PLNU Mourns Loss of Professor Emeritus, Ron Kirkemo Ph.D.

Ronald Kirkemo, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus at PLNU, passed away on Wednesday, November 4^th, at the age of 71.

Born in Eureka California in 1944, Ronald Kirkemo Ph.D., or "Dr. K" as he is remembered by students, graduated from Pasadena College in 1965 with a degree in history and later from American University in Washington D.C. in 1969 with a Ph.D. in international politics. That same year, in 1969, Ron returned to Pasadena College as a faculty member for a career with Pasadena/Point Loma that would span more than four decades and impact countless lives. 

On campus, throughout San Diego, and in the broader Nazarene Church, Dr. Kirkemo was known for his commitment to students, academic excellence and public service. He consistently pushed individual students and the broader university to think higher and be more ambitious about serving God and to be engaged in the world through service.

Dr. Kirkemo’s influence extended beyond the Department of History and Political Science to the broader university and the community beyond. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Wesleyan Center 21 years ago with the chief goal that the center would support and inspire scholarship within the Wesleyan tradition. Similarly he launched the Institute for Politics and Public Service at PLNU with the intent to nurture and inspire public service in the minds of students and support engagement in the San Diego region, the nation and the world.

He is author of several books on foreign policy, including Between the Eagle and the Dove about diplomats caught in difficult choices. He has also written three histories of the university, For Zion’s Sake, Promise and Destiny and Moving Stories, as well as a daily devotional called Soulcraft. "His writings on the university’s history shaped our understanding of God’s blessings, grace and protection over the generations," said PLNU’s President, Dr. Bob Brower. "A friend to all of us, Dr. K will be deeply missed."

The memorial service for Dr. Kirkemo is scheduled for: Sunday, November 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in Brown Chapel at Point Loma Nazarene University 3900 Lomaland Drive San Diego, California.

In lieu of flowers, the friends and family wish to direct donations to the "Dr. Ron Kirkemo Student Scholarship Fund," created to benefit students with an interest in political science at Point Loma Nazarene University.

- Gifts by Mail: Please make checks payable to PLNU and reference "Dr. Ron Kirkemo Student Scholarship Fund" in the memo and address to: PLNU, Office of University Advancement, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, California 92106.

- Online Giving: Visit www.pointloma.edu/giving select "Other Designation" and reference "Dr. Ron Kirkemo Student Scholarship Fund" with your contribution.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family:

c/o: Patti Kirkemo, Office of the President Point Loma Nazarene University 3900 Lomaland Drive San Diego, CA 92106

Prayers for his wife of 48 years, Patti Kirkemo, their