Arden Elsasser
Arden Elsasser
Time at Western Michigan University: 1964-69
In a time of great change for women, Mrs. Elsasser was at the forefront. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with Summa Cum Laude honors in 1968. She received the D.C. Shilling award from the Department of Political Science. Her plan was to continue with her studies in the MA Political Science Program at WMU. She received a grant through the Michigan Division of the American Association of University Women to support her through her master’s program in Political Science. Unfortunately, she passed away before she could take advantage of the generous grant. She was survived by her husband Dr. Edward Elsasser, professor of History at WMU, and two sons, Eric and Brian.
She participated in many civic and community organizations. She served as precinct delegate to the Kalamazoo County Republican convention and the co-chairperson of the resolutions committee. She was active in the Kalamazoo League of Women Voters’ and served as Vice President. The League of Women Voters of Kalamazoo Area set up the Arden J. Elsasser Memorial Scholarship in her honor for her active role in their organization.
The Arden J. Elsasser Memorial Award is an annual award given to both a graduate and an undergraduate student.