Jonathan C Messerli

Dr. Jonathan C. Messerli, 78, of Schwoyer Road, Kutztown (Richmond Township), died Sunday, November 28, 2004, in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading, shortly after admission. He was the husband of the late Vi (Rabey) Messerli who died on October 27, 1998.

Born in Albany, Oregon, he was the son of the late Henry and the late Lillie (Rietz) Messerli. Dr. Messerli was President Emeritus of Muhlenberg College and Susquehanna University, both in Pennsylvania. A respected educator, artisan and scholar, he was a man of extraordinary energy and vision. Although widely known as a positive leader in American higher education, particularly during his tenure as president of Muhlenberg College, he was also recognized for his numerous talents in building and restoring historic houses.

Dr. Messerli’s academic career included professorships at the University of Washington and Teacher’s College at Columbia University and as dean of education at Hofstra and Fordham universities. His first college presidency was at Susquehanna University from 1977. This appointment was followed by a second college presidency, at Muhlenberg College from 1984-1992. The author of the definitive biography of Horace Mann, published by Alfred Knopf in 1971, Dr. Messerli also wrote and spoke extensively on American educational policy.

During his tenure as president of Muhlenberg, Dr. Messerli initiated long-range strategic planning, comprehensive marketing and intensified student recruitment, long before these were widely embraced in higher education. He was also noted for his development of Trexler Library and the successful completion of Muhlenberg’s first $1 million annual fund campaign. At Susquehanna, he led the university through a crucial period of academic progress, enhancements to physical facilities and strengthening of its finances.

Dr. Messerli’s educational accomplishments were matched by his talent as an artisan. Building upon his early coppersmith training in a west coast shipyard, in later years he excelled as stonemason, bricklayer, cabinetmaker and gentleman farmer. Working with Vi, his wife of 50 years, he restored historic homes, barns and a Victorian brownstone. With a keen capability to visualize desired outcomes, he was as adept at driving a tractor as he was at implementing complex higher education initiatives.

Jonathan C. Messerli was born February 14, 1926, in Albany, Oregon. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, in 1947; a Master of Arts from Washington University, St. Louis, in 1952; and a Ph.D. in the history of American education from Harvard University in 1963.

Dr. Messerli was committed to working with others beyond the academic arena, and served on the boards of Bethphage Mission in Nebraska, the Special Olympics in Pennsylvania and was on the founding board of Lehigh Valley’s Ambassador Bank. At the time of his death, he was a member of the boards of the Lehigh Valley Historical Society and the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia.

He is survived by Daughter, Dr. Hannah R. Messerli, New York City and Kutztown; Son, Timothy J. Messerli, Allentown; Brothers, Carlos and Victor; Granddaughter, Elizabeth K. Messerli, Allentown.

Memorial Services are Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 2:00 PM from the Muhlenberg College Chapel, 2400 Chew Street, Allentown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jonathan and Vi Messerli Scholarship Fund at Muhlenberg College, in support of the education of outstanding undergraduates, 2400 Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18104-5586; or, the Vi Rabey Messerli Award Endowment established by Jonathan at Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selingsgrove, PA 17870-1025. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.