UTSA language instructor Gunhild Chuber dies Oct. 16 at age 79

Gunhild Chuber

Gunhild Chuber

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(Oct. 20, 2014) -- Gunhild Chuber, longtime foreign language instructor, died Oct. 16 at age 79. Originally from Valparaiso, Chile, she taught Spanish and German at UTSA for 39 years after earning a master's degree in Spanish from Pennsylvania State University, where she received the F.O. Zimmerman Award for Achievement in Spanish Studies.

"Gunhild was always a willing and cheerful supporter of both the Spanish and German programs and will be greatly missed in the department," said Christopher Wickham, professor of German in the UTSA Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.

As a senior lecturer, Chuber's mentoring of young faculty members was influential in developing the current level of excellence of the department's instructional staff.  Service to the department was a high priority for her. She served as a consultant on teaching methodologies, participated in department workshops, coordinated lower- and upper-division Spanish courses, and supervised teaching assistants. She was instrumental in developing oral proficiency curricula and exams for both German and Spanish.

"We are extremely saddened by the loss of Mrs. Chuber," said Marita Nummikoski, chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, "She always had a smile for everyone and was a pleasure to work with."

In addition to lower-division German classes, Chuber taught Spanish oral communication skills, composition, culture, literature and language structure. Teaching was her passion, and she continued to carry a full course load until her retirement in August.

Gilberta Turner, Spanish lecturer, called her "a great lady -- a señora." "If we ever needed any help, she was always there," Turner said.

Chuber lived many years in San Antonio and was always active in her community. She was an arts aficionado and served in a variety of positions in the Opera Guild of San Antonio, the San Antonio Symphony and the Tuesday Musical Club, leading fundraising, publicity and membership campaigns.

"My heart is deeply saddened," said Spanish lecturer Lilian Cano. "She was just wonderful, and I am thankful I got to work with her for over six years."

Funeral services are scheduled for 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22 at the Concordia Lutheran Church, 16801 Huebner Rd. Burial will be Thursday, Oct. 23 with a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston, 1520 Harry Wurzbach. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the San Antonio Humane Society, 4804 Fredericksburg Rd.

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