Karlem "Ducky" Riess, left, who participated in Tulane commencement ceremonies for decades, got assistance with his robe in preparation for a commencement processional from Lester Lefton, provost, and John Perdew, physics professor.

Karlem Riess, emeritus professor of physics and an icon of Tulane University, passed away in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He was 92.

Riess, who was rescued from rising water with his sister from their Audubon Street home, had been ill and was in a particularly fragile state, said Martha Sullivan, former Tulane vice president of student affairs and Riess' longtime colleague and friend. Sullivan, who has been in touch with Riess' family, said that he died in transit to an evacuation center in Shreveport, La. Plans for services are pending.

Sullivan termed Riess as "among the most beloved figures in Tulane's history." He received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Tulane in 1933 and a master's degree in math from Tulane in 1935. After earning a doctorate from Brown University in 1943, he returned to Tulane that year to join the faculty of the physics department.

He served 38 years as faculty advisor to the Interfraternity Council, and after his retirement from the liberal arts and sciences faculty in 1983, joined the office of student affairs. He remained actively involved with the national honor society Phi Beta Kappa and was the main advisor to Omicron Delta Kappa, the honorary leadership society. In addition, he continued to be active in his own fraternity, Phi Kappa Sigma, as well as a number of other honorary fraternities.

Riess also served as university marshal at Tulane commencement exercises for 25 years. In 1998, Omicron Delta Kappa honored Riess yet again by creating an award in his honor that recognizes outstanding leadership in Greek life. In 2002, Riess received the Tulane President's Medal for outstanding service to the university.

Known fondly as "Ducky" by students, friends and colleagues, Riess had an incredible ability to connect with students, said Sullivan.

"He had a remarkable memory and he never forgot a name or a face or a detail about a person," she said. "He had this wonderful way of knowing about people and their families and the achievements of each student."

Funds are currently being raised to name a "significant" conference room in the revamped university center in Riess' honor, said Sullivan, who is currently working on special projects with Yvette Jones, senior vice president for external affairs.

"People have been writing letters with their contributions that state what a tremendous influence Ducky has been in their lives," said Sullivan.