In Memoriam

Ernest Ilgenfritz
(1934-2021)

Born in Baltimore, MD on May 17, 1934, he was the son of Ernest Ilgenfritz and Carolyn Marie Chrisfield. Ernie grew up in the Hamilton neighborhood, on the same street as his beloved wife of 65 years, Carolyn Wheeden Ilgenfritz. His early love of mathematical concepts culminated in graduate study at Brown University, Providence RI. An exceptional teacher, early in his career he taught mathematics at Baltimore Polytechnic High School.  Ernie joined the mathematics faculty of the then Towson State College in 1966.  He served as the Chairperson of the Department of Mathematics from 1976 through 1979, and later retired from Towson University in 1994.

Ernie enjoyed running and he completed thirteen Maryland Marathons. His summers were full of boating, fishing, crabbing, and camping. 

Dr. Reza Sarhangi
(1952-2016)

Dr. Reza Sarhangi joined Towson University in 2001 after receiving his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Wichita State University in 1994. During his years at TU, he taught numerous courses at all levels, served as the director of the graduate program in mathematics education, and published a textbook in college geometry,  Elements of Geometry for Teachers (Pearson, 2008). He was also the founder and president of the Bridges Organization, which oversees the annual Bridges conference on connections between art, music, and mathematics. These conferences have been held around the world, from the United States to Europe to Asia.

Reza’s passing is an incredible loss not only for the Department of Mathematics and Towson University, but also for the large international community he had helped to bring together. The Department and the world will not be the same without him.  Dr. Reza Sarhangi will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Jerome S. Cohen

Jerome "Jerry" Cohen was associated with the mathematics program at Towson University for more than six decades. A graduate of Towson State Teachers College from the early 1960s, he had a long career in secondary education as both teacher and administrator—some of the educational institutions where he made a difference include: Milford Mill High School in Baltimore County, Seton-Keough High School, Bais Yaakov School for Girls, the House of the Good Shepherd, Baltimore City Community College, and Howard Community College. All through the years, he was also a continuous presence as an adjunct faculty member at Towson State College, Towson State University, and Towson University. In 2000, he joined the faculty at TU as a lecturer, a position from which he retired in 2014, though he continued teaching as an adjunct instructor until his passing in February 2018.

Jerry’s passing is an incredible loss not only for the Department of Mathematics and Towson University, but also for the Baltimore community at large. The Department and the world will not be the same without him.  Jerome Cohen will be missed by all who knew him.