In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

  • In Memoriam:Berta Vigil Laden
  • Maricela Oliva

As someone who was mentored by Berta at my first ASHE, I immediately recognized and benefited from her generous and knowing spirit. She talked about the things you would expect—the ropes, about connecting with good people—but also that she and others were always available for conversation and commiseration about what we were experiencing on this academic journey. I don't think that everyone in our field always realizes how truly difficult it can sometimes be for women of color. I always knew that Berta understood and was willing to join me in grappling with the difficult experiences that came my way. What she gave to me—and evidently gave to others at different moments in our lives—was hope that we could be our authentic selves even in environments that told us otherwise.

Berta was realizing herself as an academic; and through her example, several of us saw that career as a real possibility despite its challenges. I grieve that she did not have the opportunity to finish the important work that she had begun. Nonetheless, what she accomplished serves as a constant reminder that the work I want to do is possible.

It seems to me that we sometimes forget that we are each individuals whose lives have meaning above and beyond what and who we are as professionals. Berta had a way of doing important work without tooting her own horn; hence, that work might have been invisible to some. However, Berta's life meant much to many people, including me. I did not want us to be silent about the passing of this truly wonderful individual, as if her life and her passing had no meaning.

...

pdf

Share