In Memoriam—Professor Zug Standing Bear, PhD

AAFS General Section Retired Fellow Zug G. Standing Bear, PhD,  passed away at his home in Divide, CO, on March 18, 2025. He was a renowned criminologist, forensic scientist, and professor in criminal justice. He was deeply admired and respected by his colleagues, students, family, and friends. 

Zug joined the Academy in 1981 and was awarded Fellow Status in 1986. He became a Retired Fellow in 2006. He was highly regarded by the membership for his role in the Student Academy and sparking the interest of young men and women in the various careers in the forensic sciences. He was well known for his presentations and writings about ethics associated with law enforcement, criminal justice, and the police sciences. A perusal of "rate the professor" websites of the colleges and universities where he taught confirms that he was revered by his students. They praised his thought-provoking lectures and remarked how he motivated their careers by sharing his life experiences. Many students mentioned his sense of humor that he sprinkled into the serious subjects of criminal justice and law enforcement, and boasted that they actually competed for a seat in his classroom.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia (Red Hawk) Lynch (Retired Fellow, Forensic Nursing Science Section), who shared his life for 37 years.