It is with profound sadness that I inform the campus community that Karen M. Dutt-Doner, PhD, professor of teacher education, died over the weekend. Karen was hospitalized this weekend and passed away after a brief illness. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her family.
Karen joined our faculty in 2005 as associate professor and was promoted to professor in 2008. She served as the associate dean of the School of Education and Human Services from 2008-2010 and then returned to the faculty. Karen cared deeply about teaching and incorporating the Jesuit mission in her classes. She especially enjoyed teaching a Freshman Year Seminar course where freshmen observed classes at PS #17 and studied and wrote about social justice issues in education. She also took pride in guiding prospective teachers as they studied real-life problems in the classroom and used research to improve practice.
At the time of her death, Karen was in her second year as a participant in the national Ignatian Colleagues Program. About a month ago, she wrote to me to express her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the program. She wrote:
This program had a significant impact on me both professionally and personally. The opportunity we have to interact with colleagues and other Jesuit institutions provides a wonderful support system across all levels of academic institutions. The time to read, reflect, pray, discuss, think and reconnect with myself has been so beneficial. The expectations and support for incorporating what we learn into our own work kept our work focused. I now have a better understanding of what being a Jesuit institution means.
Karen’s commitment to the mission of the college, to the improvement of education for all, and to her students was apparent throughout her life and career. She will be greatly missed.
Arrangements for Karen are as follows:
Visitation:
Wednesday, March 8 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 9 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home
8630 Transit Road, East Amherst, NY 14051
A memorial service will be held in Christ the King Chapel at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 with a reception to follow.
Karen leaves behind her husband, Todd, and daughters Allison, Megan and Shannon. Let us keep Karen, her family and our colleagues in the Teacher Education Department in our prayers during this very difficult time.
Requiescat in Pace!
Submitted by: The Office of the President
