Born July 13, 1938, in Evanston, Illinois, Richard earned a B.A. from Lawrence University, a Master’s from Miami University (Ohio), and a Ph.D. in mycology from Oregon State University in 1972.
Academic Career
Richard joined Alma College in 1972 as a biology professor, where he taught for nearly three decades. He chaired the biology department, directed the environmental studies program, and received the prestigious Barlow Award for outstanding teaching. He retired as Emeritus Professor of Biology in 2000, later teaching part-time at Indiana University East and Ivy Tech College.
Professional Contributions
An active leader, Richard served as president of the Michigan Entomological Society (1994–95). As an environmental activist, he collaborated with conservation groups in Michigan and Indiana on agricultural and water quality initiatives. In later years, he engaged with researchers at Iowa State University, Cornell University, and in Germany on invasive ambrosia beetles. His expertise was honored in 2014 with the naming of Ambrosiella roeperii, and he continued publishing into his 80s.
Personal Interests
Richard cherished golden retrievers, trees, and gardening—earning Master Gardener certification through the University of Michigan with a special fondness for hostas. In retirement, he transformed a four-acre soybean field into a forest.
Legacy
Memorial contributions are welcomed to the Richard A. Roeper Speaker Fund at Alma College. A spring memorial service will be announced at a later date.