| Honored by: | Melvin Larsen |
| Brick location: | H:12 map |
Why do I honor Darlene? First because she's my wife, partner and teacher. As a second-generation Iowa State student, she guided me as a Navy recruit to a vision of life and career. She persevered with a tired track athlete at dances; aided a struggling engineering student in study habits; then married the lowest rate navy seaman, following him across the country.
After the war she taught him how to speak before groups. Then putting aside practice in the field of her 1945 science degree, she gave birth to seven children (Julie Ann died in infancy) and raising six children, all of whom became Iowa State graduates and professionals: Judith Marie, PhD Community College President; Ronald Melvin, MD Psychiatrist; Jacquelyn Kay, PhD Clinical Psychologist; Jennifer Lynn, MD University Medical School Professor; Jenean Darlene, BS MBA Chemical Engineer; Rickard Kent. MD Psychiatrist.
It was only after assuring herself that those children were safely on their way that she thought of her own career by obtaining an MS from ISU in 1968 and a PhD in Education in 1983. Then she served as high school teacher, counselor, school board president and college teacher. She takes great delight in guiding young students helping them answer their questions of future life and careers. That guidance to her delight now includes 17 grandchildren.
Why do I honor her you ask - because of her gift to society her children and a lifetime of companionship and support.
12/20/94