Troyer, Maurice E. (1903-1997)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1998 Apr 30 p. 11

Birth date: 1903 Aug 24

text of obituary:

MAURICE E. TROYER

Maurice E. Troyer, 94, internationally known psychologist and educator, died Dec. 19, 1997, at Normandy Farms. He was a resident of Gwynedd Estates at Spring House, Pa.

He was born Aug. 24, 1903, the son of Emmanuel Troyer, a Mennonite pastor and secretary of the Central Conference, and Ida Horst Troyer. He was married to Arvilla (Billie) Sprunger Troyer, who died July 1, 1997.

A graduate of Bluffton (Ohio) College, he earned a Ph. D. at Ohio State University, did research and taught in teacher education, curriculum development and evaluation, and authored numerous studies in the field. He evaluated teacher education for the American Council on Education in Washington, D. C., and later chaired the Department of Higher Education Administration at Syracuse University. His students continue to be a force in higher education in the United States, Japan, Africa and throughout the world.

After World War II, he was instrumental in the establishment of the International Christian University in Japan, a successful experiment integrating Eastern and Western educational concepts. After 15 years as a vice president and professor at ICU, he was decorated by the Japanese government with the Third Order of the Sacred Treasure for service to the Japanese people.

Maurice was an adviser on education policy abroad for the National Council of Churches, a delegate to UNESCO for Southeast Asia, and Stone Distinguished Visiting Professor at Ohio State University. He was the recipient of honorary doctorates and awards for humanitarian service.

He is survived by a daughter, Joan Troyer Rising and her husband Edward; a son, David A. and his wife Barbara Mitchell Troyer; seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Arvilla; and a son. J. Robert.