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In Memoriam

Dennis Brutus, 85, former professor of literature and African studies, died Dec. 26 in Cape Town, South Africa. A South African poet and anti-apartheid activist, Brutus taught at Northwestern from 1971 to 1985.

In South Africa in the 1960s, Brutus organized nonracial sports associations and campaigned successfully for a 1964 Olympic ban on South Africa that lasted nearly 30 years, until the end of apartheid.

Brutus was jailed for political activity and shot in the back during an escape attempt in Johannesburg. He was imprisoned at Robben Island, where he served with Nelson Mandela.

Brutus continued his political activism up to within months of his death.

Stuart M. Kaminsky (GC72), 75, former professor of radio/television/film and an award-winning mystery writer who taught at Northwestern for more than 15 years, died Oct. 9 in St. Louis. (Read more in Alumni News.)

Paul F. Nora (FSM64, 68), 80, a professor of surgery at the Feinberg School of Medicine for 30 years, died Nov. 22 in La Jolla, Calif. He was also a resident of Winnetka, Ill.

Nora edited the widely used textbook Operative Surgery: Principles & Techniques. In 2008 the American College of Surgeons dedicated the Nora Institute for Surgical Patient Safety in honor of Nora, who served as its founder and director.

Nora shared a Lincolnwood, Ill., medical practice with three brothers, all of whom taught at Feinberg.

Stephen E. Reid (WCAS37, FSM40, 42, GFSM48, G48), 94, of Des Plaines, Ill., professor emeritus of surgery at Feinberg, died Oct. 31. Reid, an All-American lineman for the Wildcats, also served as the Northwestern football team physician for more than 30 years. (Read more in Alumni News.)

David R. Rutherford (GC58), 77, professor emeritus of communication sciences and disorders, died Feb. 12, 2009, in Evanston. He taught at Northwestern beginning in 1958 and served 12 years as department chair in the late 1960s and '70s. He directed an early intervention program for children under 3 and their families. He was also instrumental in the construction of the Frances Searle Building on the Evanston campus.