W. Scott Westerman Jr.

Walter Scott Westerman, Jr. passed away on April 18, 2018. He began life on July 10th, 1925 in Ann Arbor, the youngest of three children born to the Rev. W. Scott Westerman, Sr. and Frieda Wuerfel Westerman. The family relocated to Dayton, Ohio and then to Gallipolis, Ohio, where he left Gallia Academy High School a term early to complete a year of college at Ohio Wesleyan University before entering the United States Army during the Second World War. He lead a machine gun squad in the 86th Infantry Division earning medals in both the European and Pacific theaters, concluding his service as the Company First Sergeant. He continued his education at Northwestern University and earned a PhD. at the University of Michigan. From 1948 through 1960, he taught in Ann Arbor at the University School and at the University of Michigan School of Education. He served in several executive roles in the Ann Arbor Public Schools in the 1960s, first as social studies coordinator (1960-1963), assistant superintendent for instruction (1963-1967), and superintendent (1967-1971). A lifelong advocate for diversity and equal opportunity, he pioneered the recruitment of men and women of color for senior roles in the district and was a leader in the fight for equal rights throughout his long career as an educator and community leader. He returned to academia as Director of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Eastern Michigan University, advancing to the Deanship in the College of Education. During 11 years in that role, he led the organization to become the largest producer of teachers in the nation. He was married for over 50 years to the former Marcine (Marcy) Percy. Together they became active community servants, continuing to focus on education, equal opportunity and advancing international understanding. Their retirement years were devoted to world travel and volunteerism. Scott was a long time member of the Ann Arbor Rotary Club, was a trusted adviser to his successors in the public schools and served on several community and university advisory groups. In 2016 The W. Scott Westerman Jr. Pre-school and Family Center at the Ann Arbor Public Schools was dedicated in his name. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Joanne (Feely) and Ellen (Brashares), his wife Marcy and an infant daughter, Sandra. He is survived by his son, W. Scott Westerman, III (Colleen), his daughter, Judith K. Silver (Ed), four grandchildren, Shelby (Casey Ratchford), Brandon Westerman (Stephanie), Tom Silver and Jennie Silver and two great grandchildren, Hudson and Juliette Westerman. Memorial contributions can be made to: Westerman Minority College of Education Endowed Scholarship for Eastern Michigan University (https://www.emich.edu/foundation/give/?fund=00663). A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, April 29 at the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor with a reception to follow in the Social Hall. Parking is free at the Forest Street Structure. Please visit the W. Scott Westerman,Jr. website to leave condolences at www.muehligannarbor.com