I was deeply saddened to hear of Paul's passing and send my sincere condolences to Sally and all the Olexia family. I got to know Paul when he was a young professor at Kalamazoo College. We become acquainted even before my freshman year at K started, in fall of 1973 when he was a faculty leader of the Land/Sea program and I was one of sixteen participants that inaugural year. Then, as a biology major, I think I took every class that Paul offered when I was on campus. Mycology in the fall of my senior year was a particular standout. Paul was influential in my choice of botany as a field for graduate study and he helped me with the application process. We stayed in touch as my career progressed. In recent years, I have been inspired by his advocacy for conservation. I enjoyed seeing him every five years when I came back for reunions. He usually came along, or co-lead, a hike at the Kalamazoo Nature Center or elsewhere for all the members of the class of '77 who were fans of field biology. I will miss seeing him at our 50th. In sum, Paul was an inspiring teacher, a patient mentor, a champion of his students and had a great sense of humor on top of all that! The picture above really captures him well. I will always remember the impact he had on my education and professional development and his kind and generous nature. He will be greatly missed.

Posted by Kate on April 8, 2025

I knew Paul both as a professor and a colleague. I learned a lot from him in both capacities. He also helped me get my start in cultivating spring ephemerals, and I still have descendants of plants he gave me nearly 3 decades ago. His work with SWMLC will leave a legacy for generations. My deep condolences to Sally and the rest of his family.

Posted by Jim Langeland on April 5, 2025