Reinhardt Remembered

Music Teacher and Friend Will Be Missed

By Caitlin Regan

Deborah Reinhardt, a much loved music professor at Chico State died at about 10 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007. The university's press release stated that the 56-year-old Reinhardt past away returning home to Chico that evening from a conference in Graegle in Plumas County.

While driving along Highway 70, Reinhardt had allegedly lost control of her vehicle during strong winds, as it fell into a steep embankment along the right side of the road, a Plumas County Police Report stated.

Deborah Reinhardt's memory will forever live on throughout the entire north state. Not only was she an admirable teacher, she wanted to prepare students for life. By collaborating with other music educators in California and the nation, Reinhardt wanted students to receive an excellent education that would prepare them for life.

Lloyd Roby, Reinhardt's colleague and close friend, said she was always willing to help anyone in need while keeping her kind, gentle and very professional demeanor.

"Debbie's kind, always unassuming manner reached thousands," Roby wrote in a memorial email. "She was a great colleague, she was an even better friend."

Reinhardt was highly respected leader and admired by diverse people across universities and the elementary public school system. Reinhardt left lasting impressions on the people she taught and worked with. She was touched by dedication to her profession and the service of her own time as the elected president of the California Music Educators Association.

"She was the anchor for the music education program at Chico State," Chair Dr. James Bankhead, former chair of the music department, reflecting on Reinhardt's life during a memorial service held in her honor.

The music professor touched so many people's lives, that two memorial services were held in her honor. On Oct. 5, public school teachers from across the north state prepared the first service, and the following evening her friends, colleagues and students in Chico State's music department held a second memorial. Both were open to anyone who wished to come celebrate her life.

In her personal life, Bankhead said what he will always remember about his friend is that it was obvious that she loved to reach out and help those in need. Reinhardt would extend an ear to those who wanted her to listen, be a firm believer to those who needed motivation, and be a "mom" figure to those who were in distress. She even opened her home to many cats- caring, spoiling and loving them as her own children.

"Debbie was a gentle person with a huge heart," Bankhead reminisced. "I have seen her cry during concerts because of the beauty of what she was hearing."

Throughout the past seven years, Reinhardt helped make Chico State a greater institution of higher education. The memory of her cheery disposition, bright smile and friendly, "good mornings," will continue to bring warmth to the students and faculty. Her sense of humor, love of life, and her contagious laughter will be carried on by those whom she loved and cared greatly for.

"Debbie Reinhardt. She will be remembered as a person with deep compassion for her students and colleagues," Bankhead said as he concluded her memorial. "A truly professional educator, excellent teacher, terrific colleague and most of all- great friend." From everyone at Chico State: Goodbye Debbie, Deborah and Professor Reinhardt. You touched this campus with a love we can never forget. You made each day brighter with your smile. The music department thanks you for the gift of your caring, loving and beautiful spirit, which will be remembered always, and carried with us in each music note we play.