Donald E. Reiber

Don Reiber, a man who left an indelible legacy on students at the University of Toledo for nearly 40 years, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday morning, September 20, 2015. He was 68. Associate professor of communication and the director of the Department of Communication’s Media Services, Don died hours after doing what he loved: teaching students while directing an ESPN broadcast of the Rockets’ volleyball match at Savage Arena, followed by the in-house production of UT’s double overtime football victory over Iowa State in the Glass Bowl. Responsible for overseeing the University’s television studio and production facilities, Don taught classes in television production, live-truck production, and radio production and programming. His students and alumni number in the thousands, working in broadcasting in Toledo, throughout the United States and for national news organizations like CNN. One of the most decorated yet unassuming faculty members in the history of the University, Don received the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2007. In his career, he also was honored with the Students First Award, presented by the University administration for his dedication to instruction and mentoring, the “Difference Maker” Award from the College of Business and Innovation, and the Rocket Award from women’s basketball for his commitment to that program. Never feeling that he was worthy of recognition or motivated by monetary desires, Don’s greatest satisfaction came from the success of his students who could reach him at any time of the day or night via phone or text. Nothing pleased him more than to hear from alumni who would call and send cards, letters, or just drop by the office to thank him for the impact he had on their lives. Born in Vermillion, Ohio, on November 5, 1946, Don joined the faculty at the University of Toledo in 1979 from WOSU-TV in Columbus after completing his bachelor’s degree in radio, television and speech communication from The Ohio State University in 1970, and his master’s in educational communications from that institution in 1972. Don met his loving wife, the former Pat Giese, on a blind date when he was a student at Ohio State and she a student at Capital University. They married in 1969 and have one son, Christopher, of Toledo. Pat knew that Don’s passion for her was matched only by his love of teaching and helping students. Encouraged by his wife to consider retirement, Don said that he wanted to keep working until he could finish developing and assembling the University’s new television production truck and then taking it on-line. It was to be, Don told Pat, a gift for future students. The production truck will be now need to be completed by others. Yet it never would have defined Don’s legacy. Fittingly, his legacy will forever reside in the hearts and minds of the thousands of students for whom he devoted his life. Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.