Teacher – Author

The phrase “its never too late” aptly describes the varied career that has gained you the reputation as a provocative critic of education and a perceptive author. You had been a teacher for 14 years and a mother for six when you returned to college in 1944 at Beloit. Encouraged by Professor Chad Walsh, you completed “Mrs. Foley, God Bless Her!” — a book based on your childhood family life and nearly 40 years in the making. Concerned with public education as you saw it in the subsequent 21 years of teaching, and fearful that school children where being short-changed, you authored the controversial To Hell With the Kids, which was listed among 1968’s outstanding books on education. Your recent Small Town Wisconsin delves into the social problems and past of your home community of Wautoma. A popular panelist and lecturer, you have contributed to civic betterment as a past president of the League of Women Voters, YWCA board member, and Y-Teens sponsor, and through the Business and Professional Women’s Club and the Rock County Mental Health Association. In view of these distinctive accomplishments and special services, it is with pride and appreciation that Beloit College awards you this Distinguished Service Citation.