Former affiliate professor of Liberal Studies Bonnie Marshall died June 16 at her home in Ferrysburg.

Marshall received the Grand Valley Students’ Award for Excellence, an award that is determined by student votes, in 2004. She taught a diversity course that educated students about the history of racism in America and emphasized the importance of treating every person with respect.

In May, Gov. Jennifer Granholm appointed Marshall to the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission. That commission preserves, protects, and promotes the legacy of the Underground Railroad in Michigan. Marshall also served as an instructor for the “Write. Create. You.” creative writing workshops in Grand Rapids Public Schools. She earned a bachelor of arts and a master of arts from Western Michigan University, became an adjunct instructor at GVSU in 1999, and became a full-time affiliate faculty member in 2002.

Marshall is survived by a daughter, Sarah VanderLeek of Chicago; and two sisters. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven. A memorial for Marshall will be held at a later date.

 

Statement:
"When people show you who they are, believe them, the first time," Maya Angelou