Professor Jerry S. Cloyd was an integral part of the sociology department at UNL for over four decades. He was born in Meadow Grove, Nebraska, and briefly attended the University of Nebraska before being inducted into the army during World War II. He served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps until 1945. He published a memoir, A Pilot’s Progress: Flying Across the South in World War II, about his training and its significance to him. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University in 1948 and soon married Audrey Boudeau with whom he had a son, Stephen.

He became a banker and returned to the University of Nebraska where he earned a PhD. Until his retirement, he brought his interest in international thought and theory to many students and colleagues. He worked on a project to bring Chinese thought into American sociology which fascinated him for years. His experiences as a World War II airman, and later as a private pilot, gave rise to many interesting stories that he was happy to share.

Jerry was part of many graduate committees and was a hard-working colleague and teacher, a role he enjoyed greatly. Jerry was a devoted husband and father and his family life held a high priority in his everyday commitments. He will be sorely missed after his long and fulfilling life.