Joe Seipel’s Passing
Joseph Henry Seipel ’70, age 76, passed away peacefully at home on June 12, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lidvina and Roman Seipel, and brother, Don Seipel. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Suzanne; daughter, whom he absolutely adored, Chloe Callahan (Mikey); grandchildren, Joseph Roman “J.R.” and Owen Sean Callahan; sister, Marlene Jagodinski (Ron); brother, Ken Seipel (Rose Marie), sister-in-law, Mary Seipel; and 15 nieces and nephews.
A fixture in the local art scene, Joe had an incredible impact throughout his 42 year career at Virginia Commonwealth University. During his 17-year stint as professor and chairman, Joe led the sculpture department to its number one MFA sculpture program ranking by U.S. News and World Report. Later, in his five years as dean of the School of the Arts, he led VCUarts to its highest ranking ever, and was instrumental in the concept, planning, and fundraising for the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA), an artistic educational and cultural center for both the students of VCU and Richmonders at large. His many accolades include a Life Time Achievement Award for Sculpture Education from the International Sculpture Center; 2012 Theresa Pollak Lifetime Achievement Award; University of Wisconsin, School of Education, Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award; and 2018 Person of the Year by the Richmond Times Dispatch, among others.
