April 25, 2016  

Former Purdue employee inspires community-wide walk for literacy

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University's College of Education will celebrate a former employee's dedication to children and to literacy on Wednesday (April 27) at the Elizabeth Hopper Walk for Literacy.

Hopper, then-director of targeted professional development of the college's Center for Literacy Education and Research, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2013 while working toward her doctorate in literacy and language education. She died in June 2015 at the age of 36.

Christine Ankerberg, director of advancement in the College of Education, said the Elizabeth Hopper Walk for Literacy will raise money for the Elizabeth Hopper Memorial Scholarship.

Holding the walk on the same day as Purdue's Day of Giving speaks to Hopper's commitment to literacy and children, Ankerberg said.

"It is only appropriate that we would celebrate Beth's life and her commitment to students on this year's Day of Giving," she said. "As Purdue launched its Ever True campaign this fall, the Elizabeth Hopper Memorial Scholarship will not only honor her legacy, but also empower the college and Purdue to fulfill its commitment to placing students first."­­

Maryann Santos, dean of the College of Education, said Hopper embodied the qualities the College of Education seeks to cultivate in all of its students.

"Her desire to see all children thrive as readers and writers was apparent to everyone who knew her," she said. "Beth's commitment to literacy is shared by the College of Education: a belief that all of the children of all of the people continue to receive a quality education that includes the ability to read and write independently."

The walk is free and open to the public by registration. Participants in the walk will meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday near Loeb Fountain at Founders Park. The walk begins at 11:30 a.m., following a path north to Faith West Community Center, 1920 Northwestern Ave., where the college will celebrate Hopper's life and contribution to literacy.

For those who participate in the walk, shuttles back to Purdue's campus will be available until 2 p.m. Those not participating can still donate to the scholarship. 

Writer: Brian L. Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu

Source: Kristyn Childres, 765-494-0568, kristyn@purdue.edu 

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