CRLA Loses Dedicated Member Karen G. Smith

Karen G. Smith, the University Director of the Rutgers University Learning Resource Centers, and longtime CRLA
member, passed away on Saturday, October 13, 2001. Karen was a true practitioner who operated at one time in most roles and functions of learning assistance and developmental education. Karen had the distinction of having designed, developed and directed comprehensive learning assistance centers in three unique and different universities: Rutgers The State University of New Jersey which operates in the north, central and south of the state; Tulane University, which is a selective private university in the south; and New Mexico State University, which is a state land-grant institution.

Because of her extensive experience in designing and developing learning support programs, Karen served as a consultant for several colleges and universities in the design of new programs or the consultation and evaluation of existing programs. Her experiences also led to the development of a publication, "Starting a Learning Assistance Center," co edited by Karen, Frank Christ and Rick Sheets, written for CRLA and published by H&H Publishers.
Karen was a long-time member of the College Reading and Learning Association, and she served the organization in many roles, including president. One of her proudest achievements was recognition by her peers in CRLA in 1988 with the Long and Outstanding Service Award. Karen was very proud of the development and growth of the CRLA Special Interest Groups program, which was one of her initiatives. Karen's most recent role was as the CRLA archivist and member of the editorial boards for the CRLA Journal of College Reading and Learning and NCLCA's The Learning Assistance Review.

Karen's death leaves many at a loss. Her family will certainly know the depths of Karen's devotion to CRLA and our
admiration of her when they read the many cards that were written for her during the conference in Spokane. CRLA has lost a great friend and mentor.

Reprinted with permission from CRLA Newsletter, Fall 2001, Volume XXV, Issue 1, p.1