Memorial service May 26 for CHEP assistant dean

Susan McLaughlin of Wilmington, assistant dean of the College of Human Resources, Education and Public Policy (CHEP), died peacefully, surrounded by her family, at her home on Sunday, May 16, after a short battle with brain cancer. She was 53.

Before joining UD in 1988 as assistant dean of Human Resources, Ms. McLaughlin chaired the applied and fine arts department at Talley Junior High School for 16 years. She taught for 21 years in the Brandywine School District. During this time, she was "instrumental in implementing gender equity in what was then called 'home economics' in the Delaware school system," according to Bob Kline, her principal for many of those years.

She traveled widely in North America, Europe and in the Middle and Far East. She especially enjoyed the art and culture of the Orient. She enjoyed fine dining and socializing in the company of good friends, who were drawn to her by her infectious laugh, enthusiasm, love of life and generosity of spirit.

Ms. McLaughlin spent much of her childhood on the Eastern Shore, where her grandparents, Mary Hannah Prettyman and William Ralph Fluharty of Preston, lived until their deaths. Devoted to her family, she is survived by her parents, Dorothy L. (Fluharty) and George McLaughlin of Wilmington; a sister, Joyce McLaughlin Newman, of Coral Gables, Fla.; a brother, George McLaughlin Jr., of Bear, Del.; and a nephew, Michael J. Newman, of Coral Gables.

Her brother, George, said, "Susan was a Rock of Gibraltar- the first on the scene in times of trouble and when help was needed. She was also a great coordinator of family travels, activities and celebrations."

"Susan was a true ambassador of good will for the University," Dan Rich, CHEP dean, said. "She was a valued friend, adviser and mentor to thousands of students, colleagues and alumni, and she was recognized by all as an exceptionally conscientious and capable professional with high standards and high expectations.

"Susan's positive spirit was contagious. She was and will remain an important part of our college and University. Her life, her work and her friendship enriched us all," he said.

Dene Klinzing, dean of the former College of Human Resources, now part of CHEP, said, "Susan gained the trust of students, and they depended on her for sound advice and encouragement. I am amazed by the number of students who continually express thanks for Susan's support, advice and help."

Many of Ms. McLaughlin's colleagues spoke of her extensive knowledge of University policies and procedures and of how she would know just whom to see and where to go to accomplish tasks, and especially, to assist students.

While at UD, Ms. McLaughlin was actively involved in the merger of colleges that resulted in CHEP and was instrumental in efforts to expand cooperative agreements that extended the scope of the college's popular Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management Program to nearby junior colleges.

She also served as adviser to the honorary society, Omicron Nu, and was active in the Human Resources Alumni Association, which honored her with its Outstanding Alumni Award in 1989.

In 1980-81, she received Delaware's Teacher of Excellence Award from the American Vocational Association and was the Delaware Vocational Home Economics Association's teacher of the year. She helped found and was a previous president of the Delaware organization.

A 1963 graduate of Brandywine High School, Ms. McLaughlin was graduated from UD with a bachelor's degree in home economics in 1967 and a master's degree in home economics education in 1979. She completed graduate work at UD, Temple University and Marywood College.

Burial will be private. A memorial tribute will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, May 26, in Mitchell Hall on the campus.

Contributions in her memory can be made to the University of Delaware, Susan McLaughlin Tribute Fund, College of Human Resources, Education and Public Policy, Newark, DE 19716.

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