Kenneth L. Scheffel died peacefully in his Springfield, Ohio, home on April 5, 2011, after a courageous two-year-long battle with cancer. Born November 24, 1939 in Grand Island, Nebraska, Dr. Scheffel earned his Bachelor of Music Education (1962) and Master of Music (1964) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his Doctorate of Musical Arts (1970) from the University of Michigan. His long career as a music educator started in 1961 in Nebraska, progressed through college teaching at the University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and culminated with his appointment to the faculty of Wittenberg University in 1976.

Dr. Lee Liou, who specializes in General Neurology and neuromuscular disease, joins the Swedish Neuroscience Institute in Seattle as an outpatient clinician and hospitalist. Dr. Liou’s distinguished career includes receiving the Katherine Carter Award in Scientific Writing, the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Scholarship and the Chinese American Faculty Association Scholarship.

Dr. Liou earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, Mich. in 2003. He earned his doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of California Los Angeles in 1999 at the relatively young age of 22. Dr. Liou’s residency was in neurology at the University of Washington. Most recently, Dr. Liou concluded his fellowship in clinical neuromuscular/EMG and translational research at the University of Washington.

David McFeeters-Krone, principal at Intellectual Assets, Corp, received the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) Outstanding Service Award, a national honor for a non-FLC laboratory employee. This highly coveted award recognizes sustained contribution to the FLC and is the only award given to a non-FLC laboratory employee. It has been awarded 11 times since 1999. Mr. McFeeters-Krone is the youngest recipient of this prestigious award and a testimony to the quality of services provided through Intellectual Assets, Corp.

Kenneth L. Scheffel, A.Mus.D 1970, died peacefully in his Springfield, Ohio home at 1:12 a.m. on April 5, 2011 after a courageous two-year-long battle with cancer. Born November 24, 1939 in Grand Island, Nebraska, he was the son of Rose Bergholz and Lewis G. Scheffel. Dr. Scheffel earned his Bachelor of Music Education (1962) and Master of Music (1964) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his Doctorate of Musical Arts (1970) from the University of Michigan where he was a student of Harold Haugh. His long career as a music educator started in 1961 in Nebraska, progressed through college teaching at the University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and culminated with his appointment to the faculty of Wittenberg University in 1976.
A lyric tenor, Dr. Scheffel was not only a respected teacher, but throughout his active career he was also known as a fine recitalist and soloist in opera and oratorio performances. In addition, he was a church musician, serving locally as the director of the chancel choir at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church for 14 years and as the cantor for the High Holy Days at Temple Sholom for nearly three decades.
Dr. Scheffel is survived by his wife of 45 years, Gwendolyn, M.Mus.,1970; his son, Thaddeus, of Springfield; his daughter, Jocelyn (Thomas) Ballantine, of Alexandria, VA; his granddaughters, Lillian Rose and Harriet Daisy; and his sister, Ruth Hemming, of Spring, TX.

On April 30th author, entrepreneur, and brand creator Quentin Holmes will release “Art of Authenticity,” the second book in the Real Street Kidz Multicultural Children’s Book Series at the 16th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

About “Real Street Kidz: Art of Authenticity”: The Real Street Kidz are back! Still Chasing Action, still beating the odds! Last time they saved the neighborhood center, but this time they may need to save themselves! The “Art of Authenticity” begins right where the exciting “Chasing Action” ended, with Chase competing against his archrival and former best friend Junior. Soon after the competition, however, the boys find themselves neck deep in a competition of a completely different kind. They come to the aid of a local designer named Art whose business is about to be taken over by a ruthless designer named Shyne O.C. The boys might be able to save Art, but it could mean losing their pride and integrity to do it! This adventure is so big each of the boys has to take a turn telling the story! They even enlist the aid of the fiery Jazz and her crew! How far will they go to try to “outshine Shyne” and to win the Long Beach Fashion Expo? Will they copy Shyne’s ruthless success or stick to their own authenticity and learn that true victory comes by working together and being true to themselves?

Quentin Holmes continues to demonstrate a steadfast passion for bringing kids together on a global level using this great series. “Through the series, I hope that children from all cultures will realize that it is not about your race, but it is your character that really counts. If this happens, then children will begin seeing themselves integrated and will have a greater ability to create meaningful experiences with people from all walks of life,” says Holmes.

is co-founder of Power Nuts, based in Lake Orion Michigan, and formed in 2008 for the purpose of creating and marketing new and innovative products. Castachio Nuts are a combination whole cashews and shelled pistachios, roasted and lightly salted to create a delightful flavor sensation. The taste-tempting treat comes in three outstanding flavors (Original, Cajun Chili and Zesty Salt and Pepper). Castachio Nuts was accepted by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurant chain for inclusion in their national “Road Trip” promotion, and they are now available at grocery chains in Michigan, including 136 Kroger Stores, all Hollywood Markets, Busch’s, Hiller’s and more.

Bob Litwin, 1970, was inducted into the Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame on April 29th.
Although he did not play on the UM team, he began playing senior tournaments when he turned 35. At age 40 Litwin won his first United States National Championship. Since then he has won 14 National titles, the World Championships and was the #1 ranked player in the World for 55 and over. Additionally he has been an 8 time member of the United states Senior Davis Cup teams. The Hall of Fame roster includes, among others, Arthur Ashe, John MacEnroe, Vitas Gerulaitis, Peter Fleming and Althea Gibson, all former Grand Slam Champions.
Litwin, a former tennis coach, is a business performance coach specializing in hedge funds.

Lieutenant Colonel Harold A. Langstaff, USMC (Ret.) made his last takeoff on Friday, April 8, 2011 in Sacramento, California. Ruthie, his loving wife of 64 years; son Gary and his wife Claudia of Fresno, CA; son Gordon of Davis, CA; daughter Nancy and husband Jake Krakauer of Pleasanton, CA; and four grandchildren survive him.

LtCol Hap Langstaff joined the Marine Corps in June 1941 and was designated a naval aviator on July 23, 1942. He flew F4F’s and F4U’s in support of the Guadalcanal Campaign. He flew 113 combat missions from April 1943-April 1944, and was credited with shooting down three Japanese Zeros in the Solomons. Hap was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and eight Air Medals for his heroic actions. Following a tour back in the States, he took part in the Japanese Occupation from August 1945-February 1946.

During six years ashore following WWII, he attended both the University of Michigan and Stanford University and earned a Master’s degree.

At U-M, Hap’s roommate and best friend was Bob Ufer – they grew up together and attended school together in Mt. Lebanon, PA. They would ride around town in Bob’s 1929 Ford coupe with a rumble seat in back and painted blue and gold. One day they drove somewhere north of Pittsburgh, and on their return, couldn’t get the car to go forward, so they backed up about 14 miles to get back to Bob’s home.

After his schooling, Hap returned to combat in Korea. He flew 75 combat missions.

LtCol Hapstaff served as the Director of Aviation Technical Training in the Division of Aviation, Headquarters, USMC from ’59-’62, and retired from active duty in June 1962.

Hap was an aggressive and skilled fighter pilot who led by example. He flew over 6400 accident-free hours in an era when this accomplishment was a rare exception, and included combat operations in two wars.

We have lost another of our honored heroes of WWII, and one who saw combat in Korea, as well. He will be missed.

Jeff Burnstein is President of Robotic Industries Association, the North American trade group reprsenting some 275 companies involved in robotics. He recently appeared on CNBC to discuss how Robots Can Save and Create Jobs in America, which was the subject of a guest editorial he wrote for Bloomberg Business Week.