Margaret Sutherland Weatherspoon

Margaret Sutherland Weatherspoon is being honored in the Plaza of Heroines by her children and grandchildren for her generosity in supporting possibilities through education. Margaret Sutherland graduated from Iowa State College in 1935, majoring in Home Economics Education. She practiced her profession by teaching in Iowa schools for three years. Margaret Sutherland married James Weatherspoon in 1938. Margaret and James lived in Johnston, Iowa, where James was a research statistician for Pioneer Hybrid International. Together they raised four daughters and a son. Margaret contributed her skills within the home and remained active in her profession by participating in Iowa Women's Farm Bureau, the 4-H Clubs of Iowa, and serving on the Board Of Directors for Calvin Manor Retirement Community as well as numerous other community boards and committees. Margaret served as a role model for her four daughters as they pursued career goals and actively supports the education of her eight grandchildren. Each daughter has earned at least one graduate degree, her oldest granddaughter has obtained a master's degree, one granddaughter is working toward a law degree and four other grandchildren are working toward their bachelors degree while the youngest grandchildren look toward the future from the sixth and ninth grade. Margaret and her husband James realized the good fortune of a college education and sought to help others realize possibilities in their life though the same opportunity. Together they supported Iowa State University through contributions supporting the academic program and the athletic program. Special attention was given to increasing possibilities for women through scholarships for women athletes and for women pursuing career opportunities in Science and Engineering. Scholarship programs have also been established in another university for adult men and women who have faced hardships but desire to improve their skills. Additional moneys have been given to support colleges providing increased opportunities for minority students. Margaret currently lives in the Green Hills Retirement Community in Ames, Iowa. Recently celebrating her 81st birthday, she continues not only to provide possibilities for others but to realize opportunities for personal growth. She has traveled to all continents of the world and has visited over one hundred countries. She recently completed the fall session of Senior School at Iowa State University and serves as a governor on the Iowa State Foundation. Through her talent and generosity, Margaret has contributed to improve the lives of many. We salute her courage, determination, spirit and wisdom and give her our thanks.

12/7/94

Paver Inscription:

"Margaret Ruth
Sutherland
Weatherspoon"