—4— In memoriam: Marjorie M. (Berleman) Kirrie, 1919-2008 Professor Emeritus of English Marjorie (Marge) Kirrie—1995-96 RAPS president and dedicated stickler for correct grammar and word usage in written exposition—lived a full and interesting life. Prof. Kirrie was born Nov. 3, 1919, and died Aug. 6, 2008. While rearing four children, she earned B.A. (1952) and M.A. (1958) degrees at the University of Oregon and taught at Portland’s Grant High School. Concurrently she conducted evening program composition classes at the Portland State Extension Center, the College and University’s forerunner institution. In 1958 Prof. Kirrie joined the English section of PSC’s Humanities Division to teach writing classes. Subsequently, she became director of composition when that course was a graduation requirement. Her appointment coincided with the onset of dramatic institutional growth that featured burgeoning lower division course enrollments—imposing inevitably heavy teaching loads—and establishing the first departments for disciplinary majors, including English. Her participation in teaching and curriculum development contributed significantly to laying the foundation for a comprehensive university. Often she acknowledged that student (and sometimes faculty) responses to her legendary high expectations sometimes generated both fear and affection. Even so, she never hesitated to assist those who sought to raise their personal achievement levels. Over three decades, recognition for her impressive career experience and achievements with language arts and composition at secondary and university levels led to extensive engagements with professional education testing and writing organizations on a statewide and national scale. For example, she served as chief reader for the College Board English Composition Test. The Education Testing Service appointed her as a writer and examiner for composition sections, and the Department of State’s Foreign Service Officers’ examinations program engaged her as a chief reader. She regularly supported educational associations, such as the Advanced Placement Program, as a consultant, conference participant, and speaker for local and regional conferences. In retirement Prof. Kirrie developed an international outreach through teaching and travel. She volunteered as a language tutor for non-English speakers offered by the Oregon Literacy Program and Clackamas Community College. As an early faculty participant in our exchange agreement with Zhengzhou University in China, she offered enthusiastically received English classes that attracted several scholarship holders to continue their studies at PSU. During a leisurely freighter excursion in the southern hemisphere, an illness led to her hospitalization in Brazil. Although the medical staff possessed almost no command of English, Prof. Kirrie communicated well enough to make a full recovery. Prof. Kirrie deployed her writing expertise for the University’s benefit through regular and frequent university-wide committee service on such bodies as the Student Publications Board and a commission to revise the faculty governance constitution. Prof. Kirrie amassed a wide circle of friends across the campus and within our organization. We owe her a profound debt of gratitude for many years of service and exemplary contributions to the University’s intellectual enterprise. Marge’s children, Ian, Heather, Derek, and Rowan Muirden, along with five grandchildren and a growing group of great-grandchildren, survive her. To them our organization, and her many campus community friends, extends its heartfelt sympathy. At her request no memorial service has been held. Contributions in her memory may be sent to the Alzheimers Association, 1650 NW Naito Parkway, Suite 190, Portland OR97209. —Professor Emeritus Victor C. Dahl, with assistance from Professors Emeriti Charles M. White and John R. Cooper
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