The College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) at Drexel University is sad to announce that
A. Kathryn Oller, PhD passed away on Friday, May 29 in Waynesboro, Pa. Oller served as associate dean and professor of the former College of Information Science and Technology at Drexel (now CCI) for 30 years, from 1952 until 1982.
Born July 1, 1916 in Waynesboro, she was the daughter of the late Daniel G. and Blanche (Ruthrauff) Oller. She lived her early life in Waynesboro. Oller graduated from Waynesboro High School with the class of 1934. She later graduated from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1938 and received her bachelor of science degree in library science from Drexel University in 1939. She was awarded a master of science from the University of Illinois in 1951 and a doctor of philosophy from the University of Michigan in 1963. Prior to her tenure at Drexel, Oller was assistant professor at Florida State University and held various positions in the Huntingdon County Library, Juniata College Library, Adams County Library and the Pennsylvania State Library. She also had an exchange professorship at the Department of Liverpool Polytechnic, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Upon retirement she returned to Waynesboro, where she was active in a number of organizations. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the Waynesboro Historical Society, where she organized and cataloged the library and archives collections. She was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Renfrew Museum and Park, where she served as a guide; Renfrew Institute, and Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library, all of Waynesboro; and was an active member of the Waynesboro College Club. Oller was a member of the American Library Association, The Pennsylvania Library Association, Beta Phi Mu (the International Library Science Honor Society), the National AARP and South Chapter #2977 AARP. She was a lifelong member of the Church of the Brethren, attending both the Philadelphia First Church of the Brethren and the Waynesboro Church of the Brethren. She was active in both congregations, serving as Chairman of the Board of Administration, the music and worship committee, and the library committee.
Online condolences may be expressed on the
Bowersox Funeral Homes' website.