Frances (Franki) P. Rutherford, graduate student at Mason, died on September 7, 2011. Franki was studying in the master of arts in interdisciplinary studies (MAIS) programs with a concentration in Women and Gender Studies.
Franki was a beloved member of the Mason community. During her year at the university, Franki researched the experiences of women professors. Her research from the past year culminated in a presentation at the Gender Research Conference last May.
Words from friends and colleagues of Franki:
“She was researching women faculty and leadership appointments at our university, and was completely fired up over the disparities in access and opportunities available for women within the upper echelons of university administration. She shared openly her discouragement that so much gender disparity still exists, despite the vast improvements from when she first entered the work force three decades ago. I could identify with her frustration.” –Beth Degi, Ph.D. student in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
"Words fall short. 'Franki you will be missed' sounds hollow compared to the depth posessed by a person like Franki. I barely got to know you but I spoke to everyone about you. May the Light that shone through you live on through all those you touched.- Sara Hussaini, MAIS student in Women and Gender Studies
“She was an incredibly insightful and had a generous spirit.” –Elizabeth Bernard, Assistant Dean, Transition Resource Center
“Franki was an amazing woman, and I admired her greatly. Her determination to better herself and to better the status of women was very deep. I value the interactions the conversations that I had with her last year.” –Paula Ruth Gilbert, Professor of French, Canadian, and Women and Gender Studies in Modern and Classical Languages/Women and Gender Studies
“I met Franki when she was deciding between George Washington and George Mason, and I was profoundly impressed with this woman who walked into my office with her daughter, a recent graduate from a Johns Hopkins master’s program, and one of her young classmates from Ferrum, where she had recently graduated summa cum laude. I knew immediately that we wanted someone of her intelligence, generosity, and humor in our program. I’m so happy she chose Mason, and her time with us was way too short.” – Suzanne Scott, Director, Women and Gender Studies
A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 17 at Ferrum College.
September 21, 2011
