I just learned about Alice's death tonight and I am stunned.
She was so indomitable. When we were in law school together in the late 70s
at the University of Minnesota, I was sure we'd both grow up to be activist
little old ladies. Law was never a good fit for her (or for me). Law stifled
her natural ebullience and imagination After law school, she was so pleased
to fetch up at the Bakken and to be able to put her wonderful creativity to
work. Her work at the Bakken encouraged her creativity. Alice was a dear friend
of my youth. Since I moved to Seattle in 1980, we'd go years without seeing
each other, but when we met it was as if no time at all had passed. Alice was
funny, sparkling and outrageous and very loyal to her friends. She got us both
through the desperate travails of law school and went on to make a wonderful
contribution to the field of science education. The world is a dimmer place
now that she is gone.
Susan Helf
I moved to Minnesota 6 1/2 years ago to accept a position with
Medtronic - didn't know a soul in the Twin Cities! When I learned
about volunteer opportunities at the Bakken, I thought I would give it
a try even though past volunteer experiences had been less than satisfactory.
Well, the Bakken was way different; due in a large part to Alice's attitude
and energy. She welcomed me like a long lost friend and let me know that
I was valued and respected for not only my volunteer activities but as an individual
as well. Alice accepted people on their own terms and she gave this
gift to everyone; especially the children. I will always remember
Alice.
Karin M. Brinkman, MS
Principal Clinical Trial Leader
Medtronic, Inc.
Cardiac Rhythm Management Clinical Research
I worked with Alice from February 2000 to August of 2001. Alice
co-taught
my first workshop as Science Educator. I knew Alice understood my
anxiety, and I was eased just knowing she was in the room. I am humbled
to have learned from the original Science Educator. She was a natural.
There’s a story Alice told me once, and I remember it
often. She told me
of one meager day long ago, when she got to work and all she had to eat
for lunch was a tomato. Though first downtrodden, she became victorious
when she cleverly sliced and sprinkled it with a little salt and pepper.
Just then, Dorina walked by and complimented Alice on her “elegant
lunch”
with sincerity. Alice laughed while telling the story, and reflected on
her luckiness to enjoy such an impromptu, “elegant lunch.” I
marveled at
Alice’s way of finding the best in any situation.
Alice’s optimism
and reassurance in solving problems cultivated wonder and
confidence in her students. I am thankful to have witnessed her exuberant
spirit. Thanks also to The Bakken for providing an outlet to this dynamic
and creative individual.
Charlie Lessmann
Former Bakken Science Educator
Alice really exemplified the spirit of learning at The Bakken
with its unique mix of history, experiment, excitement and a bit of irreverence. She
has left all of us with a fabulous legacy at the Bakken. I am thrilled
to have known her and worked with her. She was a delight and a gifted
educator.
John Palmer Low
exhibit designer, Los Angeles
I can remember the first time I really met you, Alice. It was
watching you teach
a field trip at The Bakken. I wasn’t so sure that those workshops were
something that I wanted to take on, but as soon as I saw the energy and excitement
you exuded while teaching, I knew there was something extremely special, and
that I should be honored to be a part of it. Even from behind that puppet stage.
You were a force to be reckoned with in the education department, you had a vision,
and a mission, and it was clear to all who worked with you. You never had to
say what it was, but somehow we just knew. And that path you were blazing became
my path, became in a many ways a part all of our paths. Even years after and
generations down (in worker’s terms) since you moved out of the education
department, your presence it still felt there.
But probably the parts of your work that I’ll remember best are those middle
of the hallway discussions. The brainstorm sessions, especially on Saturdays,
those moments of guidance, that you never stopped doing, no matter what your
position was or how seemingly separate your job was at the time. So many times
we’d start just complaining, about how we felt stuck, or challenged, or
not-listened to, we would end up sitting on the floor, blocking people’s
paths, and then somehow, each time, the conversation ended with a way to move,
a way to be heard, a way to not just move around a mountain, but tromp straight
over it. Each time, be it talk about future education degrees or where to take
the Batteries Field Trip, by the time I stood up I always left feeling rejuvenated
and ready to face the world again. That informal footprint created by friendship,
trust, insight, smiles, and inspiration is something that will never leave the
halls of The Bakken. Energy like yours does not just dissipate, it grows as each
person is touched by it.
Katrina
Former Bakken Science Educator
I met Alice at the Bakken on Saturday March 8th, 1997. As I was
walked around the museum, I kept hearing talking and noises. I wondered
where they were coming from... that's when I bumped into Alice, she was creating
E.T.'s Communicator with three young students in the garage! They were
on the
phone to somebody involved with the ET movie about the making of the communicator.
I looked at each of the three kids, seeing a twinkle of genius in each
of their eyes. The primordial spark of genius! It was my first glimpse of the
educational
offerings for kids. I thought it was great. Alice really had a way of inspiring
you. Sometime later Alice contacted me about using one of my lightning
photos for the new exhibits. I was happy to donate my antenna lightning photo
for
Alice. Alice found and brought out the best in people.
Bruce Challgren
Bakken Media Specialist
I worked with Alice for well over twenty years
and feel very saddened that she is no longer with us. I spoke with her
a few months
ago,
shortly after she found out about her illness and marveled at her
composure and dignified acceptance. I then saw her in August 2004 at the party
in her honor at the Bakken. My respect and admiration for Alice grew even
more as
I spent some time with her during that event, she looked well, healthy,
the way I remembered Alice at the time I left the Bakken in 2001. I complimented
her on how wonderful she looked and felt humbled by her great affirmation
of life, her hope and optimism. But that was Alice. An enthusiastic, optimistic,
positive life force. She imbued that optimism into the various programs
she
was associated with and when she left the Bakken, she left a great vacuum
as well as a great legacy. I feel privileged having known her and having
spent many
years in her company.
Dorina Morawetz
Former Bakken Volunteer Coordinator
Alice was always good for a laugh about my exasperating youngest
daughter. Alice liked Phoebe a lot because Phoebe reminded
her of herself. I'd come into work shaking my head over some
goofy thing Phoebe had done (like doing her math practice on her
sheets, in ink!) and Alice could always top it with a story about
herself. One that I remember is that Alice and her siblings
were always sad when their dad went on his yearly ice fishing trip. Alice
thought that if they drew him a nice picture of the lake and trees
and the beauty of nature, that he would want to stay home. So
they drew him a big, beautiful picture--on the livingroom wall!
If my "mini Alice" continues to be as inquisitive, curious,
unique and funny as our Alice always was, she'll bring a lot to those
she comes in contact with.
Mary
Bakken Museum Visitor Assitant
" Please accept this memorial for Alice Schroeder. She truly
embodied the spirit of The Bakken! It was an honor to know her and work with
her."
Richard M. Fuller
Bakken Volunteer
