Distinguished and dedicated, Jolene Combs, journalism professor, inspired students and faculty alike during her long career at EC.

Combs died Wednesday night due to an apparent heart attack while undergoing pneumonia treatment and a memorial service will take place tomorrow.

The service took place at 3 p.m. at Riviera United Methodist Church on Friday, July 22.

“Jolene was one of the most motivating people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She was responsible for making our program, along with Lori Medigovich, one of the preeminent programs” Tom Lew, dean of humanities said. “The accomplishments she were most proud of, were her students’ accomplishments.

Even though Combs retired in 2008, she still taught part-time at EC, earning the title Professor Emeritus.

“Even in retirement, she didn’t want to go. She loved her job, loved the whole journalism profession,” Thomas Fallo, president said.

Combs will always be remembered for her love of journalism and for her students.

“She was a very passionate person who was tireless, talented and she had an incredible vigor for life and journalism. She was endlessly positive and encouraging even in her constructive criticism,” Kate McLaughlin, journalism instructor said. “She had that rare talent of being able to encourage people at the same time as challenging them to be better.”

Combs’ teaching reached beyond the desks of her students to her fellow colleagues.

“When I was first hired in 1989, I only taught for three years but I thought I knew everything,” Lori Medigovich, journalism professor said. “When I met Jolene, I realized I knew nothing. She has taught me everything I know. Her influence will stay with me forever.”