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CLASS NOTES
her to become a world traveler. She
also held a passion for ballroom
dancing and belonged to multiple
local dance groups. She is survived
by her husband, daughter, and
grandson.
Carey J. Chitwood ’50 of
Birmingham, on May 19, 2016.
Chitwood received his LLB degree
from the University of Alabama
School of Law in 1957 and joined
the rm now known as Balch
& Bingham LLP. His practice
encompassed real estate and
contract work. He was a member
of the Panel of Arbitrators of the
American Arbitration Association.
Chitwood was an avid sports
fan. His father, a highly regarded
Methodist minister, served on the
Board of Trustees at BSC. A nephew
is among his survivors.
Dr. Morris Whitsett Hollis Sr. ’50 of
Sylacauga, on Oct. 18, 2016. Hollis
was honorably discharged from the
U.S. Army in 1946. After college, he
was admitted into the University of
Alabama School of Dentistry. He
practiced family dentistry until he
retired in 1996. Hollis’ interest in
orofacial pain became a hallmark
of his 44 years in practice; patients
would travel to Sylacauga from
across the U.S. and the world to
be treated by him. His wife, Betty
Barnes Hollis ’48, passed away
Aug. 22, 2016. Survivors include
two children, Morris Whit Hollis
Jr. ’74 of Salt Lake City, Utah, and
Marie Hollis McElheny ’75 (Terry
McElheny ’75 ) of Birmingham;
two grandchildren; and six great-
grandchildren.
Dr. Neil Everett Lawler ’50 of
Birmingham, on Oct. 27, 2016.
Lawler was a World War II U.S.
Marine Corps veteran. He graduated
from BSC’s Conservatory of Music
and later received his master’s
and Ph.D. from the University of
Alabama. Before teaching, Lawler
was employed by U.S. Steel for
12 years in the general of ce. As a
band director, he taught at Tarrant,
IN MEMORIAM ’54
Dr. Ralph M. Tanner, former BSC
president (1972-75), passed away on Nov.
24, 2016, in Baldwin City, Kansas. He was
89. A Birmingham native, he also earned
an M.A. degree from BSC and was the
second graduate of the college to become
its president.
As an undergraduate, Tanner performed
in several College Theatre productions,
sang with the Concert Choir, served as
Hilltop News business manager, and
was a member of several organizations,
including Omicron Delta Kappa and
Kappa Phi Kappa.
He had rst aspired to be an attorney
and, later, a radio-TV personality. During
his undergraduate years, Tanner worked
as a reporter, announcer, and performer
for two local radio and TV stations. After serving as a teacher, basketball coach, and
administrator for schools in Warrior and for then-Walker Junior College, he joined the
BSC history faculty in early 1960 following the death of one of his mentors, Dr. Henry
T. Shanks. Tanner earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of Alabama in 1967
and was promoted to associate professor of history at BSC. His diverse capabilities
were proven as he led a student choir and served successively as registrar, admissions
of cer, professor, dean of the college, executive vice president, and chief executive of cer
before being named BSC’s ninth president in 1972—the same year he was honored as a
Distinguished Alumnus of the college.
Under Tanner’s leadership, signi cant scal and academic progress was achieved. The
college’s endowment increased by 131 percent; the percentage of contributing alumni
more than doubled; key academic programs were begun or enhanced; and construction
began on the Charles Andrew Rush Learning Center. Further, a decision was made by the
Board of Trustees to remain on the existing campus.
When he resigned the BSC presidency on Aug. 1, 1975, Tanner was made a
Distinguished Professor and returned to the classroom. In 1977, he moved to Nashville
to work with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United
Methodist Church. During 1980-87, Tanner served as president of Baker University in
Baldwin City, Kan. After retiring from Baker, he served four terms in the Kansas State
House of Representatives, where his colleagues selected him to be chair of the Education
Committee and the Rules Committee.
His other civic activities included Rotary International, United Way, and the Chamber
of Commerce in both Baldwin City and Lawrence, Kan. Across his career, Tanner led or
sang in many church choirs. He loved gardening, music, golf, and football. A mentor to
many, Tanner truly cared for his students and urged them to develop keen minds devoted
to lifelong learning.
“Dr. Tanner helped teach one of my fall freshman courses, and his wise critique of
my rst college essay did more to teach me about good writing than any course I had in
college,” said Ann Gunter Johnson ’74. “I am still grateful.”
Tanner was a member of BSC’s Ginkgo Society. In May, the college’s Board of Trustees
adopted a Memorial Resolution of Tribute “dedicated to the life and distinguished career
of Ralph M. Tanner.” He is survived by his wife, Judith Berry Tanner ’54; three children;
four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.