Journalism Professor Sandra Haarsager dies
Sandra Haarsager, a faculty member at the University of Idaho since 1988 and a cornerstone of the School of Journalism and Mass Media since its founding in 2003, died Saturday, Oct. 6, at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow. Sandra had been hospitalized for two days with a respiratory condition that developed as a result of her treatment for cancer of the esophagus. She was 61. Although she had been on sabbatical this semester working on a book about new media technology, Sandra had been a regular visitor to campus, most recently a week before she was admitted to the hospital. She had planned to return to a full teaching schedule in the spring of 2008.
Sandra had worked as a reporter for The Idaho Statesman in Boise and a reporter and general manager for the Idahonian, now the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. She also had been director of information services for the University of Idaho under President Richard Gibb.
She became a faculty member of the former School of Communication in 1988 and earned a Ph.D. in American Studies from Washington State University in 1990. From 1999 to 2005, she was associate dean of the UI’s College of Letters and Science, which became the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences in 2003. She played a major role in decisions to reorganize the School of Communication into the School of Journalism and Mass Media.
Sandra’s teaching portfolio included both skills and conceptual courses. Most recently, she had taught Reporting, Public Affairs Reporting, Literary Journalism, Mass Media & Culture, and Media Management & Economics.
A memorial service will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at the University Auditorium. Sandra was a trusted colleague, valuable mentor and longtime friend. We’ll miss her. I invite her former students to leave comments below.
posted by Kenton Bird at 12:55 PM
17 Comments:
Sandra was a wonderful teacher, an attentive mentor and a caring, patient woman. I was lucky to have her expertise in two classrooms while I attended UI, and the knowledge I gained from her lessons has proven crucial in my professional life. I offer my condolences to her friends and family.
Sean Garmire
I am very lucky to have had the chance to know Sandra. I have had her as a teacher a number of times, and all were amazing experiences. Not only was she a great teacher, but a friend. I always felt like I could ask her anything whether it was for a paper in her class or another. I always knew I could count on her for a recommendation letter even if I asked for it at the last minute. I want her family to know how much she meant to the University of Idaho. My heart goes out to them.
Tileena Leighton
I feel very fortunate to have been a student of Sandra Haarsager. Not only was she one of the most warm and kind professors I have had during my time at UI, and was an incredible teacher. My condolences to her family. She will be missed.
Kate Babb
I only had Sandra for one class which was the economics and management class. I did learn a lot from her. She brought in a lot professional people to talk to our class from a lot of media fields. This really did open my eyes to the real hardships and the real fun the media business can be. I remember one day she brought in funny cartoon drawings of boss types just for fun and to talk about bosses, which was funny since I did have a few bosses like those ones described. It did brighten up my day and make me laugh. She will be missed. My heart goes out to her family, friends and anyone who knew her.
Michael Salmon
Although I never had Sandra as a teacher I was blessed enough to have her advise me for a period of time. Everytime I was in the Jamm office I always looked to see her smiling face. Her door was always open, and she was always willing to listen. She was one of the most caring and genuine people I have met in the duration of my time at University of Idaho. This is surely a loss we all feel. My heart goes out to her family and friends, she truly brightened the University of Idaho, and left lasting impressions on many.
Brittany Mayson
Sandra came back the University of Idaho as a teacher only in my final semester at the school. She was easily the most intelligent professor I had and I felt unworthy of her instruction at times. I spent a semester with her and Vicki Rishling in literary journalism and it was an amazing experience. I've never had two teachers who were able to convince students to be so introspective and to appreciate the craft of journalism so much. Sandra taught us some fantastic things. The only time I saw her out of class was either while walking by her office at the School of Journalism and Mass Media or when she played piano during the alumni Awards for Excellence banquet where she was kind of enough to offer her talents as a wonderful pianist. I treasured every class hour I spent with her.
The University of Idaho will now be without one of its most amazing and inspiring mentors. Sandra will always be in my thoughts.
- Sam Taylor
The Bellingham Herald
JAMM Class, May 2006
Sandra was one of the most challenging teachers I’ve had at the University of Idaho. She was an outstanding resource for journalism students. I often felt there were so many avenues of learning I could explore with her I didn’t know where to start.
I frequently found her high intellect and obvious passion for research and knowledge inspiring.
I got to know Sandra through three different classroom atmospheres. She expertly kept more than 40 of my peers and me up to date with current media and culture crazes in Culture and Mass Media. She put in great effort to bring prominent speakers to our smaller Public Affairs Reporting class, keeping the interesting class incredibly in-touch with the real world. She also helped my peers and I discover a different type of journalism in Literary Journalism, a class she co-taught with Vicki Rishling. Vicki and Sandra were a wonderful and dynamic duo who led phenomenal class discussions.
I’ve witnessed some of the teaching legacy Sandra leaves behind her. I hope my peers can also realize how grateful we should be for the impressions and lessons Sandra leaves behind.
Jessica Mullins
People like Sandra -- hopeful, caring and always smiling -- make the world a better place for the rest of us who often forget what's really important. Sandra's death is a loss for the UI and those who knew her, but her life a blessing.
David Cuillier
Journalism teachers like Sandra make you want to come to class prepared. You want to show them what you've learned, and you want them to be proud of you. Sandra demanded the attention of her students, and reward us with a new outlook on reporting, public affairs and mass media in general.
I appreciated her patience, her kindness and her reassuring smile above all. I will carry her teachings and advice with me as I follow the path she helped pave for me.
Sandra, you will be missed.
I knew Sandra as both a professor for two classes and as an adviser for one year. Through my interactions with her, I came to understand more about my chosen profession and I strengthened my resolve to be a better student and journalist. She was a very kind, caring, and loving person who took the time to get to know anyone who she met, however brief. My condolences to her family. The University of Idaho has lost a wonderful educator and a great friend.
One of my first journalism classes at UI was with Sandra and Vicki in literary journalism - easily one of my favorite JAMM classes over the last few years, not least because of the teaching expertise and heart Sandra brought to the class. She will be greatly missed.
- Carissa Wright
I had Sandra only once in my college career but it was amazing. Media Mgmnt. and Econ, tremendously helped my idea of how to work in advertising like working in a business. She was an amazing woman, and it will be a shame not to have her on campus.
Tara Snider
Jamm 2009
I used to encounter Sandra a couple of times each year because I'm a member of the JAMM Advisory Board. Sandra always made a point of seeking me out to say hello and to welcome me to the meetings. I didn't know her well, but she always struck me as a gentle soul and one who cared passionately for her work and her students. My condolences go to her immediate family and to the huge U of I family who knew her and appreciated her.
Gary Graham
Managing Editor
The Spokesman-Review
I am greatly shocked and saddened by the news of Sandra's passing. My fondest memories of the University of Idaho are linked to her presence on campus. I worked with her when she was director of information services under President Richard Gibb. She was a consummate professional, an active listener, and a trusted colleague.
Michael Hofferber
Oh, this is a sad day indeed. Sandra and I were colleagues for more than 10 years, and I valued and trusted her friendship. My heart goes out to her Husband Dennis and her children.
When leaves turn shades of gold, red and sienna hues, it may be Mother Nature’s way of helping people go through life’s many changes with grace and beauty.
Now a gold leaf has fallen.
With the recent loss of Sandra Haarsager, many at UI and other places are experiencing the bitter sting and sadness of some of life’s unexpected changes.
Aside from being a phenomenal instructor, Sandra was an admired friend and a mentor to many. I only had the pleasure of being in one class taught by Sandra, yet she left a huge impression on me and touched my life, as well as many others.
When a good friend of mine died unexpectedly last spring, she offered a compassionate ear and kind words of wisdom. She taught me that life presents challenges when one least expects it — a lesson revisited once again.
I remember her compassion and spirit during these solemn days and my heart deeply goes out to her husband, children, family, colleagues, and all who were touched by Sandra.
Sandra was a unique, amazing and treasured individual.
She will be surely missed by all.
Christina Navarro
I have found this post randomly. Sandra was one of the teachers who made me fall in love with journalism while I attended the University of Idaho as an international student.
I still remember all her teachings and comments, on a directed study course I took with her. I feel very fortunate to have been her student.
I hope you are well, where ever you are.
Kike Calvo
www.KIKECALVO.com
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