Bernice-Durand-Obituary

Bernice B. Durand

Madison, Wisconsin

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Madison, Wisconsin

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Durand, Bernice B.

ASPEN, CO - Bernice Durand, a long-time faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, died peacefully in Colorado on February 7, from complications of Alzheimer's disease after several years of decline.

She was born in Clarion, IA, to Henry...

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My very late but sincere condolences to Bernice's family. We met at Princeton IAS in mid 1970s. Later I visited her and Randy's amazing house in Madison when I worked at the U of Illinois in Urbana. I saw Bernice only occasionally later, and was happy to learn how much energy she gained when he brother gave her his kidney.

Bernice and I were students together in the PhD program at Iowa State University. In 1965, we shared an office. it had been the janitor's closet, entered through the Women's room in the old Physics Building. It was fun studying with Bernice. She was enthusiastic and knew some of the old texts that had solutions to problems. I followed her later career and visited her home in Aspen with my teenaged children. I admire her work in diversity and teaching physics for non-physicists.

Bernice and I and one of our classmates at Ames High School were three scared kids on our way to college, riding the train to Radcliffe, Harvard and Mount Holyoke, where I, too, eventually dropped out and finished my senior year at Iowa State. She was the only person I knew there, all our other classmates from Ames having already graduated. She was very kind to me, introducing me to a group of her friends, and bringing me along to parties. We became close that year, sharing good times and...

a great teacher who will be remembered by her many students

What a huge loss for the University and the nation. Dr Bernice Durand was a firm and steady advocate for diversity, access and opportunity for oh so many on campus and in her profession. I was fortunate to have her as a friend, colleague and co- leader in the writing, implementation and evaluation of The Madison Plan-the University´s blue print for Diversity. May you Rest In Peace for a job well done. My condolences to the family.

Bernice, was the best to work for. I remember her smile the most. Even though she was brilliant, she took time to notice others and encourage those who needed it. She was friendly and kind, simply a beautiful soul.

A wonderful colleague and friend. She and I shared a passion for finding ways to use technology to improve and extend the reach of good teaching. I and my wife have been blessed to know her. She will be missed.

Marina Orio introduced me to Bernice years ago because she had a kidney transplant and I received one in 2003. She was an amazing woman, her kindness will be remembered. God Bless her Family.

My since condolences to the family of Dr. Durand. I was sadden to see her obituary in the Wisconsin State Journal today. Dr Durand was one of my physics professors at the UW-Madison 40 years ago in the early 80's. I only had her one semester, but the fact that I still remember her 40 years later should tell you how impactful her teaching was for me. I'm sure the PhD students she mentored have great stories to share, but also know that there are countless other students who may have only...