Quate’s love of journalism spanned into her 80s

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Retired adviser dies in Florida; had been affiliated with CMA since early days

Special to CMR

The late Shirley Quate’s love of journalism spanned decades—from her teen years, which found her working for her high school newspaper in Muncie, Indiana, and writing a column for the local paper, to being a member of a writing group in her 80s. As a journalism educator, she taught, advised, was active in college media associations, and retired as a professor emeritus of journalism.

ShirleyQuate
Sirley Quate (Photo via Legacy.com)

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date for Quate, who died Jan. 28 at her home in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, according to her obituary, published on Legacy.com.

“She was an excellent teacher, leader, worker and friend,” said Lesley W. Marcello of Quate, who held offices with the National Council of College Press Advisers, the predecessor to the College Media Association, and also worked with CMA.

Quate held a master’s degree and doctorate from Purdue University. While teaching writing and literature as a professor at the Indianapolis campus of Purdue, Quate was also tasked with founding the student newspaper.

After that location merged with Indiana University, “she founded and served as staff adviser for the IUPUI newspaper, the Sagamore, and held offices in the National Council of College Press Advisers,’ her obituary said.

Her husband, Wayne, preceded her in death in 2011. They were married for more than 61 years, according to Quate’s obituary.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in her honor is encouraged to consider Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Treasure Coast Hospice, or a local, non-profit hospice organization.

Reflecting on her colleague and friend, Marcello cited a 2015 Christmas letter she received from Quate.

Quate wrote, in part: “I have joined a writers’ group, and to my delight, they are not useless beginners. In fact, several of the group have already published a number of books. Best of all, participating in the group inspired me to finally finish a short story I had been mulling over for a very long time. It was great fun to read it to the group, and I enjoyed their favorable comments. Nothing like a little positive reinforcement — I’ve already started another story!”