- Born on: January 1, 1900
- Departed on: April 11, 2012
Dixon L. Riggs
Dixon was my physiology professor beginning my second semester at UNI. At the end of the course he asked me to be his teaching assistant, which I was for five years. I was not a sports fan until I started working for Dixon. He told me that part of my job was to go to volleyball, football and wrestling practices and all events. I became an avid fan and friend. He also told me that I had a choice to either be a physiologist or a physician. Like many of Dixons students, I did not feel that I had what it took to become or do what would be expected, however, every conversation about courses etc, assumed that I would do what he knew best. One day, with one year left at UNI, Dixon called me into his office and he introduced me to the Department Chairman in Physiology from the University of Michigan. The Chairman talked about how he would do his best to mentor me in graduate school as (his close friend) Dixon had done for me as an undergraduate. I would have gone but Dixon changed his mind and decided that I should be a doctor, preferably his doctor. You know Dixon - he had an amazing ability to read people so it was unwise to say "no" to him. When I finished UNI and my medical training I moved to Parkersburg, close enough to watch sports with Dixon and Merle and to be their doctor for nine years (until I left to do a psychiatry residency). While in Parkersburg I would frequently get a call from Dixon telling me about a student that he felt should use his talents to study and practice medicine and letting me know that he would be sending him/her out to spend Saturdays in my clinic. Everyone that he sent is now a physician and is grateful to Dixon for pushing them in the direction he felt they could do best and giving them the confidence they needed. I could easily write a book about Dixon's talent in working with students and scholar-athletes and all of the future physicians, dentists, physical therapists and nurses he mentored. I feel in a lifetime we meet only one or two people that can do for us what Dixon did for so many and when you meet that person, I feel that it is best to follow their lead. I hope I was one-half as helpful a mentor for the students he sent to me in the Parkersburg clinic as Dixon was for the many students I saw influenced by his passion for his work and the future of his students. I will miss Dixon and will always be grateful to him for his influence on my life.
Dixon - you gave me the most wonderful pet I have ever had, Corkey, and without that I would have never met you! He was the best dog in the world and we both loved him so much. You were always so supportive of me and I will never forget you or how you touched my life. Rest In Peace Dixon.
Bob Curtis and I both taught for Dr IIvan Eland for about 10 years, We knew Dixon for many reasons over the years and we had a great deal of good times with him. As a Friend and as a fellow teacher. He always impressed us as a super person to be around. Sorry for your loss.
It was because of Mr. Riggs that I finished my college education at UNI. He was my freshman counselor and was also an advisor of my sorority. After difficult freshman and sophomore years I was ready to drop out and go home. Mr. Riggs convinced me I was capable and gave me the confidence I needed to graduate. I will always be grateful to him for the encouragement he gave me--he always had such a positive attitude.
Sorry to learn of Professor Riggs' passing. I'll always remember his passion for teaching, his caring guidance as my academic adviser in matters of career and life, and his jovial banter in and out of the classroom. Thank you and Rest in Peace, Dixon!
Mr. Riggs was one of the best professors I had @ UNI. His passion for teaching and human physiology was evident the first time I enter his class room. His infectious smile and personality made human phys. even more interesting. Besides his passion for teaching he was Mr. Panther when it came to UNI sports. As a student @ UNI I was a student athletic trainer and I remember seeing him @ almost every sporting event I covered or attended. Because of our involvement with UNI athletics he selected me as a a lab assistant for his class:a position I maintained until I graduated. The last time I saw Mr. Riggs was about 10 years ago in Bloomington, Ill @ a UNI vs. ISU football game. It was November; so it was cold. He was decked out in his old gold and purple. He was also wering his UNI letter jacket that was given to him by coach Patton and the wrestling team. When I saw him he reconized me right away; with a big smile and a hardy hand shake. It is because of Mr. Riggs that I accomplished my goal of becoming a Physical Therapist/ Athletic Trainer. I will never forget how he helped shape my adult life. I am glad I was able to tell him on that cold November day in Bloomington! By the way UNI won the game. God Bless you Mr. Riggs and your family. David G. kleinmeyer, PT, ATC UNI 1980
I will forever cherish the times spent at the UNI VB matches....remember the West Gym? My friend, Deb, and I sat behind Dixon and Merle. If the team wasn't doing quite as well as we would like, my friend or I would turn Dixon's cap around and majic happened...the young ladies did better!! We then move to the McLeod Center...Dixon and Merle again sat in front of us. Dixon was the 'Ultimate UNI Athletic Fan'!! I will miss you, Dixon, but I know you are in a much better place now. One last thing, Dixon...watch over us and the UNI VB team as they continue to strive to 'make YOU proud'. God Bless the USA and God Bless you, Dixon!
