Douglas Hesseltine: 1943 - 2015

After a long battle with Parkinson’s, retired Stamps faculty member Doug Hesseltine passed away on Oct. 12. 

Doug Hesseltine joined the School’s faculty in 1977, holding a joint appointment as assistant professor and director of design for what is now the Office of University Development. He was promoted to associate professor with tenure in 1979, and in 1985 left the University to pursue an ever-expanding private-sector career in design. Doug never left his UM roots, however, and he continued to teach at the School until his retirement in 2012, sharing his many gifts with generations of artists and designers.

An award-winning designer, Doug combined time-honored and contemporary techniques to create works that were both museum quality and commercially viable. His clients ranged from small-town shops to government agencies to large institutions, and his works can be found in numerous museums and private collections. As a teacher, Doug encouraged his students to let concepts drive the use of techniques and tools when solving communication design problems, a practice he followed in his own professional career.

Professor Hesseltine’s obituary provides more information on this remarkable individual.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Doug’s name to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.