Linda was a tireless advocate, unwavering and passionate in her commitment to EVC. She was a supremely generous woman, giving of her ideas, her time, and her resources — and always for the wellbeing of others. She was committed above all to ensuring our students — particularly the most disadvantaged and marginalized — would have the opportunities and support they needed to grow into their fullest potential. For her, this meant not just fighting for better schools, but for healthier communities, and for the radical vision of a more just and humane society.
Dedicated to advancing equity and social justice through education for over thirty years, Linda was formerly a professor of special education and museum education, and associate dean of the Graduate Faculty at Bank Street College of Education. After she stopped teaching, she never really retired, remaining active at Bank Street, and on boards at EVC, and Grey Matters and elsewhere. As she once said, “What would I do if I retired? I can’t imagine not being a part of the progressive educational community that’s been the center of my life.”
Whatever the challenge on our Board — whether it was creating a strategic plan, improving our marketing, raising funds, finding new space, bringing people to a student documentary screening — she always threw herself into it 1,000 percent. She was a consummate connector, hosting screenings and “friendraiser” gatherings in her home. She found great delight in making introductions and bringing her vast network of friends and colleagues together to create new synergy and more effective partnerships to get things done.
Linda’s smile was as radiant as her determination was unshakeable. She brought to her work a warmth, a sense of hope and possibility, a great spirit of community and a profound love of people. She touched the lives of everyone around her. She will be deeply missed, and always remembered.