Doris Graber Obituary

Professor Emeritus Doris A. Graber passed away at her Evanston home on February 17, 2018. Dr. Graber, a political scientist who spent most of her academic career at the University of Illinois in Chicago with additional appointments at Northwestern, the University of Chicago and Harvard, was a researcher and prolific author including 15 textbooks and over 50 book chapters and lectures worldwide. She provided seminal work on the effect of public opinion on the presidency and foreign policy, the role of the media in American politics and political psychology. In a career that spanned over 70 years, she developed survey research techniques that are the foundation of much political science research done today. In addition to her academic pursuits, she was an avid skier and world traveler having visited every continent including a trek to the North Pole. Dr. Graber was often recognized as a pioneer for women in her chosen field but also within university academics, mentoring hundreds of students and colleagues while providing an example for many young women as they entered their careers. Professor Graber won global recognition for her academic accomplishments but was most proud and supportive of her equally recognized husband, the late Dr. Tom Graber and their five children. Hard work, discipline, excellence, mutual respect, and love characterized their 65+ year marriage. Dr. Graber is preceded in death by her parents Ernst and Marta Appel, her sister Ruth, and her husband Dr. Tom Graber. She is survived by her children: Dr. Lee (Dr. Jane) Graber, Dr. Tom (Dr. Ellen) Graber, Jack (Violet) Graber, Dr. Jim (Pamela Wolfe) Graber, and Dr. Susan (Dr. Lance) Graber Robbins; her grandchildren Kyle Robbins, Kevan Robbins, Spencer Robbins, Brittany (Graber) Cummings, Grace Graber, Lauren (Graber) Matschull, Alex Graber, Dr.Courtney Graber, Dr. Melinda (Graber) Tobin, Gretchen (Graber) Rolston, Dr. Emily Graber, Dr. Katie (Graber) Evarts, Dr. Megan (Graber) Sheldon, Molly (Graber) Rosemeyer, and 10 great grandchildren. A private family service and burial was held. Memorial donations may be made to the Doris A. Graber Endowed Graduate Fellowship-University of Illinois Foundation, 601 South Morgan, Chicago, IL 60607 or online at https://give.uic.edu/ and using the search field for GRABER.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 25, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Doris Graber

10 Entries

Dick Simpson

February 19, 2021

Doris continues to be remembered as a founder of UIC and as one of the great political scientists both locally and nationally. She inspired so many students and colleagues decade after decade. She was the rock upon which our department was built.

Leta Dally

October 17, 2018

Doris was the kindest most encouraging teacher. She went out of her way to help her students. I may not have been one of her success stories but I learned so many things from her. I have been blessed to have worked for and with her.

My sincere condolences to her family for the loss of this amazing woman.

Lyn Ragsdale

March 5, 2018

Doris was one of a kind. She was a true pioneer among women in political science and was a consummate expert in our understanding of mass media and politics. I feel so fortunate to have been her colleague for several years. I will miss her wit, her keen intellect, and her true passion for life. She was a role model for all of us about how to live life to the fullest.

Dick Simpson

February 26, 2018

Doris was a wonderful colleague and friend for 50 years. She was one of the original faculty at Navy Pier to come over and start UIC. She was one of the founders of the field of Political Communications but taught thousands of students in a wide range of courses. She was extraordinary in every way.

Robert Eisinger

February 26, 2018

One of the kinder people in the field. Always a warm hello, a word of encouragement, and an insightful comment. Her legacy -- in texts -- will endure. For those who had the privilege of engaging with her -- about media, politics, and all things in between -- she will be sorely missed.

Ralph Hanson

February 26, 2018

Dr. Doris Graber was one of the most influential writers on my understanding of how we interact with the media with her book Processing The News: How We Tame The Information Tide. She was also the discussant of the first academic paper I presented in grad school. I appreciated her thoughtful, kind critique.

https://www.ralphehanson.com/2018/02/26/processing-the-news-remembering-doris-graber/

Regina Lawrence

February 25, 2018

Professor Graber was a pioneer in so many ways. Her mark is indelible. RIP Professor Graber.

David Weaver

February 25, 2018

I consider myself so lucky to have known and worked with Doris. She was a remarkable person--always positive, even in criticism of research, and never daunted by the difficulty of large-scale research projects. I learned a great deal from her while working on a year-long study of the 1976 presidential election, and her support of me and my work was unwavering throughout more than 40 years. I will miss her greatly. My sincere condolences to her family.

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