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Public Employee Press
Gwen Tolliver Luster,
leader of DC 37 college, is mourned The College of New Rochelle and District
Council 37 mourn the loss of a vital leader in Dr. Gwen Tolliver Luster, the director
of CNRs DC 37 campus, who died Sept. 26 after a lengthy illness.
We
have experienced a tremendous loss with Dr. Lusters death, said DC
37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts. For 12 years Dr. Luster headed the unions
college for working adults, which Roberts played an important role in establishing
over 30 years ago.
Gwen was an extraordinary member of this community,
said CNR President Dr. Stephen J. Sweeny. She was a gifted educator with
a real commitment to students, and led the DC 37 campus of our School of New Resources
with great dedication and deep appreciation for the special needs of the adult
learner and the labor movement.
Although the campus was shuttered
for six months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks only one block away, Luster motivated
staff and students to press on. As a result, the DC 37 students completed their
degrees on time despite the unimaginable obstacles, Dr. Sweeney said.
Gwen
was a strong administrator and a caring teacher who was energized through her
contact with students, said DC 37 Education Fund Administrator Barbara Kairson,
who recalled Lusters humor, intelligence and commitment to education.
Luster
had a clear vision for the kind of academic programs that would keep students
abreast with advancements in computers and technology, and she possessed a distinctive
grasp of the issues and challenges associated with non-traditional adult learners.
Luster
held a masters degree in education management from Antioch University and
masters and doctorate degrees from Columbia Universitys Teachers
College.
Her husband, Donald Luster, is pastor of Bethel AME Church in
Bridgeport, CT.
Gwen Tolliver Luster will be remembered at DC 37 as a wise
and compassionate director who always had her students best interests at
heart.
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