Former journalism professor dies at 80

Richard Yoakam, a long-time professor of journalism and broadcasting at IU for 32 years, died June 30. \nHe was 80.\nYoakam, who accepted a faculty position at IU in 1957 and retired from the University in 1989, died at his home in Bloomington.\nYoakam was born in Pittsburgh, and graduated from the University of Iowa Department of Journalism.\nTrevor Brown, dean of the IU School of Journalism, said Yoakam was an important mentor for him and other faculty members. Brown described Yoakam as "particularly charismatic" and "one of the great story-tellers of all time."\nBrown cited Yoakam as a major figure in the shift in the way the University handled journalism. \n"He had participated in some of the growth under (former IU President) Herman B Wells, and was a major figure in helping to shift the School of Journalism from a mainly professional training school to one that developed a set of courses, particularly for undergraduates, that enriched personal skills," Brown said.\nBrown also said Yoakam helped shift to a core curriculum with opportunities to specialize in other areas. \n"He was a wonderful teacher," said Dan Drew, a journalism professor who taught broadcast courses with Yoakam. "I see some of his students at conferences and other places, and they have great things to say about him and how he influenced and guided them."\nDavid Weaver, a journalism professor, said Yoakam was an inspiring, helpful and positive mentor. \n"He never complained about himself. He just thought about others and students and how they were doing," Weaver said. \nWeaver said in spite of Yoakam's own disability, he was one of the most positive, upbeat people on the faculty.\nOne of Yoakam's most influential contributions was committee recommendations to make the campus handicap accessible.\n"They don't make too many people like Dick anymore," Weaver said. "They really don't."\nYoakam is survived by his three sons and four grandchildren.\nAn open house was held for Yoakam Saturday, July 3 at his home.\n-- Contact Opinion Editor Tony Sams at ajsams@indiana.edu.