From the Desk of the Chancellor

Chancellor Charles R. Bantz View print-quality image

Our campus community mourns the passing of Marianna Ashby Irwin, the wife of Glenn W. Irwin, Jr., IUPUI’s 2nd chancellor. Mrs. Irwin was a graduate of Indiana University. She married Chancellor Emeritus Irwin while he was a senior in the IU School of Medicine. Our condolences go to him as well as their two daughters, Ann Warden and Beth Schiffli, their son William Irwin, seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Mrs. Irwin’s energy and warmth were legendary. During more than 66 years of marriage, she touched the lives of thousands. She hosted uncountable events when Dr. Irwin served as IUPUI chancellor and School of Medicine dean. She was very active in the community. She served terms as president and board member of the Junior League of Indianapolis, Marion County Medical Society Auxiliary, Indiana State Medical Auxiliary, North Central High School PTA, Noble School, Social Health Association, and Marion County Child Guidance Clinic.

Other board memberships included the YWCA, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Methodist Health Foundation, American Red Cross, Indiana State Symphony Society, Mayor's Advisory Council Cultural Affairs, Indianapolis Art League, Second Presbyterian Women's Association, Indiana Regional Blood Center, and Multiple Sclerosis Association.

In the last years of her life, Mrs. Irwin suffered from a rare neurological disease known as primary progressive aphasia, a disease that affects the ability to remember and understand words. It is among the neurodegenerative disorders explored by researchers at our Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center and Stark Neurosciences Research Institute.

Comments? Write chancllr@iupui.edu