the memorial service will feature video tributes, including a performance by accomplished international violinist Mariela Shaker, Class of 2015, whom Suda and his wife took under their wing when she came to the United States as a Syrian refugee. A meditation by one of Suda’s former students, the Rev. Dr. John Huxtable ’04 will be given. Footage of Suda performing on the violin will also be presented.
A tree planting and a wine-and-cheese reception will follow.
Due to COVID restrictions, attendance in the chapel is limited to 135 people. Those interested in attending in person are asked to RSVP by May 17 to chaplain’s assistant Rachel Kelly at chaplain.assistant@monmouthcollege.edu. To view the service online, go to the Monmouth College Facebook Page.
Memorial gifts can be made in Suda’s honor to the College’s Brad Wefenstette Prize. This prize is given each year to an outstanding Monmouth College student who has shown demonstrated service to peace and social justice, and who evidences a passionate lifetime commitment to social change.
