Rosemary Crisp

Rosemary Crisp of Marion, Ill., and her husband, Harry L. Crisp II, have been remarkable supporters of higher education in several states. Rosemary's death last week saddened her many friends. But it also was an occasion to remember the vibrant woman who supported the causes she loved.

Crisp Hall at Southeast Missouri State University is named for Rosemary Crisp. The building houses the university's nursing program. The new regional museum at the university's River Campus is also named in her honor. The Crisps also were instrumental in the opening of Southeast's Bootheel Education Center in Malden, Mo.

In the final years of her life, Rosemary Crisp dealt with cancer. She never lost her enthusiasm for the projects she loved -- nor her smile. Said Southeast president Ken Dobbins: "I don't think I ever saw Rosemary without a smile. She was very positive, always looking at the positive side of issues and people," That is the way Rosemary Crisp will be long remembered.