Vivian Fleming

Vivian Fleming, 93, beloved Professor of Voice and Music Education at Friends University, died July 1, 2016. Vivian served Friends University for 38 years, first teaching in the non-college division of voice for fourteen years. Later, she instructed voice students full time in the college credit division. Prior to her tenure at Friends University, Vivian served as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma University. She taught for two years in the Wichita public schools. She was also a church soloist and choir director for 44 years; recitalist; oratorio soloist; and opera soloist with Friends University, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, the Galesburg (Illinois) Choral Societies, and many other regional symphonies. She also performed with Music Theatre of Wichita, in its formative years, as Cousin Hebe in “H.M.S. Pinafore”, as well as in the company of “The Student Prince”, “Fiddler on the Roof”, “A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum”, “The Merry Widow”, “The Sound of Music”, and several others.

During the spring semester of 1985, Vivian enjoyed a physical, mental, and spiritual sabbatical while communicating with music graduates in the teaching field. During this time, she was able to visit her son, Bob and his wife Terri in Germany. During her three months there, she had the opportunity to visit other European countries.

Vivian earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Friends University and her Master of Arts in Music Education degree from Oklahoma University. She also conducted post-graduate studies at Colorado University and Wichita State University. She was a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and the Music Educators National Conference. Locally, she had been a member of the Wichita Symphony Chorus and of the Mu Phi Epsilon Alumni Chapter as well as serving on several Friends University committees. As both an alumnus and a long-time member of the faculty, Vivian said, “I have a deep affection for this school and what it stands for.”

Throughout her tenure, Vivian represented Christian ideals. A high level of competence was evident in her teaching. Her enthusiasm and positive spirit coupled with the personal care and compassion for each of her students were strong characteristics of Vivian’s ministry.

Vivian was a member of Wichita Music Club and Mu Phi Epsilon, as well as the faculty advisor for Mu Phi at Friends. She was an alto soloist at First Presbyterian and other churches and contralto soloist for the Christmas Oratorio. Survivors: children, Jarrold Fleming (Tammy), Patricia Mandala, Michael Fleming (Linda), Tomas Fleming (Diane), Jane Collinsworth (Dave), Terri Fleming; siblings, Carolyn Barnett, Ron Newby, Gary Newby, Bruce Newby, Marilyn Sulak, Roger Newby; 26 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; son, Robert II; 6 brothers and sisters. Viewing: 3-8pm Wednesday, Culbertson-Smith Mortuary, 115 S. Seneca. Graveside service: 10am Thursday, July 7, Old Mission Cemetery with memorial service at 2pm, First Presbyterian Church, 501 N. Broadway. Memorials are established with First Presbyterian Church Choir and Friends University Music Department.