LIFE@OSU

Barbara Emily Knudson
1916-2009

Barbara Knudson, a 1939 graduate in Home Economics and Education died on September 10, 2009 at her home in Keizer, Oregon. Her legacy of care for families lives on in the Barbara Emily Knudson Endowed Chair in Family Policy that she created in 1991. It was the first such chair in the nation that was held by emeritus professor Clara Pratt for 12 years. Human Development and Family Sciences Professor Alan Acock is the current chair. Barbara was a dedicated supporter of the College of Health and Human Sciences and regular attendee of the annual Celebration of Excellence honoring donors to the college. Just weeks before her passing, Barbara hosted an alumni tea in her Keizer home welcoming Tammy Bray and Home Economics graduates to bring alumni back into the Health and Human Sciences Family.

Following her graduation, Barbara taught high school in Junction City then married and moved to Portland where she did occasional substitute teaching. She was active in the American Association of University Women and served on the board of the Christie School. She became a regent of the OSU Foundation in 1951.

Lois Pye-Petersen
1926-2008

Lois Pye-Petersen, emeritus associate professor of physical education, passed away December 15, 2008, in Corvallis, Oregon. She came to OSU in 1960 from Dalhousie University in Halifax where a visiting professor was impressed by Lois’ teaching and recommended her for a one-term position. She taught, earned her BS and MS, and retired in 1986. Affectionately known as “Miss Pye”, Lois enjoyed a very successful career with honors including the OSU Outstanding Teaching Award, Mosser Award for Teaching Excellence, and Outstanding Faculty Award. She worked with women’s track and field hockey teams and gave workshops in her specialty in Movement Education/Exploration, making presentations in nine states. Active on committees and other university work, she was elected to the Faculty Senate four times. She was president, and won honor awards at state and district levels of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and served on the national Board of Governors.