Room 125 in the Frank Center was dedicated on Oct. 31 to the late Dr. James Pantle, a former music professor and coordinator of the music education program at Shepherd University.
Pantle taught music and music education at Shepherd University for 36 years before retiring in 2005. During his teaching at Shepherd, he served in the collegiate chapters of the West Virginia Music Educators Association in the 1980s and 1990s. He was also as an adviser of the MENC student chapter. He was the founder of the Millbrook Orchestra, Shepherdstown’s first community orchestra.
The Music Department held a ceremony to celebrate the life and legacy of Pantle. Before the bronze memorial plaque was unveiled, colleagues and friends shared remarks and memories about the beloved professor. He was described as a “gifted teacher,” “a sheer joy,” “dedicated to music” and “a true renaissance man.”
“We celebrate a man who, in so many ways, represents everything special about Shepherd University,” said University President Suzanne Shipley. “The room represents his significant influence on music educators, and this room will continue to educate music educators for the future and it’s so wonderful to have a room where you can think of someone’s spirit moving and their life’s work continuing.”
“Our bodies don’t last, but what Jim gave me lasts,” said Dr. David Gonzol, associate music education professor who replaced Dr. Pantle in 2005. “His legacy will live on for many decades.”
“Oh, how I wish all of you could have known Jim Pantle. You would have loved him,” said Barbra Stenger, a community member and friend of Dr. Pantle. “Jim’s importance to the university was and is huge.”
Through generous donations, the music department has created the Dr. James Pantle Music Education Scholarship to help future music educators. Under Pantle’s guidance, former students have gone on to become great teachers and professors across the country, performers on Broadway, and joined military ensembles around the world.