Arthur D. and Florence S. Graffam

Arthur D. Graffam, born and raised in DeKalb, Illinois, graduated in 1941 from Northern Illinois State Teachers College, as Northern Illinois University was then known. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and then taught at Morris High School in Morris, Illinois from 1941-42. Following this first year of teaching, Mr. Graffam went to work for the Civil Service in Norman, Oklahoma teaching metal fabrication skills to military personnel, then went on to serve his nation as a commissioned Ensign in the United States Navy from 1943-44. On a visit to Nehring Electrical in DeKalb, Illinois, he observed Miss Florence Shemansky who was employed in the office. After he left the service, he contacted Florence and they began a courtship which led to their marriage on January 17, 1948. Before her employment at the Nehring Company, Florence attended the Bryant Stratton Business College in Chicago, Illinois. In 1946 Arthur began attending Colorado State College of Education (now the University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley, Colorado during the summer. He earned his Master of Arts degree in Education in 1950. Arthur also attended summer courses at the University of Iowa and Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Arthur taught at Elgin High School in Elgin, Illinois for 39 years. Among the courses he taught, were wood-working and drafting. Florence worked in the offices at Block and Kohl’s Department Store and became a homemaker in 1952 when their son David was born. As a faithful alumnus of Northern Illinois University, Arthur Graffam has been an active member of the Engineering and Technology Alumni Association. As a member of ETAS, Arthur was selected to serve on its Board for six years. Florence Graffam died on December 31, 2002. Arthur and David remember, with great love, her kindness, warmth, sincerity, empathetic nature, and compassion. This scholarship is meant to hold her memory, and honor the life, marriage, and family that she shared with her husband and son.