Drew University lost three emeritus professors within five days of each other in late June — a trio whose combined tenure on the Madison campus stretched past 120 years and shaped the school in ways still visible today.

The psychologist who got faculty out of their offices and into the garden

Edward Domber, a professor emeritus of psychology, died June 23 at 84. A 1967 Drew alum, he came back to teach at his own alma mater in 1971 and stayed more than 35 years. Domber studied behavioral psychology and led research into Drew's pioneering laptop program — the university was the first liberal arts college in the country to hand every incoming student a laptop, starting in 1988. He later served as associate dean, but colleagues remember him just as much for organizing campus gardening groups that pulled faculty and staff outside together.

The Shakespeare scholar who helped bring the plays to life, off the page

Frank Occhiogrosso, a professor emeritus of English, died June 24 at 82. He joined Drew in 1970 and taught for more than four decades as a Shakespeare scholar, publishing two essay collections and working as dramaturg for the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, which performs right on Drew's campus. He collected three of the university's top teaching honors along the way, including Scholar-Teacher of the Year.

The professor who quite literally changed the curriculum — and the paychecks

Nadine "Nicky" Ollman, a professor emeritus of English, died June 27 at 86. She arrived at Drew in 1967 and stayed 47 years, the longest run of the three, teaching 18th-century literature through Jane Austen, the Brontës and the fairy tale. Beyond the classroom, she's credited with creating Drew's women's studies minor and winning salary equity for women faculty — the kind of legacy that outlasts a syllabus.

No public memorial services have been announced for any of the three as of Friday. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's season continues through December at the Kirby Theatre on Drew's campus, 36 Madison Ave.