Class: 1968
Major: History
Deceased: February 15, 2009
Alumni survivors: Mrs. John Gilmer ’65 (Sibling)
A memorial service was held on Friday, April 24, 1990 to celebrate the life of community education leader Dr. Marilyn Kerns. She was the beloved daughter of a Burdelle Kerns of Sun City Arizona, and the late Willis A. Kerns; dear sister of Bradley Kerns of Phoenix, AZ and Kathleen Kerns (John) Gilmer of Inverness, IL; dear aunt of Todd and Brett Gilmer. Born on April 25, 1946, she passed away February 15, 2009 in her home in St. Paul, MN. Marilyn’s career in Community Education spanned more than a quarter of a century. She shared her passion and intelligence with community Education professionals and students around the world. She was an active leader, thoughtful debater, and talented writer. She was considered one of the foremost Community Education leaders in the nation. Her achievements include serving s president of both the Minnesota Community Education Association and the National Community Education Association. She led Minnesota’s visioning process for Community Education. She authored a manual on school/community partnerships as well as a History of Community Education in Minnesota. She worked with the National Council of State Community Education Associations to promote leadership at the state level. In recognition of her work, she earned many awards. The most prestigious were the MCEA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001 and the NCEA Hall of Fame in 2007. She will be greatly missed by her Community Education family and friends, but her legacy will remain for decades to come. Marilyn Kerns graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, Carleton College in Northfield, MN, and Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. A dedicated educator, Dr. Kerns started her career in Tennessee as a high school teacher. Later, she ran a community center in New Mexico. Upon returning to her home state she earned her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. In Minnesota, she served as the Assistant Director of Community Education for the Roseville Area Schools and the Director of Community Education for the South Washington County Schools. From 1987-1998, was the Director of the Community Education Center at the University of St. Thomas. During this time she was promoted Community Education, provided training for both professionals and citizens, consulted with school districts, and taught graduate classes. Please join her family and friends as they celebrate the life of Marilyn that will be held on Friday, April 24, 2009, at Minnehaha Methodist Church, 3701 E. 50th Street, Minneapolis, MN, at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow. Inurnment in Sun City, AZ, will be private. Memorials may be sent to Marilyn Kerns MCEA Leadership Fund, Minnesota Community Education Association.
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