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1942 - 2004

BORN

1942

DIED

2004

About

Indiana University Michigan State University University of Evansville University of Michigan Wayne State University

Caroline Dow Obituary

Caroline Dow, 62, college teacher, journalist and voice for social justice, died Sept. 14, 2004, in St. Augustine, of pancreatic cancer. She was of the Quaker faith. Born in Detroit in 1942, she graduated from the University of Michigan in 1963 and earned her M.A. in journalism and Ph.D in Mass Media from Michigan State University. As a journalist, she was a senior editor of the Michigan Daily, a reporter for the Detroit News, Detroit Bureau Chief of LIFE Magazine and a correspondent for People Magazine. She received the Howard Dubin Award for service to the Society of Professional Journalists and helped draft the 1987 Revision of the SPJ Code of Ethics for Journalists.

Dow taught journalism and communication students at Wayne State University, Michigan State University, Indiana University, University of Evansville and Flagler College, where she was Chair of the Communication Department from 1997 to 2003. She was named 1985 Adviser of the Year at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. Many of those she taught called themselves "Dowists" as they shared her philosophy that it is her duty to provide clear and complete information to society and give voice to the voiceless. She served on the Executive Committee of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, appearing in the national program for 25 years. She headed the Commission on the Status of Women, the Magazine Division and was on the founding Board of the Ethics Division.

Dow, a lifelong advocate for social justice, was an early worker in equal rights and voter literacy projects in the 1950s and 1960s and worked with refugees in Europe in 1959. She helped found the first integrated private school in the City of Detroit, Friends School in Detroit, in 1966, and was named a "First Amendment Warrior" by two presidents of the Society of Professional Journalists. Her research on the effects of sound stress on women contributed to reform of international standards on the loudness of environmental sound in the workplace.

She was a 40-year member of the Bay View Association, an international Christian Chautauqua community in Northern Michigan, where she served as library treasurer and Boat Club Commodore.

There are no plans for a service locally.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas C. Covert; brothers, Bryden, Peter and Stuart Dow; a sister, Patricia Ashurkoff; three children, Mary Catherine Dykhouse, David J. Dykhouse Jr. and J. Douglas Dykhouse; three stepchildren, Nancy L. Covert, James R. Covert and Barbara A. Emmer; nine grandchildren; and a host of young people she has mentored.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of St. Johns County; Friends School in Detroit; or the Bay View (Michigan) Association.

PAID NOTICE

(Please sign the guest book at www.staugustine.com)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Augustine Record on Sep. 22, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Caroline Dow

13 Entries

Ed Vaks

October 10, 2004

Unfortunately, I didn't have Dr. Dow for any classes but we have talked several times about various broadcasting & political issues. I will surely miss those insightful debates. Good-bye Dr. Dow!

MARGO POPE

October 4, 2004

Caroline made me see the importance of passing the craft that we shared on to the next generation by giving them the best of the my own life experiences and tips of the trade. Caroline was always the teacher but always the reporter, too. She'll be missed.

Breanna Hoepner

September 30, 2004

Dr. Dow’s kindness, humor and enthusiasm will always be fondly remembered. My thoughts are with her family.

Laura Fuhrman

September 29, 2004

During my time at Flager, I found Dr. Dow to be a three year moment of clarity with the courage to take the road less traveled. Dr. Dow, on behalf of everyone whose lives you undoubtedly touched and changed for the better, I would simply like to say thank you. To Dr. Covert & family, I hope you will take some comfort in knowing how respected and cherished Dr. Dow was as a teacher, roll model and friend.

Jonathan Crosby

September 28, 2004

You will be greatly missed. Dr. Dow was one of the purest souls I think I will ever have the privilege of meeting on this earth. I wish I could have had more time with her as a teacher and friend.

Lisa Shaw

September 23, 2004

To Caroline Dow:

It must have been that lively spark,

you always finished what you'd start.

With a smile

so sincere,

you taught us life's lessons,

and stifled our fears.

The strength and knowledge you posessed,

still helps many to succeed,

and pass life's unending tests.

Your dedicated search for truth,

could be compared,

to that of comb of finest tooth.

The compassion in your heart,

filled ours.

You always finished what you'd start.

And now I'm sure,

you've finally found the truth.

Tom Graham

September 23, 2004

Caroline was a good friend and colleague. She always pressed us to do our best. I wish only that we had shared more lunches together and talked about teaching--and the whole wide world. Now I learn that she was a long-time member of the Bay View Association in Northern Michigan--a very interesting place. I guess I'll have to explore it on my own someday.

Best wishes to her family. We're all a bit poorer for her passing, but richer for having known her.

Tom Graham,

Professor of History

Flagler College

Lisa Shaw

September 23, 2004

Upon becoming an assistant to her in her final year of chairmanship of the Communication Dept. of Flagler College. I met a friend, ally, and deeply strong woman who often acted as a surrograte grandmother to me. She was such a beautiful and unique person. She inspired myself and many others to become something more than we could even dream of, and never failed in her generosity. I knew of her struggles with illness over the past years, but was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of her succumbing to cancer. She was loved dearly by so many, and I know she will be missed just as much. My heart goes out to Dr.Covert and their Brady Bunch, may you all find strength in knowing that Dr. Dow did not fall short in the positive impact she left on the world.

David Nolan

September 22, 2004

Dr. Dow was my son's teacher at Flagler College. He recently graduated and moved to New York to look for a job. When he found one, I started saving clippings of his work to send to Dr. Dow with a message, "Look what Hamilton's doing--making good use of what he learned in your classes." The clippings were still on my desk when I picked up today's newspaper and learned of her passing. I am so sorry, personally, and for all her family, friends, and former students. She will really be missed--but not soon forgotten.

Kristin Orr

September 22, 2004

What comes to mind when I think of Dr. Dow is her huge smile, genuine love for life and her passion for teaching. I couldn't have asked for a bettr advisor and guidance throughout my college years. Her drive and courage will live on through all her former students. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Covert and the rest of the family.

Dylan Rumrell

September 22, 2004

I will miss Dr. Dow's leadership and motivation. She was such a great inspiration in my life and helped shape me to the person I am today. It is very tragic that other students will not be able to lean and apply the knowledge Dr. Dow has shared with so many.

Amy Clark

September 22, 2004

I will miss Dr. Dow's confidence and persistence. I can honestly say that I would not be the young professional woman I am today without her. I could not have asked for a better advisor, role model or friend.

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