Obituaries

Kathryn A. Sawner, whose 33-year career at UB included serving as an assistant to two of its presidents, died Aug. 17, in Sisters Hospital following a lengthy illness. She was 81.

Sawner received her degree in physical therapy from UB in 1964. She worked at Helen Hayes Hospital in Haverstraw in Rockland County, New York, and was recognized nationally as an expert in stroke rehabilitation.

She returned to her alma mater as coordinator of clinical care in the Department of Physical Therapy in 1968. She was named executive officer in 1974 and later, associate chair. In 1980, she was appointed assistant dean of UB's School of Health Related Professions, now the School of Public Health and Health Professions.

Sawner joined the Office of the President in 1986 and was named assistant to Steven B. Sample in 1990. When William R. Greiner became president, he named her his executive assistant in 1991. During her tenure in Greiner’s administration, she was a member of the inaugural EMBA class in the School of Management.

When Sawner retired in 2001, she was director of communications support services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 31 in Holy Family Church, Vernon, NY. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Clinton, NY.