By Christina Billos and Courtney Smith
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writers
She was remembered as a leader, a confidant and a mentor. She was called a cheerleader, a planner and a performer. But above all else, she was known as a friend.
Towson University came together Friday night to celebrate the life and accomplishments of its 13th president, Maravene Loeschke, who died on June 25 of adrenal cancer.
The event, held at Towson’s SECU arena, included music, dancing, a slideshow and speeches from an array of guests who offered fond memories of Loeschke and said she will be remembered for all she accomplished during her brief two years as the head administrator of Maryland’s second largest university.
“She was more than just a president,” said Brandy Hall, a past president of the Student Government Association. “She was a confidant, cheerleader, mentor and friend.”
Mary Shock, the president of Towson’s Board of Directors, had the crowd laughing and smiling as she recalled memories of her colleague.
Shock said she will always remember Loeschke as “poised, focused and never missing a beat,” such as the time Loeschke suggested that her job interview be moved to a parking garage after the power went out on campus due to an earthquake in 2011.
“Literally, the earth moved below our feet,” but she was determined to continue on with her agenda, Shock said.
The 68-year-old Loeschke, who died at Gilchrist Hospice Care in Towson after stepping down as president in December 2014, was also remembered as an avid planner.
Along with planning the sequence of events for her memorial service, “A Letter From Maravene” was written by Loeschke and read by one of her former students, Bruce R. Nelson.
In the letter she wrote, students were asked to consider, “How are you going to use your education to change the world?”
Under the guidance of Loeschke, Nelson – a 1989 graduate of the theatre program – is now an actor and company member of Everyman Theatre in Baltimore.
The service opened with a slideshow that included photographs from Loeschke’s childhood through her college years at Towson and as president of the university. The Towson University Chorale sang The Rising by Bruce Springsteen before the opening remarks began.
A member of the Towson Chorale, Jennifer Russo, a sophomore, said she has been practicing since the first week of school to prepare for the service.
“I really wish I knew her,” Russo said. “She seemed close with students and made a mark on the community.”
Interim President Timothy J.L. Chandler welcomed the audience and helped lighten the mood by saying, “She was so photogenic. Don’t we all wish we were?”
“Towson University shaped Maravene’s life,” said William E. “Brit” Kirwan, the former chancellor of the University System of Maryland. “As we think of her we always continue to smile.”
An estimated 300 people attended the two-hour-long event, and speakers ranged from former students to colleagues who worked with Loeschke throughout the years.
Professor Marsha Becker’s speech highlighted the impact Loeschke had on everyone she met in her lifetime.
“Stand if you were one of Mar’s students,” Becker said, referring to Loeschke. “Stand if Mar mentored you. Stand if you acted on stage or film with her.”
Becker asked these questions until every person in the audience was standing.
Performer and choreographer Vincent E. Thomas moved across the stage in his brown suit to a “Prelude/ Frustration,” played by cellist Cecylia B. Barczyk. During the performance, a bright beam of sunlight shined through, illuminating Thomas’ movements across the dance floor.
The service radiated love for the Towson community, especially the students. One student in particular felt like her college experience was significantly changed by Loeschke’s presence.
“Dr. Loeschke’s involvement in Black Student Union is what made me admire her,” said Maia Williams, a Towson senior. “She paid BSU dues, she bought BSU shirts, and she came to every event. She really cared about us, so I came because I wanted to remember her anyway I could.”
Even people that may have never personally met her felt Loeschke’s presence on campus.
Junior DeLicia Boyd was a student who felt moved by her even though they never physically met.
“I came to this memorial service because I wanted to see the impact she had on Towson University,” Boyd said. “I never knew her personally, but people spoke so highly of her. I can tell through this service she was loved, and will be missed dearly.”
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