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School of Humanities

In Memoriam: Professor Mary Ellen Marks

In Loving Memory

The School of Humanities and the College and Expository Writing Department were deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Mary Ellen Marks in December of 2020. Professor Aviva Taubenfeld, Director of the School of Humanities, writes, “A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College’s MFA program in Creative Writing, Mary Ellen​ joined the Purchase community in 2012, first as a teaching assistant and then as an instructor of College Writing. She also taught classes in Liberal Studies, including Senior Capstone, Creative Nonfiction, and True Stories: The Craft of Memoir.

Mary Ellen delighted in her students and worried about each one. She took the time to reach out to those who fell behind and to encourage all to continue developing as thinkers and writers. In addition to being a devoted teacher, Mary Ellen was a talented writer, frequently publishing profiles of local artists. She saw writing as a way to connect with the arts and with communities. In addition to her husband, Ken, children, Ryan and Carolyn, and grandchildren, she leaves behind a grateful community of Purchase students, alumni, and colleagues.”


We will miss Mary Ellen’s kindness, warmth, and positive nature tremendously, and are so grateful for the time we had working with and learning from her.

Mary Ellen Marks Editorial Fellows Prize

An annual prize has been established in Mary Ellen’s honor. It will be awarded to an Expose Editorial Fellow who makes a significant contribution to the issue, and who would benefit from the additional support.

To contribute by check, please make payable to the Purchase College Foundation and indicate in the memo: “Humanities Award in memory of Mary Ellen Marks.” To contribute online, please click here, select “Purchase Fund” and indicate “Humanities Award in memory of Mary Ellen Marks” in the Gift Reference box.

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