February 20, 2008

The Drexel community was saddened to learn of the passing of Dean Emerita Marjorie Rankin on January 20, 2008. Dean Rankin resided at the Dunwoody retirement community in Newtown Square, PA. She was born in Keytesville, MO.

Dean Rankin had a long and noteworthy career at the University. She joined the Drexel faculty in 1946 as an assistant professor and served as the dean of Nesbitt College (today's Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design) until her retirement in 1984.

Under Dean Rankin's leadership, the College of Home Economics was one of the first at Drexel to develop graduate studies leading to the Master's of Science degree. She received an honorary Doctor of Laws at Drexel's 1963 commencement ceremonies.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Drexel University; Russell Sage College of Troy, New York; Dunwoody Village in Newtown Square; The Caring Hospice of Fort Washington, PA; or First Church of Christ Scientist at 1915 Pine Street in Philadelphia.