Photo Courtesy of Pepperdine University
The Pepperdine University community mourns the death of Professor Emeritus of Communication and former Communication Division Chair Milton J. Shatzer, who passed away Sunday morning.
Shatzer, who served as a church elder at the University Church of Christ until 2011, passed away in his sleep, according to an email announcement from UCC. He leaves behind his wife Nancy, who works as the internship coordinator and industry specialist at the Seaver Career Center, his daughter Christin (’03) and his son Jeremy (JD ’09).
“We mourn with his devoted wife, Nancy, and his loving children, Christin and Jeremy, along with many others who knew and loved Milt,” the email said. “We shared the sad news at the University Church of Christ’s Christmas gathering [last night] and dedicated the evening to Milt. Milt was one of our church elders for many years and was a longtime professor at Pepperdine. Please give the family time to adjust to this shocking news, but keep them in your constant prayers.”
Shatzer specialized in intercultural and international communication in his courses and research at Seaver College. He served as a professor in the Communication Division for six years until 1996, and then went on to be chair of the division until 2003, according to a statement from the university. Following his tenure as chair, he directed the intercultural communication program until his retirement in 2014.
“An educator, scholar, and Christian servant, Milt served as both an example and mentor to several generations of Seaver College students,” Dean Michael Feltner said in a statement from the university. “Milt is remembered fondly by peers for his gentle demeanor, grace and sacrificial commitment to Seaver College students and faculty. We celebrate his life and the positive impact of his work at Pepperdine on the lives of his students and peers.”
Shatzer graduated from Michigan State University in 1987 with a PhD in communication, a master’s degree in missiology from Abiline Christian University in 1976, and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Toledo in 1970, according to a statement from the university.
A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 2 p.m. in Elkins Auditorium. There will be a reception following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dr. Milt Shatzer Memorial Scholarship that was created “to honor Milt’s legacy and create a lasting memorial for future generations of scholars,” a statement from the Public Relations Office said.
“Our hearts continue to go out to the Shatzer family during this time of great loss. Please keep Nancy, Jeremy (JD ’09), and Christin (’03) in your constant prayers,” the statement said.
UPDATE 12/21/17 3:30 p.m.: This post was updated to include a statement from the university regarding a scheduled memorial service and the creation of a scholarship fund.
UPDATE 12/19/17 3 p.m.: This post was updated to add a statement from the university.
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