CHAPMAN
in memoria m
RICHARD DOETKOTT
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He was a charismatic professor, Lincoln expert, nationally recognized public speaking teacher and textbook author. But when Professor Richard Doetkott’s passing was announced, it was his beloved trademark greeting that flooded the Chapman University Facebook page and comforted many at a campus memorial service that followed. Alumni from throughout the decades posted their Facebook tributes with “A full Mickey Salute,” referencing the professor’s whimsical way of greeting students and friends with hands atop his head in a mock Mickey Mouse pose. At the March 3 memorial, friends, alumni and colleagues
helped initiate Chapman Radio, American Celebration and the first audio-visual program as well as early film and television courses. In addition, he was the technical consultant for the Rose Center in Westminster, coordinated the West Coast Conference for Corporate Communications held at Chapman in 1994 and made film and television appearances. A talented speaker, he was the featured presenter at two major events in spring 2011, including the Wilkinson College lecture “An Evening with Abraham Lincoln: The Gettysburg Address, What You Didn’t Know.” He also delivered a lecture in the
The professor affectionately known as “the Speech God” told Chapman Magazine in a 2010 interview that his most important milestone was the development of his popular Com 101 class 20 years ago. “There’s always a method to my madness, but there’s always madness in my method, too,” Doetkott said, explaining the energetic exercises and impromptu dance routines he put students through to help them build confidence and a natural style. Alumni of his classes swore by the techniques. “Professor Doetkott’s Com 101 class made me into the public speaker I am
all joined in a Mickey salute in his honor. The salute was always more than a bit of fun, said Lance Lockwood, who taught with Doetkott for 10 years and co-authored Introduction to Public Conversing with the professor and his widow, Pat Doetkott, Ph.D. “Dick made sure to teach me to never take myself too seriously,” Lockwood said. Professor Doetkott died Dec. 21 of a heart attack. He was 75. He joined Chapman in 1964, and his many projects included helping launch the Department of Communication Studies with the late Professor Richard Watson. Professor Doetkott also
Town and Gown Lunch at the Forum series. He was famous for setting up his chair and portable shade cover around campus, ever ready to converse with faculty and students. In the classroom, he infused his teaching with a flair for theatricality. It wasn’t unusual to see him dressed in a toga or period garments that would have been worn by Clarence Darrow or Stephen Douglas. He frequently portrayed historical figures as he discussed different types of oratory. “He was someone who made Chapman, Chapman,” President Jim Doti said.
today,” said Sharaf Mowjood ’05, now an assistant producer with Rock Center with Brian Williams at NBC. “I still use the tactics I learned in that class in my day-to-day life.” Speaking at the memorial, Michael Immel ’75 described Doetkott as “a master teacher who helped students become effective speakers.” To honor the professor, President Doti announced at the memorial that the recording studio at Chapman’s Panther Productions will be named the Richard and Patricia Doetkott Studio.
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