Dr. Kathleen M. Cook April 10th, 1968 - October 30th, 2013 “She gave us freedom to be angry, strong, weak, creative, confused, lost and loved every step of the way” -Carrie Wicks
Kathy Cook helped make UVM a welcoming place for everyone Dr. Kathleen Cook’s legacy at UVM began 24 years ago and will continue on as members of the UVM community remember her inspirational disposition and kind spirit. Known more fondly as “Kathy” among her friends and colleagues, the 45-year-old associate director for Residenwound in her South Prospect Street home that caught on Cook began what would become a long stay at UVM when she completed her bachelor’s degree in 1991, followed by her master’s of education in 1995 and then her doctorate in education in 2010, according to a University“Kathy approached her work with students and student organizations with an infectious vitality that challenged individuals to learn from their experience while also building communities within UVM,” Director of Student Life Pat Brown said. “Her friendliness and approachability was a pure invitation to students to seek her counsel. As a colleague and friend she will be missed.” Cook was a Student Affairs staff member for the past 16 years. Before she was the associate director for Residential Life, she worked in the Department of Student Life as the assistant director for leadership programs, Brown said. As president of the Inter Residential Association (IRA), senior Joe Oteng said he was able to work with Cook at various IRA events and often talked with her on campus. Oteng said Cook was highly involved with and passionate about solving racial issues that occurred between Resident Assistants and campus residents. “From a student perspective, I think her legacy will be in challenging students to think about how they relate to students of color in a predominantly white community like UVM, and how questions of identity and race can con-
tribute to a better living community for everyone,” he said. In fact, Vice President for Executive Operations Gary that Cook’s dissertation for her doctorate was titled “Diward or Backward in their Racial Identity Development.” feels Cook truly embraced her position as associate director, and was able to make a positive impact on everyone she worked with because of that. “She gave us freedom to be angry, strong, weak, creative, confused, lost and loved every step of the way,” and created...she was an innovated [sic] leader and woman. I admired her, we all did.” Cook’s professional achievements did not stop at Residential Life. She was also the Area Coordinator for FirstIn their letter, Sullivan and Stevens extended condolences to the University community as well as to Cook’s family, friends and colleagues. “A devoted educator, mentor, colleague, and friend, Kathy touched the lives of many students, staff, and faculty,” the Oct. 31 email read. “Her absence will be felt profoundly across the University.” Following a status update on the University of Vermont Facebook page relaying the email sent by Sullivan and Stevens, multiple people responded by sharing their feelings and condolences. “So sad to hear this news. Kathy was such a nice person. She has done a lot of good for UVM and students. A memorial service will be held for Cook at 4 p.m. Nov. 6 in Ira Allen Chapel. By Katy Cardin
The Vermont Cynic W e d n e s d a y, N o v e m b e r 6 , 2 0 1 3 – Vo l u m e 1 3 0 I s s u e 11 | B u r l i n g t o n , Ve r m o n t