Oliver Ludwig III, Villanova chemistry professor since '68

Oliver G. Ludwig III "was notorious for being a tough grader" as a Villanova University science teacher, George Beschen wrote in an appreciation of his uncle.

Dr. Ludwig even "would tag spelling errors in chemistry papers," Beschen wrote.

But he "took exception to being told he flunked students: 'I have never flunked anyone - they flunked themselves.' "

As if in agreement, Beschen said, former students described him on a Facebook tribute page at his death as "a caring, compassionate man."

On Sunday, July 18, Dr. Ludwig, 74, of Radnor, an associate professor of chemistry at Villanova since 1968, died of complications from myelodysplastic syndrome at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

In a way, beyond the classroom Dr. Ludwig was ahead of his time.

At the 1972 Munich Olympics, Frank Shorter won the gold medal in the marathon, an achievement that the organization USA Track and Field has credited with sparking the popularity of distance running in the States.

But the pudgy 30-year-old Dr. Ludwig had taken up jogging in 1965, shed 40 pounds, and kept at it for 40 years.

He began running on a track at the University of Notre Dame, where from 1963 to 1968 he was assistant professor of chemistry and where he helped begin the computer science program.

After Dr. Ludwig joined the faculty, he typically jogged two to three miles five days a week, Beschen said.

At Villanova, Dr. Ludwig did not strive to become a full professor because, his nephew said, "he apparently was content to remain an associate professor, teaching undergrads."

In 1969, he became adviser to what is now the Sigma Nu fraternity and held a beef roast for members each Memorial Day for 33 years. He was editor-in-chief of its twice-a-year newsletter.

Born in Philadelphia, Dr. Ludwig grew up in Mayfair and, his nephew said, graduated first in his Class of 1953 at Northeast Catholic High School. He was named to its alumni hall of fame in 2001.

Dr. Ludwig earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry at Villanova in 1957 and a doctorate in chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University in 1962.

The National Science Foundation awarded him a postdoctoral fellowship to Cambridge University for the 1962-63 academic year. He was a senior researcher in theoretical chemistry there and a member of the mathematical laboratory.

The Philadelphia section of the American Chemical Society gave him its 2007 Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in Chemical Science.

Dr. Ludwig is survived by a brother, Richard; sisters Mimi Weinmann, Elizabeth Ann Beschen, and Virginia Capitolo; and 17 nieces and nephews.

Visitation was set for 9 a.m. Monday, July 26, at the campus church of St. Thomas of Villanova, where a Funeral Mass is to be celebrated at 11.