|
|
Associate Professor Emeritus John W. McLure, 74, passed away February 8, 2009. Remembered as a generalist in Secondary Curriculum at The University of Iowa, McLure helped students envision the interdisciplinary nature of learning and exploring issues in their specialty areas for over 35 years. He published in journals for teachers of science, social studies, English, mathematics, home economics, physical education, counseling, equity, and much more. He made efforts to eliminate sex-role stereotyping in schools, curriculum materials, and national curriculum associations. He kept current on secondary school curriculum by visiting schools as part of North Central Accreditation teams. He worked with middle school science teachers to develop hands-on activities to pique students’ interests in science. McLure’s work also included developing democracy-building curricula for post-Soviet nations in Eastern Europe, surveying the junior high to middle school movement in the upper Midwest, and promoting educational gaming and simulation. His most popular game, Puzzle: A Simulation of a Biographer’s Tasks, helps students learn to do historical research. With the late UI Associate Professor Emeritus David Leslie, he developed an instruction booklet, Exercise for the Elderly, and two television series to bring exercise programs to older adults across Iowa and to help nurses and activity directors to initiate such programs. First published in 1975, the booklet is in its third edition. The cutting-edge program gave physical education a lifelong focus. With proficiency in five languages, McLure had a range of international interests; he served as visiting professor in the Soviet Union and Yucatan, Mexico; he coordinated a program that brought education personnel from Nigeria and other African countries to the UI for intensive training; was active with CIVIC, the Council for International Visitors to Iowa City; and always kept his door open to students. John Njue (PhD ’04) considers himself lucky to have known McLure as his advisor, teacher, and mentor. “The thoughtful guidance Prof. McLure accorded me throughout my doctoral studies was testament to his deep understanding of the challenges that international students face,” Njue said. “His is a relationship I will cherish forever.” McLure’s science interests ranged through archaeology, botany, biology, entomology, geology, mycology, ornithology and paleontology, with most of these reflected in his writings. He was also a published essayist and poet. Before joining the UI College of Education faculty in 1969, McLure taught in junior and senior high schools and had been a school counselor, an assistant principal, and an adult education teacher.
Lowell D. Brandt (BA ‘72/MA ’79), 58, who died December 6, 2008, will be remembered for many things—mainly for his tenacious passion for rehabilitation; his remarkable capacity to balance multiple responsibilities and accomplish positive results; and as a thoughtful, compassionate, and loyal advocate for people with disabilities. Brandt, who spent his 35-year career with the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC), will also be remembered as one of the finest, most innovative wardens in Iowa. “Lowell was the best in the business,” his supervisor, Iowa DOC Deputy Director Larry Brimeyer (MA ’74), said praising Brandt for his accomplishments as warden of the Iowa Medical and Classification Center (IMCC) in Oakdale. Brandt’s goal as an undergraduate student was to become a history teacher. Inspired through his courses in sociology and criminal justice, he decided to pursue a career in corrections rather than teaching. Yet, he always remained connected to education by injecting evidence-based practices that helped IMCC’s education department become Iowa’s first to be accredited and through his service as an advisory board member for The University of Iowa Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Counseling since its inception. His extraordinary career and outstanding service were honored when he was named the program’s 2007 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. Professor Vilia Tarvydas described Brandt as the “backbone” to many of the program’s endeavors. “Lowell represents the very best of our profession,” she said. DOC Re-entry Coordinator Shelly Morelock (MA ‘92) sees Brandt as a role model, mentor, and innovative leader. “Lowell was loyal to helping corrections improve,” she said “He quietly created educational programs and without tooting his own horn helped inmates develop opportunities, be part of their own rehabilitation process, and have hope.” As warden, Brandt was a strong advocate for all those under his responsibility, which included an average inmate population of 900 offenders and a staff of 600 employees. He oversaw everything from maintenance to security to personnel issues and budgeting. “Lowell stands out among wardens as a particularly compassionate, bright person,” said Brimeyer, who passed away on January 19, 2009. “He cared so much about everyone. I admire the quality of his work. He was really a special person.” Memorials may be directed to The University of Iowa Foundation for the Lowell Brandt Scholarship in Rehabilitation Counseling.
Professor Emeritus Gordon Cantor (PhD ’54), 81, died February 7, 2009. For nearly 30 years, he taught child development courses in The University of Iowa’s Educational Psychology program and played an active role in early efforts to protect the rights of human subjects in research. Betsy Riesz (PhD ’81), a former student, said Cantor’s seminar on the development of children’s attitudes about race would be as timely today as it was in the 1970’s. Another former student, Ann Stromquist (PhD ‘89), said Cantor’s enthusiasm was contagious and his lectures riveting. Cantor was a well-known scholar in human development. Assoc. Prof. Don Yarbrough said, “In addition to being highly accomplished and astute, he was generous with his time. In all his interactions, he demonstrated kindness, generosity, and humanity.”
Frances “Fran” Miller, 66, passed away Jan. 24, 2009. Miller was completing her Ph.D. in Social Foundations. As an educator for many years, Miller taught both at the high school and university levels. She also served as a teaching assistant for Associate Professor Scott McNabb where he says Miller was a model. “As a teaching assistant, Fran was admired for the depth of her commitment to the physical, psychological, and academic welfare of her students; as a graduate student she was loved for her honesty, kindness, and diligence in pursuing her Ph.D. in her sixties; as an international educator she provided an extraordinary example of how a doctoral student can choose a dissertation topic that has both personal and academic relevance,” McNabb said. Ryan O’Connor, fellow doctoral student, said he is committed more than ever to persevere in her absence. “Fran modeled purpose, fortitude, charity, and things that do not come with a mold.” Miss Iowa Olivia Myers, one of Miller’s students, agreed. Myers said Miller’s classroom was a model of inclusiveness. “She made sure that every student’s voice was heard. She asked questions and listened carefully. Because of her example, I have a higher standard for myself as a teacher,” she said. McNabb said he hoped in Miller’s memory that we will recommit ourselves to the values she lived by so well—thoughtfulness, commitment, humor, and grace.
|
