The KSC community mourns the passing of former staffer Whitney Cadmus, who came to the College in 1979, working for the Dean of Student Affairs and eventually the Vice President of Student Affairs as that office and the College grew. She supported the emerging needs of first-year programs and alcohol and substance use education, as well as more complex issues of compliance in higher education. In 1988, after receiving her BS in Management from Keene State, Whitney accepted a position supporting the work now done by the Office of Advancement until her retirement in 2003

“Whitney was a kind colleague, hard-working, reliable, and considerate,” recalled Kim Harkness, director of Human Resources. “But perhaps her greatest legacy is the impact she made on individual students who were mentored by her in both formal and informal ways throughout her career. Whitney set high expectations for herself and for students working with Student Affairs programs, and she always took the time to provide guidance and help to a student in need. She understood the value of the learning that also happens outside the classroom and in our every day work.”

The KSC community was saddened to learn that Alberta “Bea” Patch-Slegaitis ’35 passed away on July 6^th. Ms Patch-Slegaitis had been living in Surf City, NC, and KSC was fortunate to have her on campus for Reunion 2010, where she, as our oldest alum, with Matt Gill ’10 (representing the youngest) and Norma Walker ’51, helped cut the ribbon for the dedication of the Alumni Center.

“She was a wonderful person and a real delight to have with us for her 75^th class reunion that year,” said Patty Farmer ’92, director of Alumni and Parent Relations. “She wrote wonderful poems.”

Read her obituary in the Times Union.

Ms Patch-Slegaitis came from a different era, and it’s interesting to hear what life was like in her day. She contributed her reminisces of the early days at what was then Keene Normal School for Norma Walker’s Memory Book:
Continue reading In Memoriam: Alberta “Bea” Patch-Slegaitis ’35 →

The KSC community is saddened to learn that Effie Wynn Torrey ’40 passed away quietly in her sleep on June 19. Her son was with her.

Effie was one of the seven close friends from the class of 1940 who pledged to keep in touch after they left what was then Keene Teacher’s College. They did so via a round-robin letter that continues to this day, though only two of the original group, Dorothy (Dot) Carruthers and Marion Thorell, are still around to keep the letter going.

Effie was a dedicated alumna, and we’ll miss her charming presence and delightful spirit at Reunion and Golden Circle luncheons.

The Union Leader columnist John Clayton did an article on the round robin circle that appeared in the Fall 2001 issue of Keene State Today.

Following a brave fight against cancer, former Associate Professor of Geography Kristin J Alvarez died peacefully in her sleep. Prof. Alvarez started teaching at KSC in the fall of 1999, earning a reputation as an excellent geography teacher and a leader in social science education, committed to broadening the geography education experience for students. She was also recognized for her integrity, work ethic, and indomitable spirit.

Dr. Alvarez left Keene State College in 2009 when she was offered a signature opportunity at the University of Redlands in California that allowed her to work with a local school district and a brand new high school to infuse geospatial technologies and spatial thinking into the curriculum.

Dr. Alvarez and her family maintained a Caring Bridge page for her. Enter  kristinalvarez in the “Visit a Site” box.

Born with spina bifida, Shirlee Ingalls spent much of her life as an exemplary mother, social activist, and undaunted optimist in a wheelchair. Shirlee, who passed on in late November, was also a longtime Keene student, beginning in 1974 and taking a course or two each year until the fall of 2004.  She took a break for a few years and then enrolled in a class with sociology professor Dr. Margaret Walsh in the spring 2010 semester, so she touched many lives here at KSC. “She was such an inspiration,” Dr. Walsh recalled. Shirlee’s ultimate ambition was to be a licensed social worker.
Continue reading In Memoriam: Shirlee Ingalls →

The KSC community mourns the unexpected passing of Joseph (Joe) Iovieno ’94 M’01 on Friday, August 19. Joe, a Keene resident, had been a figure on campus for many years, both as a student and as an employee. He graduated from Keene State College with a masters degree in human services in December 2001 and started working here  as a painter a month later. Back in 1991 he was a student employee in the psychology lab. Over his 20 years with Keene State, Joe made many friends and was known for his sense of humor, easygoing nature, and love of life.

The KSC community was very saddened to learn of the passing of Carol I. “Kitty” Arsenault on August 12, following a long struggle with cancer.

Kitty had just retired from Keene State College this past spring; she served in several capacities on campus.  She began as the administrative assistant at Wheelock School, where she served as the glue that kept the children, parents, teachers, and principals well informed and organized.  After that, Kitty accepted a position supporting the programs and faculty in Technology, Design, and Safety.  Her amazing organizational skills, critical thinking, sense of humor, and nurturing won everyone’s respect and admiration.
Continue reading In Memoriam: Kitty Arsenault →