Nancy J. Newkerk, 88, died Friday, June 23, 2017, at Indiana Regional Medical Center.
A native of Liberty, N.Y., she was the daughter of Dr. Jay O. and Laura (Rutan ) Newkerk. She graduated from Liberty High School and received her bachelor’s degree in music education from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music.
Nancy started her career as an elementary music teacher in Goshen, N.Y. After five years in the classroom, she entered a graduate program at Syracuse University and earned a master’s degree in student affairs administration.
Upon graduation from Syracuse, Nancy served as dean of women at Indiana University of Pennsylvania for 10 years. She left IUP in 1967 and spent 11 years as an admissions officer at Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y. During those years she lived near her parents and cared for them until their deaths. She returned to IUP in 1978 and served as associate dean of admissions until her retirement in 1994.
In addition to her professional work, Nancy was active in many civic organizations. She served on the boards of the Indiana County Hospice and Grace Manor, a senior living complex. She was an active member of the Carol Teti Memorial Organ Scholarship Committee and the Zonta International Scholarship Committee and a long-time member and past president of the American Association of University Women and of PEO, a philanthropic educational organization. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and sang with the church choir for more than 40 years as well as serving on various church committees.
An avid sports fan, Nancy was a regular at almost all IUP home football and basketball games. She joined other IUP retirees to mentor and oversee the academic progress of freshman student athletes. For her dedication to IUP athletics and to student athletes she was inducted as an honorary member of the IUP Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2009, she was recognized for her professional achievement with the IUP President’s Medal of Distinction, the highest nondegree honor awarded by the university.
Nancy is survived by several cousins and was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves a wide circle of friends and a devoted group of former students who kept in touch with her over the years.
Friends will be received from 1 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at Grace United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kathy Mihoerck officiating. Interment will be in the Liberty (N.Y.) Cemetery. Robinson-Lytle is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 712 Church Street, Indiana, PA 15701 or to the Carol Teti Memorial Organ Scholarship Fund or the Nancy Newkerk Student Affairs Scholarship Fund, both in care of the Foundation for IUP, Room G-30 Sutton Hall, South Drive, Indiana, PA 15705.
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