In memoriam

Professor Emerita of English Dr. Nancy Huse died on Aug. 31, 2019. She was 81. She earned degrees from Caldwell College and Duquesne University and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Chicago. In 1972, she began her 40-year college teaching career at Augustana. She married the late Dr. Dale Huse, professor emeritus of English, in Ascension Chapel in 1973.

Dr. Nancy Huse helped start the Women’s Studies program at Augustana in 1985. She was an outspoken advocate for social, women’s and children’s justice programs as a member of the Board of Directors of the Young Women’s Christian Association and a United Way committee member. She also was a committee co-chair at Family Resources, Inc., Davenport, and an advisory board member for domestic violence shelters.

Academically, Dr. Huse had a great interest in children’s literature and served as president of the Children’s Literature Association and as a board member of the International Research Society of Children’s Literature. She was a published author, including books about American writer and journalist John Hersey.

Sister Marilyn Ring, O.S.B., of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, died on Sept. 15, 2019. She was 88. Sister Marilyn served as Augustana’s associate chaplain and coordinator of Catholic ministries from 1995-2012, ministering to hundreds of students.

“During her years as associate chaplain, Sister Marilyn modeled the best of the Roman Catholic tradition: deeply contemplative and passionate about social justice,” said the Rev. Richard Priggie ’74, campus chaplain. “She was also down to earth and loads of fun. What a privilege to have known her!”

She attended University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Notre Dame. Sister Marilyn entered the Benedictine community on Sept. 19, 1948, and made her final profession as a Benedictine sister on June 24, 1955. Her ministry including teaching at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Illinois State University before coming to Augustana.