Ann Ness, age 83, died on June 30 in Northfield. Ann worked at Carleton for 25 years, beginning as a secretary in College Relations in 1982. She became the Interim Director of Career Planning in 1985; the permanent director in 1986; and then the Associate Director of the Career Center from 1989 to 2007. Ann cared deeply about every student, colleague, and alum with whom she worked, offering her encyclopedic knowledge and support to all.
In her work with students, Ann set high expectations and offered careful and detailed coaching — whether the student was preparing a resume, planning a year of service, writing a personal statement for grad school, or practicing for a Fulbright interview. She was an early champion of alumni shadowing and funding for internships years before that became more common.
Ann was a lifelong learner both professionally and personally. She enjoyed connecting with colleagues at statewide conferences and meetings and was generous in sharing her expertise and knowledge. She cherished the value of education and hard work and was candid and direct — attributes which stemmed from her profound concern for each person. After Carleton, Ann went on to work at St Catherine University’s Career Development office where she continued to live her values helping students.
Please follow this link to read Ann’s full obituary. All are welcome to attend a celebration of her life on August 1st, 2023 at 11am, hosted by St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield, MN.
Comments
Ann was one of the first staff people I got to know well when I arrived at Carleton. She was so dedicated to career counseling. She'd come to our senior seminar each fall and offer students tons of information, assistance, and feedback. I really enjoyed working with her.
I am sorry to hear about Ann's passing. When I first began teaching at Carleton, Ann audited my Sociology of Work and Occupations course. Ann helped the class come alive. She asked great questions, participated in group discussions, and offered wise advice to the students. I cherish those memories of Ann. She was a wonderful colleague and friend.
Ann was my first American 'boss' when I arrived in Northfield in 1986. Although I was entirely unfamiliar with the American work culture, and did not even know the meaning of words like 'resume' and 'internship', Ann immediately had great faith in me, and this really moved me. She taught me much, was patient with me, and guided me through the work and the role of the Career Center within the Carleton education. I stayed only for two years before I moved to the Office of Off-Campus Studies at Carleton, but as we both remained part of the Carleton and Northfield communities, she continued to share her wisdom and insights with me whenever we met. Our last conversation was in 2019. Anne inquired about my daughters, and as I told her about their chosen career paths, she immediately released a list of names of people she knew working in those fields and offered to connect them. That's what Ann did, on and off the job, always ready to help others on their journey.
Ann & I met at Bible Camp during High School years; spent a semester as roommates at Gustavus,where she worked at the Library; more recently we connected at a St Olaf Christmas Concert, in which my grandson participated, and she was a surprise at the celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary.
I'm so sorry it took this long to discover Ann's obituary.
My heartfelt sympathy to her family & and friends, who are missing her, too. - carol