Dates

• Majority of material found within 1928 - 2017

Extent

2 boxes Linear Feet (This collection includes information collected by and written about Nancy J. Newkerk (September 10, 1928-June 23, 2017) who worked at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in Indiana, Pennsylvania. A native of Liberty, New York, she was the daughter of Dr. Jay O. and Laura (Rutan) Newkerk. Nancy J. Newkerk graduated from Liberty High School and received her bachelor’s degree in music education from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. She started her career as an elementary music teacher in Goshen, N.Y. After five years in the classroom, she entered a graduate program at Syracuse University and earned a master’s degree in student affairs administration. Upon graduation from Syracuse, Nancy Newkerk served as the Dean of Women at Indiana University of Pennsylvania for 10 years (1957-1967). She left IUP in 1967 and spent 11 years as an Admissions Officer at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York. During those years, she lived near her parents and cared for them until their deaths. She returned to IUP in 1978 and served as Associate Dean of Admissions until her retirement in 1994. In addition to her professional work, Nancy Newkerk was active in many civic organizations. She served on the boards of the Indiana County Hospice and Grace Manor, a senior living complex. She was an active member of the Carol Teti Memorial Organ Scholarship Committee (Record Group 84) and the Zonta International Scholarship Committee. Nancy Newkerk was a long-time member and past president of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and of PEO, a philanthropic educational organization. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and sang with the church choir for more than 40 years as well as serving on various church committees. An avid sports fan, Nancy Newkerk was a regular at IUP home football and basketball games. She joined other IUP retirees to mentor and oversee the academic progress of freshman student athletes. For her dedication to IUP athletics and to student athletes, Nancy Newkerk was inducted as an honorary member of the IUP Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. She was recognized for her professional achievement with the IUP President’s Medal of Distinction in 2009, the highest non-degree honor awarded by the university. Donate to the Carol Teti Organ Scholarship and Nancy J. Newkerk Student Affairs in Higher Education Scholarship. This collection includes awards, documents, family materials, memorabilia, photographs, pewter gifts, and personal items belonging to and documenting the life and career of Nancy J. Newkerk. This collection was donated by Ruth Riesenman in 2017-2018.)

Language of Materials

English