Books to be distributed to schools in memory of literacy professor

Susan Nierstheimer, an assistant professor in literacy and language at Purdue, died Dec. 19 after battling cancer for two years.

The books were purchased with the proceeds of the Susan Nierstheimer Memorial Book Fund, which was created after her death to provide children's books for first-grade students participating in Reading Recovery, an early intervention program that helps first-graders who are having difficulty learning to read.

Books will be distributed to Eastlawn, Meadowlawn, Oaklawn and Woodlawn elementary schools in White County. Nierstheimer's husband of 36 years, Norm, will help distribute the books.

The children will each receive four books chosen from a selection of current children's literature that will serve to build upon the skills developed through Reading Recovery. Included in the selection will be a book they will be able to read easily; two chapter books that are more challenging; and one book that they will be able to share with a parent. The books will be presented to the children later this month.

The books will carry the inscription: "A gift for you from the Susan Nierstheimer Memorial Book Fund, providing books for children who have participated in the Reading Recovery Program."

"Susan always said her wish was to put books into the hands of children," said Susan Gunderson, an instructor in the College of Education who was both a colleague and close friend of Nierstheimer's. "She particularly was interested in extending Purdue's reach into adjoining communities. She truly believed that all children can learn, and that's why she wanted to make sure Reading Recovery children received books that they could share with their families."

In the future, on a rotating basis, the fund will provide books for students in Reading Recovery Purdue-affiliated schools in other surrounding areas, Gunderson said.

Nierstheimer's passion was helping children who have difficulty learning to read, and her doctoral dissertation focused on the Reading Recovery program. She co-authored a reading textbook for college students, in addition to publishing articles in various reading journals.

Before coming to Purdue, Nierstheimer taught for a number of years in public elementary schools. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Illinois State University, and in 1996 earned her doctorate in literacy and language from Purdue.

Nierstheimer taught literacy courses to future teachers at Purdue for two years and then at Illinois State for five years before returning to Purdue in 2002.

Those wishing to make a donation to the memorial fund can make checks payable to the Purdue Foundation, 403 E. Wood St., West Lafayette, Ind. 47907-2007.

Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Sources: Susan Gunderson, continuing lecturer, (765) 494-7936, susang@purdue.edu

Jennifer Jeffries, director of development, College of Education, (765) 496-3545, jcjeffries@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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