In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be sent to 
The Alfred C. Viebranz Endowment for Creative 
Writing, Development Office, St. Lawrence University.

President Sullivan's Memo to the University Community, February 18, 2005

With the heaviest heart, I share with you the passing today of Chairman Emeritus 
of the Board of Trustees Alfred C. Viebranz.   He died this morning after struggling 
with illness for many months, a struggle that was characterized at every moment by 
his grace, patience, resolve and optimism.  Elaine and his family were with him, 
and Ann and I send our love and support to them.

Al Viebranz’s commitment to St. Lawrence was as strong and consistent as any could be.  
He was an Alumni Trustee from 1962 to 1968, was elected a Term Trustee in 1967 
and served as chairman of the board from 1978 to 1983. Elected a Trustee Emeritus 
in 1991, he was a former member of the Campaign Steering Committee.  He was also a 
member of the Alumni Executive Council, 1951-62, and president of the Alumni 
Association 1960-62, and an admissions, career planning and fund-raising volunteer 
in several capacities.  He held an Alumni Citation, and in 1979 received an 
honorary Doctor of Laws degree and gave the Commencement Address. 

Having a trustee relationship with St. Lawrence for over 40 years, five of them 
as leader, Al was a powerful influence on the evolution of St. Lawrence as we know 
it today.  In every deliberation, he could be trusted to offer wise and insightful 
assistance, helping us remember the culture of St. Lawrence—our dedication to 
students — that has been and always will be at the heart of our work. 

Writer, historian, scientist, poet, business executive: Al exemplified the best 
of the liberal arts in his life and career. After graduating from St. Lawrence 
in 1942 with a major in physics, and the U.S. Naval Academy in 1943, Al was a 
submarine officer with the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II.  He joined 
Sylvania/GTE in 1946 and remained with the corporation for all but six years 
until 1982, when he retired as senior vice president of corporate communications 
of the GTE Corporation.  He was assistant to the director of the National 
Gallery of Art from then until 1987, when he began working for the archives 
of the National Gallery while initiating and conducting an oral history program 
for them. He published a book on marine art and another commemorating the 50th 
anniversary of the Washington Gallery of Art, as well as a private biography of 
Jerry Kohlberg and editions of his own poetry.  Veteran faculty members may 
remember his mischievous leadership of limerick contests during long 
Commencement addresses.

For Ann and me, Al was and Elaine is a mentor.  They helped us understand the 
St. Lawrence of today, and how it came to be; they encouraged us and lifted our 
spirits in challenging times; they inspired us in all of the ways the best 
people do.  Al’s passing today leaves a hole in our hearts.

At this writing, we do not yet have details about memorial services or arrangements. 
We will let you know when we do.  I ask all members of the St. Lawrence community 
to join Ann and me in pausing to remember one of the greatest Laurentians.  
We will miss him dearly.


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