Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Joseph Reish
Dr. Joseph Reish (1944-2023) was a beloved professor of French, an accomplished Dean of the Lee Honors College (1992-2002), Dean of University Libraries (2002-2016), and an enthusiastic philanthropist with a boundless zest for life. His intellectual, artistic, and altruistic deeds benefited students, Western Michigan University, and the Kalamazoo community at large. For his numerous accomplishments within and outside the institution, Dr. Reish was the recipient of the 2015 WMU Distinguished Service Award, established in 1980 to honor “careers that exemplify exceptional service to the University and to the larger community.” This recognition was added to numerous others that went far beyond campus, even including, in 1994, the title of Knight (Chevalier) in the French Ordre des Palmes académiques, commemorated with a small silver wreath hanging from a purple ribbon. It was presented to Joe by Édouard Balladur, then Prime Minister of France, for championing the French language and culture, including the arts, in this region of the world. In the city of Kalamazoo, Joe worked with organizations including Boy Scouts of America Troop 205, the Alliance Française de Kalamazoo, and as a volunteer for Saint Catherine of Siena Parish.
A man of vast erudition and great passion for everything he believed in, whether in the realm of the fine arts, humanitarian causes, or education, he gave himself fully to enhance the programs under his purview. His energies are exemplified in his efforts to make a reality the University Libraries Student Employee Scholarship program, the Bronco Study Zone, development of the WMU chapters of the Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies, and the flourishing study abroad program in France. He also served as chair of WMU's United Way campaign for many years, and his numerous fundraising efforts benefited many areas of the University, including the Lee Honors College.
During his 44 years at WMU, starting in 1972, he pursued both educational and administrative endeavors with energy and enthusiasm; therefore, it wasn’t surprising that the areas he devoted himself to experienced growth and visibility, eventually achieving prominence. The Lee Honors College was no exception, as it benefited greatly from his dynamism and heartfelt belief in the value of honors education. His passion for the fine arts led him to add notable works of art around the LHC halls: to his mind, aesthetics played a key role in the well-being and intellectual enhancement of students. The LHC was especially close to his heart: “The honors college,” notes Helene, “was a very important part of Joe’s career. He truly enjoyed working with honors students and loved his time in the honors program.”
To honor Dr. Reish, his beloved wife, Helene, and his two children, Dr. Nicholas J. and Alexander E. Reish, have established "The Joseph G. Reish Student Enrichment Fund.”
The endowment is intended to be used for any cost associated with experiential learning opportunities that fall outside of cost of tuition, including but not limited to study abroad. “Small gifts for activities or opportunities that enhance students’ experience or career path can be transforming,” Helene says. “Joe and I believe in the continuing and spreading results of a small action, because we saw the positive results with students whom we helped with small gifts. For example, a student needed to transport her cello to Europe so that she could study with a prominent cellist and she is now a well-known cellist herself. On another occasion, we assisted a student with the application fees to law schools, and she later became a prominent judge. This is the type of support my children and I want to give to students to honor Joe’s legacy.”
Dr. Joseph Reish earned a doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin, a master's degree from Middlebury College, and a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University.
Contributions to The Joseph G. Reish Student Enrichment Fund can be made through the University Advancement website.