Dr. Ivan M. Stone of Beloit, who died in 1971, had a distinguished career spanning more than four decades as a professor of government and dean at Beloit College. He also was widely known as an international affairs expert, having served as an officer of the U.S. State Department, both in Washington, D.C. and in Europe, including service as a member of the State Department delegation in San Francisco when the United Nations charter was written.

Furthermore, he was long active in Beloit area community civic and business affairs and a well-known speaker. A Beloit Daily News editorial on the occasion of Dean Stone’s death commented about his ideals of good citizenship and of his interest and participation in affairs of the community. “He gave generously of time and talent on behalf of civic and college causes,” the paper stated, and “as much as any man he contributed to mutually beneficial relations between the campus community and townspeople.”

During his long career at Beloit College, from which he retired in 1970, he served as a widely respected and popular teacher and as chairman of both the college’s international relations concentration and government department. He later served for many years as Dean of the College while continuing to teach courses in the government department.

In 1964, when Beloit College expanded its “World Outlook Program,” Dr. Stone was named first director of the school’s Pettibone World Outlook Center. Over many years he conducted numerous seminars in international relations in Europe and directed Beloit student groups in overseas study programs. On his retirement, he was awarded an honorary degree from the College.

A Phi Beta Kappa honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, Professor Stone went on to earn his Master’s degree and his Doctorate from the University of Illinois. He was prominent in many professional organizations including service as President of the North Central Association of Academic Deans and member of the executive councils of the American Society of International Law and the Midwest Political Science Association.

Prior to joining the Beloit faculty, he taught at the Universities of Nebraska, California, and Illinois. Dr. Stone was a frequent and popular speaker before Beloit area civic groups, as well as at national educational and international relations meetings. He was a prominent Rotarian and a Corporator of the Board of the Beloit Savings Bank, as well as active in other community organizations.