By Stacey Coles and Chanda Kumar
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writers
Photo from TUNews.
While she lost her battle to adrenal cancer on June 15, Dr. Maravene Loeschke left a lasting legacy at Towson University that included developing a stronger fine arts department and creating a Women in Leadership program, according to those who knew and worked with her.
Dr. Robyn Quick, chair of the Department of Theatre Arts, said Loeschke’s history with the department as a former student and chair “set the bar high academically and artistically for students.”
When Quick was a junior faculty member she recalled Loeschke having women’s leadership meetings. She recalled these meetings as time spent to appreciate the history of women and to think about what it means to be a leader.
“I think that in many ways having these meetings was an extension of her overarching life mission of empowering people to rise to their fullest potential,” Quick said. “She certainly had a particular interest in encouraging women to take on leadership positions.”
Loeschke was chosen to be Towson’s13th president in January 2012. With experience as a student, professor, chairwoman and dean, many thought of her as the ideal candidate for the position.
“I met her a week into my freshman year,” said Kevin Kutner, former Student Government Association president. “Right from the beginning, she was warm, welcoming, inviting. She was a storyteller, but a phenomenal listener.”
Kutner described Loeschke as “student-focused.” Her time as president was full of countless initiatives to improve the student and staff experience.
Quick wrote a letter in recognition for Loeschke to be named president emerita, meaning she would be able to retain her title as president.
Quick praised Loeschke’s 2020 strategic plan, which set such priorities as academic excellence and student success.
The plan, Quick said, also outlined a vision of student development that included experiential learning, applied research, teacher and leader preparation, STEM workforce development, a national and international reputation for arts and arts education, a strong commitment to diversity, and well-being for all members of the campus community.
Quick also noted that under her leadership, the beautification of campus was enhanced with private support of a new International Flag Walkway and student art sculpture project by the College of Liberal Arts.
With the support of the University System of Maryland and the Maryland Legislature, she was responsible for the development the Institute for Well-Being in downtown Towson, the naming of the SECU arena, the new Towson University in Northeast Maryland building, the pedestrian bridge over Osler Drive, a new campus Health and Counseling Center, a Burdick Hall addition and improved recreational fields, Quick said.
“She brought the campus joie de vivre,” said Richard Vatz, a professor in the Department of Instructional Leadership and member of the university Senate. “She brought the campus to life.”
According to Vatz, Loeschke represented Towson at meetings in Annapolis with the State Legislature. Her presence at these meetings gave Towson the attention it deserved. When it came down to it, Loeschke’s core focus was on making sure that students would be fairly represented, he said.
“Loeschke fought for the students’ rights and safety at all times,” said Charlotte Ridgeway, Towson’s 2012 SGA president who worked closely with Loeschke during her term. “She did everything she could to make Towson a good environment for all, even if that meant standing up to her colleagues and superiors.”
As a graduate of Towson, Loeschke could be found at everything from a football game to a SGA meeting. Her humbleness and initiative stapled her connection with the students of Towson, Kutner said.
“She embodied the Towson spirit,” Kutner said. “This is a big place you get to call home. She lived and breathed that.”
Vatz said that one of Loeschke’s most controversial decisions was to cut the men’s soccer and baseball teams due to a lack of available funds. This disappointed the majority of the student body and caused a lot of disagreement.
“She weighed every option,” Vatz said. “She tried to be universally fair.”
Vatz recalled her support for free expression, saying she worked hard to ensure that the controversial White Student Union had the right to say what it pleased even if those views were widely unpopular on campus.
“President Loeschke was an incredible role model to me,” Ridgeway said. “She supported me no matter what – professionally as well as in my personal life. She cared deeply about what was best for the students and always had that in the forefront of her mind.”
Despite Loeschke’s controversial decisions, those who knew her said she left the Towson community with fond memories.
“There was a time she hosted an event at her house for student leaders and I had the opportunity to attend.” Kutner said. “I asked her at the event why she decided to never have children and she said ‘What do you mean? I have 20,000 children.’”