Frentz, Dr. Suzanne, 63, revered professor and former Associate Dean of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University, passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2007. Dr. Frentz had been at LMU since 1989. She served in the Dean's office for 15 years. Prior to her tenure at LMU, Dr. Frentz graduated in 1962 from Mt. Carmel Academy, Wichita, KS. She received her Bachelors degree from Wichita State University where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and served as President her senior year. She received her Masters degree from Mankato State University, and her PHD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She began her teaching career at Cheney High School, Cheney, KS. After receiving her advance degrees she became a professor and taught at University at Albany, NY, Purdue University, California State Long Beach, and Wichita State University. From 1977-1982, she worked as a research consultant for the top-rated CBS-TV daytime series The young and the Restless. In 1992 she authored Staying Tuned: Contemporary Soap Opera Criticism, a collection of essays about daytime dramas. At LMU, Dean Frentz was renowned for creating the "Media Lab" and the much loved "Radio Drama" class. She was the faculty advisor to LMU's KXLU radio station for eight years. To the many hundreds of students she taught and advised at LMU, Dr. Frentz was known for her unique ability to connect with students and motivate their desire to learn and succeed. Her office door was always open. She is remembered for her indomitable spirit and grace, even in the face of tremendous adversity. Two years ago, Dr. Frentz fulfilled a lifelong dream, when she became a member of the Auxiliary Coast Guard Flotilla 12-01, Marina del Ray, California. She attended the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Hollywood. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Norton of Hollywood, CA; mother, Betty Frentz; sister, Mary Ellen Lynch; brother, Buddy Frentz, all of Wichita; 5 nieces; 1 nephew; 2 great-nieces, and 3 great-nephews. Memorial Mass is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 24, at the Sacred Heart Chapel at Loyola Marymount, One LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90045. All are welcome. Flowers may be sent to Sacred Heart Chapel on Monday. graveside service will be held at Star Cemetery in Harvey County, Kansas at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 26. Wulf-Ast Mortuary, Mt. Hope, is in charge of local arrangements.
Published in the Wichita Eagle from 9/23/2007 - 9/25/2007.