Archive for the ‘Virginia’ Category

Michael Bill Jezierski (’54)

Michael Bill Jezierski passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Born on May 22, 1931, in Houston, Texas, he was preceded in death by his parents, Michael S. Jezierski and Sophie D. Jezierski. Mike graduated from St. Thomas High School and the University of Houston. He played second baseman for the Houston Cougars baseball team in 1953, when the team made it to the NCAA College World Series. Mike went on to play baseball for the U.S. Army at Fort Lee and played minor league ball. Mike married Shirley in 1957, making their home in Houston, Texas, where they were blessed with three beautiful children. Later the family relocated to Bon Air, Va.

Mike never met a stranger. He enjoyed working with others on projects in service organizations including the Lions Club and the United States Power Squadron. As an usher, he greeted worshipers at early Sunday morning masses for over 30 years. In addition to baseball, Mike spent time outdoors with friends and family hunting, fishing, boating and golfing. In recent years, he cultivated a passion for playing pool and sharing morning coffee with friends. He enjoyed most of all ending the day sitting in his favorite chair near one of his beloved family dogs. He instilled in all three of his children a deep love of animals.

Mike is survived by Shirley P. Jezierski, his wife of 69 years; their children, Sharon (Jack), Linda and Michael (Janice); their grandchildren, Allison (Danny), Amanda (Justin), Chris, Bryce (Kylie), Josh (Dade), Matthew and Michelle (Jason); ten great-grandchildren, and his half-brothers, Ralph Jezierski (Stephanie) and Anthony Jezierski.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice. Services will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 with inurnment to follow. Reception immediately following inurnment.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jul. 12, 2026.

Martha Blankenship (Ed.D. ’69)

Martha Elise Blankenship, having lived a full and happy life, died peacefully on November 29, 2025 at age 92. Elise was born July 4, 1933 in Baton Rogue, LA to loving and caring parents, Macon O’Bryant and Louise Jackson Blankenship, now deceased. Elise is survived by her sister, Ella Aimee Walton. She was predeceased by her brother, Macon Blankenship, Jr.

Elise had a deep and abiding love for the Methodist Church where she taught the youth group at her church for many years.

Elise was a Teacher, with a capital “T”, always striving to help students learn, grow, and develop socially and emotionally. In preparation for her profession, Elise earned the following degrees: Centenary College, B.S., Elementary Education; University of Maryland, M.Ed., Child Growth and Development; Syracuse University, C.A.S., Brain Injured Children (Learning Disabilities); and University of Houston, Ed. D., Special Education.

Elise often said that each of her degree programs added to her understanding of children and her work preparing teachers and educators at the university level. One of her greatest contributions to education was in 1972 when she and her colleague, Dr. Jean Lokerson (deceased) developed The Simulations of Learning Disabilities, a creative educational program still used today with prospective teachers as an in-service teaching activity at the beginning of the school year. The LD Simulations remind teachers of the individual student’s learning, growth and development patterns needed to master the school curriculum. She and Dr. Lokerson also created, developed and produced two films featuring appropriate educational services for preschool handicapped children, A Place to Learn and A Place to Grow. The film A Place to Grow was shown at the American Film Festival in New York.

Throughout her professional career, Elise enjoyed lifelong friendships as a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), an honorary education society; The Council for Exceptional Children-Learning Disabilities CEC-DLD; and the Learning Disabilities Association of America LDA. Throughout her career Elise served on many Professional Boards as President, Committee Chair and other offices in these national organizations. Year after year, Elise and her colleague, Jean Lokerson, were invited to make presentations at national and international conferences throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. Elise would often tell others, “I have had a wonderful career in the field that I truly loved and enjoyed.”

Elise’s favorite pastime was dinner with fellow university colleagues and friends. She enjoyed classical music, the symphony, theatre, and the opera. For several years, Elise enjoyed singing in the opera chorus during the years when the Metropolitan Opera performed in Texas-Louisiana cities. After retirement, Elise traveled throughout the world with friends and colleagues. Elise always enjoyed meeting, talking and laughing with those she met during her travels.

Family and friends wish to thank everyone at Westminster Canterbury-Richmond who made Elise’s life comfortable and beautiful. She thoroughly enjoyed being a part of your lives – those who worked at Westminster Canterbury and those who lived there with her through the years. Everyone was special to Elise.

Elise is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she enjoyed all along the way.

A Memorial Service will be held for Elise at the Chapel at Westminster Canterbury on December 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow. Burial will be private at the Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery, St. Francesville, LA. Elise will be laid to rest with her beloved parents, grandparents, and great grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to your Church, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Henrico, VA or the Westminster Canterbury Employee Fund, 1600 Westbrook Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227.

John Sherman (M.A. ’96)

Sherman, Pentagon’s tech leader, to leave post for Texas A&M
By Cary O’Reilly
Jun 6, 2024, 11:48 AM

The Pentagon’s chief information officer will step down from his position at the end of June, the department announced Thursday.

John Sherman will leave the government gig to become dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.

Sherman, who served for three years as the intelligence community’s CIO before moving to the Pentagon post in 2021, “has been a steadfast advisor and an innovative leader who has helped the Department adopt and utilize modern information technology to keep our country safe,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in the announcement. “His technical expertise has proven invaluable in tackling a variety of digital challenges. His focus on mission readiness has ensured that each of the services is equipped with both the capabilities and the digital workforce necessary for modern warfighting.”

Under Sherman, the Defense Department refocused its approach to communications technology, spectrum management, cybersecurity, and positioning, navigation and timing policy. He told Congress last year that the U.S. must “regenerate” its electronic warfare capabilities after years of neglect to ensure dominance on the battlefield.

“As we get ready for China, we better be able to fight and dominate” the electromagnetic spectrum, he told the House Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation Subcommittee at a March 2023 hearing on defense in the digital era.

“As we’ve seen on the Ukrainian battlefield — all the dynamics with [electromagnetic spectrum operations], of how the Russians are trying to use it, and the Ukrainians are using it — we cannot be cut off on this, to be able to make sure we can conduct combat operations,” Sherman said.

Sherman was also a strong backer of cybersecurity practices known as zero trust, which he said could have prevented leaks including the 2022 disclosure of the classified reports by a 21-year-old member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, if they had been fully instituted at the time.

“I am grateful for Mr. Sherman’s loyal service to the Department and to our Nation,” Austin said in the statement. “Our national security is stronger today because of his efforts.”

Sherman, who has also held senior positions in the CIA, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, will start in his new role Aug. 1, the university said in a statement.

He’s a distinguished military graduate of Texas A&M with a bachelor’s degree in history. While at the university, he was a Ross volunteer, which performs honor guard duties, and served as commander of the Corps of Cadets. He also earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Houston.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Sherman was an air defense officer in the U.S. Army’s 24th Infantry Division.

Maj. Gen. (ret) Barrye Price (’85)

Maj. Gen. (ret) Barrye Price (’85)
Maj Gen (ret) Barrye Price (’85), author of several books, wrote a screenplay about Martin Luther King titled “Interview with a King”. The screenplay is now an animated short-film that’s entered in numerous film festivals. You can view the trailer. wwww.interviewwithaking.com
Price’s journey started at military college before he transferred to the University of Houston, where he attended what was then known as the College of Business Administration.
“After a season in a military school, where you’re outside every day for formation in the dead of winter, I remember one winter day freezing, standing, saying ‘Man, I’ll be in Houston next year. There won’t be any of this this type of weather,’” Price said.
After graduating in 1985, Price served in the United States Army, earning the rank of Major General, one of just 150 in the entire branch. After retiring in 2016 with countless honors and designations, Price again turned his focus to serving others through leadership in a new role.
“My roommate my last three years of college, Carl, was exposed to crack cocaine by his girlfriend and unfortunately, he was addicted and suffered from substance use disorder for 30 years,” Price said. “A year before I retired, Carl succumbed to addiction, and that was probably the greatest failing of my life my feeling that I couldn’t help him. All I was armed with was ‘just say no.’”
Price now serves as the President and CEO of the non-profit Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), an organization that emphasizes the power of community coalitions to prevent substance misuse through collaborative community efforts.
“Carl’s picture sits on my desk right now every day as a reminder of what I’m doing right now,” Price said. “I was ill-equipped to help my roommate, but since I couldn’t help him, I decided to take this job so that I might help scores of others who are similarly suited, and it’s been the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life today.”
Price also lends his service to his alma mater, actively involved with Bauer College as a donor and mentor.
“When my wife died, I wanted to create a legacy to immortalize her, and so the thing that I thought of, especially since her parents and her family were all from Houston, was to gift the school and create a memorial scholarship in her name,” he said. “That has been a remarkable opportunity for me to re-engage with the school and for me to see the difference in the school.”
Price continues to build on this legacy by connecting with current Bauer students to share the perspective and wisdom he’s earned through his personal journey, most recently become active in connecting with students in the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program.
“I’ve just recently connected with some students who are here in Washington, D.C., and I want to be a part of the sowing of the new seeds of paying it forward to the next generation,” he said. “I want to show them that a part of growing up and becoming a leader is to give back.”

Jeanne Clerc (Ed. D. ’83)

Dr. Clerc is now retired in Roanoke, VA. She spent her career in higher education after graduating from the University of Houston. Most of the time was in higher education administration as a dean, associate provost, etc. Her last position was at Western Illinois University where she returned to teaching in Health Sciences as a professor.

Jeanne Clerc (Ed.D. ’83)

I am now retired in Roanoke, VA. I spent my career in higher education after graduating from the University of Houston. Most of the time was in higher education administration as a dean, associate provost, etc. My last position was at Western Illinois University where I returned to teaching in Health Sciences as a professor.

James Alpert (’86)

James Alpert is a shareholder/owner of Posz Law, PLC, a patent preparation and prosecution law firm in the Washington, D.C. suburbs.

Dr. David Alan Baldwin (Ph.D.’82)

David Alan Baldwin, Ph.D., 64, died unexpectedly on May 20, 2020, in Beaufort, SC. He was a physical scientist based in Annandale, VA, with a second residence in Grays Hill, SC. Born in 1955 in Orangeburg, SC, he was the son of the former David E. and Alice S. Baldwin of Hampton and subsequently Beaufort, SC. He graduated from Wade Hampton High School and then received a B.S. in physical chemistry from Furman University and Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Houston. He held a NRC postdoctoral fellowship at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, DC, prior to beginning his career in research and development primarily in manufacturing companies. He owned his own consulting firm, Dielectric Alloys, LLC, was a founder of Great Ball of Light, Inc., and at the time of his death, he was employed by SP Global, Inc., in Gaithersburg, MD. He had a phenomenal array of technical competencies that included semiconductor fabrication, surface science, and sensors and measurement theory among many others. Among his career accomplishments were over 15 patents and 40 research publications. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale, VA, and the People of Praise Christian Community. He became a wedding officiant in 2018. He loved gardening, yard maintenance, and reading, he could fix anything, and he could worry a solution out of any problem. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, humor, deep Catholic faith, brilliance, and great love of family, friends, and all of life. He is survived by his wife Patricia H. Baldwin, sons David Y. and John V. Baldwin, daughter Katherine S. Baldwin-Gray (Dorian Gray), brother Gary J. Baldwin (Maria), and sisters Carole C. and Camille L. Baldwin. A funeral Mass will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday May 28, 2020, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Lady’s Island, Beaufort, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to www.peopleofpraise.org/donate/ or www.stpetersbeaufort.org.

 

Christopher J. Fauser (’73)

Christopher Jon Fauser, 68, of Lynchburg, died Tuesday, April 28, 2020. He was born in Center, Texas on June 16, 1951. As a young boy, he lived in Bogota, Columbia for eight years with his family, while his father worked as a geophysicist for Exxon Mobil. Upon their return to the United States, Chris went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science at Houston University. Chris began working in the Telecommunications industry at Motorola and retired from Harris Corporation (formerly known as Com-Net Ericsson). Most recently, he was working as a federal sales consultant with Superior Communications. Chris enjoyed his morning routine of making coffee, picking up his three newspapers and reading them cover-to-cover. He loved his “Boonsboro family” at Boonsboro Country Club where he was an avid member for decades. He enjoyed golf, drinks, and fellowship with all of his good friends. Chris was loved by many for his sharp sense of humor, wit, bright smile, charm, and his genuine love for the people in his life, especially his daughter, Chapel Dee, whom he loved more than anything in the world. Chris is survived by Diana Danby and their daughter, Chapel Dee Fauser; his father, Walter B. Fauser Jr.; his siblings, Jeff Fauser (Camille), Jill Villasanti (Rene), Micheal Fauser (Tami), Eric Fauser (Zebedee), and Curt Fauser (Cathy); and his sixteen nieces and nephews. Chris was preceded in death by his mother, Joan E. Fauser. Chris is deeply loved by many and will forever be missed. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com . To plant a tree in memory of Christopher Fauser as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store .

Jason Hill (J.D. ’01)

Jason Hill has been appointed Chief Administrative Judge for the Interior Board of Land Appeals under U.S. Department of the Interior.