Lyle Fehrman

Lyle Fehrman was employed by the paper industry and remained an independent consultant at the time of his death in January 2017. He attributed much of his success in the business world to the training in public speaking and debate he received while an honor student at UW Oshkosh. Lyle’s love of travel continued throughout his life, both for business and pleasure. “Have car, will travel” was the motto he lived by. He was an avid gardener, fisherman, and hunter. Lyle’s faith was very important to him, and he held a great number of church offices throughout his lifetime. Lyle established the William E. White Communication Studies Scholarship in 1986, in honor of his friend and former UW Oshkosh professor, William E. White.

William was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. After serving for four years, he went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He later taught at Purdue University. At UW Oshkosh, Professor White was a debate coach and chairman of the speech department from 1955 to 1962. He retired from UW Oshkosh in 1986. He was Deputy Director of the Coordinating Council for Higher Education and former member of Kiwanis International, Lion’s Club, Rotary, Optimist, and chairman and vice chairman of the United Way for many years. William passed away in November 2010.