Walter J. Cohrssen was a Professor of Music at Seton Hall University between 1952 and 1977, as well as a musical composer. Born in 1906 in Germany, Cohrssen would forgo his study in Engineering to pursue the musical career he truly desired. His studies at the Conservatory of Music in Vienna, and later, at the State Academy of Music in Berlin were interrupted by the rise of Hitler's power. Cohrssen fled to France and Italy before arriving in the United States in 1938. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Cohrssen joined the army and was placed in charge of the Italian P.O.W.'s because of his multi-lingual skills. Later, he was assigned to Voice of America, writing and producing radio programs.

Able to complete his studies after the war, Cohrssen graduated summa cum lauda in 1952 from the Academy Santa Cecilia in Rome. Upon promptly returning to the United States, he joined the faculty of Seton Hall University where he remained until 1977. A respected faculty member, Cohrssen received the Bishop McQuaid Medal in 1972. In addition, many of Cohrssen's own musical creations were performed in the U.S. and abroad in Europe. He also served as President of the Composers Group of New York from 1961 to 1965. He was married to Dr. Carla Wormit until her death in 1975. Remarried to Dr. Geraldine Sussman in 1978, Cohrssen resided in Florida until his death on March 27th, 1983.