Marina Bravo
Staff Writer
A legacy is what professor of music Reed Gratz has left etched into the history of the University of La Verne. After 48 years of being a Leo, Gratz is retiring and saying his final goodbys in the best way he knows how.
On Tuesday, the University of La Verne Academy Lecture Series introduced Gratz to deliver his last lecture titled “My Last Mini Recital” in La Fetra Auditorium.
About 150 attended to see and hear his send off, including longtime colleagues, friends, students and family members.
Gratz added his own unique twist to the lecture series: he played piano along with other musicians, performing a small jazz set that featured original pieces.
Alongside Gratz was ULV alumni Tom Moese on violin, Jon Rothe on guitar, longtime friend Arnold Jacks on stand-up bass and Gratz’ son and 2024 ULV alumnus Joachim Marcus Gratz de Lang.
Before the music began, Gratz was introduced by Jonathan Reed, professor of philosophy and religion, who had nothing but heartfelt things to say about Gratz and the legacy he leaves behind.
Reed highlighted that Gratz was one of the few people in the University’s history to be awarded both the Excellence of Teaching Award, the Ellsworth Johnson Service Award and membership to the La Verne Academy. More importantly, Gratz was the very reason for the renovation of the Morgan Auditorium, Reed said.
“He is the ideal faculty member,” Reed said.
Reed continued to share and speak upon the legacy that Gratz has built at ULV, which was also evident among his admirers in the auditorium.
Gratz and his band played a total of six original pieces composed by Gratz, all of which were named after places he has been to and have had meaning to him and phrases. “Bitez,” “Kuala Lumpur,” “Wit Haar Zachte Wind” meaning white hair and soft wind in Dutch, “Crescent Bay,” “Indiana River” and “Yo Quiero el Púlpito.”
Throughout his performance, Gratz spoke and shared stories and fond memories of his time here, going back to his start at the University in 1977. He highlighted moments he’s shared with many notable faculty members past and present, many of whom were in the audience.
Gratz talked about former College of Arts and Sciences Dean John Gingrich and beloved ULV football coach Roland Ortmayer. He shared how when he had first started working at La Verne, Ortmayer knocked on his door and asked him to be the wrestling coach. Gratz had been a college wrestler.
“How could I say no to the legend?” Gratz said.
Gratz said he followed in his father, Jim Gratz’s, footsteps. Jim Gratz had been athletic director at Manchester College in Indiana. Reed Gratz coached wrestling and later tennis for a time at ULV.
Many who know Gratz note his humility. He speaks through his art and performance. During his talk, he highlighted the many people that impacted him.
Gratz’ final piece received hearty applause.
“I want to highlight how eloquent and how generous (Gratz) is both musically and as a person,” violinist Moese said. “(Gratz) would never shine a spotlight on himself – so it’s up to us to shine the spotlight on him.”
Faculty members and longtime friends shared their favorite memories with Gratz and the knowledge he has shared.
Guitarist Rothe shared a piece of advice from Gratz that has stuck with him throughout his musical career.
“Don’t worry about your CD being purchased by the world…in other words be true to your music,” Rothe said.
Music professor Jason Lo shared how welcoming Gratz was when he first started at the University in 2022. Lo said that his personality was just as incredible as his ability to perform.
“I’m just grateful to be a fellow faculty team member and to be on the same roster as (Gratz),” Lo said.
The celebration of Gratz’ ULV career will continue at 6 p.m. Sunday in Morgan Auditorium, when the music department will host a tribute concert to Gratz.
Marina Bravo can be reached at marina.bravo@laverne.edu.
Marina Bravo is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations. She is arts editor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times, and has previously served as a staff writer and photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine. She enjoys going to live shows and everything spooky.
Olivia Russo is a senior journalism major with a concentration in print/online journalism and a minor in criminology. She is the Editor-in-Chief for the Campus Times for Spring 2026. She has previously served as the News Editor, LV Life Editor, a photographer and a staff writer for the Campus Times, as well as a staff writer and photographer for La Verne Magazine.
