In Memoriam

To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.
Anatole France (1844-1924)

These colleagues and leaders in Developmental Education and Learning Assistance who passed away have left us the legacies of their dreams and actions.

Gene Beckett (1946-2009) NADE President-elect 1994-95; NADE President 1995-96; longtime member of the Ohio Association for Developmental Education (OADE) and the National Association for Developmental Education; former President of OADE; member of the NADE 2010 Conference Planning Team. "Gene was an enthusiastic person and a moving force in the development of the OADE organization." Kathleen Buttermore, NADE 2010 Conference Chair

Kathy Carpenter (1941-2009) ACDEA/CLADEA Fellow inducted in 2001; first president of the Heartland Chapter of CRLA; CRLA Treasurer 1990-1992; CRLA President 1997; member of the NADE/CRLA Blue Ribbon Commission. "She was my colleague, mentor, friend, cheerleader, and confidant… I loved how she tapped into people's potential and helped make them shine." Russ Hodges, CLADEA Chair

Harold "Harry" Hild (1941-2009) One of the Founders of NAR/DSPE and NADE; NAR/DSPE Vice President 1979-82; NADE President-elect 1986-87; NADE President 1987-88; retired Emeritus Professor at Northeastern Illinois University. "Professor Hild was my guide through Lit and Writing 101. What a great teacher." Brian Kilmnick, Palatine, Illinois

Gene Kerstiens (2009) Founding Fellow of ACDEA in 2000; one of CRLA's founding members and fifth president in 1971-72, president-elect and conference chair in 1971; longtime leader and mentor in Developmental Education; Director of Andragogy Associates and co-author of the Study Behavior Inventory. "If I were to sum up Gene's professional life…I would use the following words: collegial, intellectually challenging, mentor, author, editor, administrator, researcher, critic, and above all, a colleague and for many in developmental education and learning assistance, a caring friend." Frank Christ, LSCHE

Martha Maxwell (2009) Over a 50-year career, a scholar and pioneer in Developmental Education; Founder of student learning centers at the American University, the University of Maryland, and the University of California at Berkeley; inspiration for the ACDEA/CLADEA Fellows program; Founding ACDEA Fellow in 2000. "There are seven persons named Martha Maxwell: counselor, teacher, academic advisor, reading and learning disabilities specialist, researcher, administrator, and perennial student. I think there are a few other roles. Cheerleader ought to be included." Martha Maxwell, in her own words

Vashti Muse (1933-2010) NADE President, 1991-1992; NADE Conference Chair, 2000; Recipient of the NADE Award for Outstanding Service to Developmental Education, 1999.  Mrs. Muse, wife of Hinds Community College President Dr. Clyde Muse, was a pioneer in developmental education at Hinds Community College.  During her more than 30-year association with Hinds students, she received many awards and recognitions.  In April 2010, the Mississippi Legislature presented a joint resolution recognizing her impact on education in the State of Mississippi.  Vashti taught reading throughout her career and worked tirelessly behind the scenes with the Mississippi Association for Developmental Education (MADE) and NADE.  At the time of her death, she was serving a second term as MADE President.  In addition to her dedication to students, she shared her love of music with others.  She loved John Phillip Sousa marches and, as a former high school drum major, she was a major supporter of the Hinds band program.  In December 2010, Hinds named its band hall, the Vashti Underwood Muse Band Hall, in her honor. “I …always think of Vashti as a lovely, caring southern lady.  She was the first NADE President that I served with on the NADE Board, and that initial perception was never dispelled.” Gladys Shaw, former NADE Treasurer

Mildred Steele (1924-2010) NADE Secretary 1988-1990; longtime English faculty member at Des Moines Area Community College, Drake University, and Central College, where she retired in 1990.  In 1976, she was one of 11 English professors nationwide honored for “outstanding undergraduate teaching” by Change magazine. NADE published her 20-year research study of college student persistence. “Mildred was a kind, gentle person who loved ALL of us she met through NADE.” Nancy Carriuolo, former NADE President

William "Bill" White, Jr. (1947-2009) Nominated by NADE and inducted posthumously as a CLADEA Fellow in 2009; Professor of Educational Leadership and mentor to many graduate students at Grambling State University; 20+ year NADE member. "His work has probably brought more doctoral level professionals into the field of learning assistance and developmental education than anyone else in the country." Hunter Boylan, Director, NCDE