Lecturer of mathematics Nick Scheall died unexpectedly Thursday, Aug. 18, at the age of 38.
He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University in 2001 and his Master of Science from Michigan State University in 2003.
In 2004, Scheall began working as an adjunct instructor at Davenport University until 2008, when he joined SVSU’s mathematics department as a lecturer.
Professor of mathematics and mathematics department chair Tony Crachiola will remember Scheall’s dedication to his students.
“Returning to SVSU after graduate school, Nick sought to make a difference for his own students as a way of paying back the opportunities that he had enjoyed as an undergraduate,” he said.
In 2001, Scheall won the Mayme Hamilton Tutoring Award at SVSU; in 2002, he won the Junior Graduate Teaching Assistant Award at Michigan State University.
Scheall’s obituary notes he had a lifelong passion for music; since 1999, he served as the musical director for the All Saints Middle and High School theatre productions.
Elementary special education major Maria Dorion said she first met Scheall in 2006, when she played a role in the middle school’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.”
Since Dorion began studying at the University in 2012, she had enrolled in four classes taught by Scheall: Math 110, Math 125, Math 132A and Math 210.
“Nick taught math in a way that was understandable for everyone,” she said. “Nick would get to personally know all of his students every semester, and everyone always felt completely comfortable coming to him with questions or help. I have always loved math, but, because of him, I love it even more.”
Crachiola said that many people will remember Scheall for the quality of his character.
“He was calm, steady, and patient,” he said. “He was always himself. He was very intelligent and thoughtful, but he had no ego. He was always looking out for others, both students and colleagues.”
A private family ceremony was held at Grace Church in Bay City last week.
“Of course, everyone in the … department is grieving, and it will be difficult especially at the start of the fall semester,” Crachiola said. “My hope is that, as we share our memories of Nick, we will continue
to be inspired by him. In this way, his memory will be preserved and his impact on SVSU will continue.”
