We are brokenhearted to announce the loss of one of Union College’s legendary professors. Dr. Marilyn Lang McArthur, professor emerita of nursing, passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at the age of 83 following a long battle with dementia. She and her beloved husband, Frank, had recently celebrated 61 years of marriage.
McArthur taught at Union College from 1981 until her retirement in 2004, becoming chair of the Division of Nursing in 1990. While teaching at Union, she earned a Ph.D. in Human Resources and Family Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A treasured mentor, many students outside of the Nursing Program got to know and respect her through classes she taught in marriage and family dynamics and her work with the college’s honors program. Under her leadership, the Nursing Program launched a series of foot clinics for the homeless and near-homeless of Lincoln, a service Union College nursing and PA students have continued for 29 years.
“When I think of Union College, I think of Marilyn McArthur,” said Elysia Ockenga, director of Union’s Nursing Program. “When my mom brought me to visit Union, I sat in her office — the office I will soon be taking over. I had a punk attitude and slumped in my chair while she looked at me with kindness and encouragement. I stopped by her office many times over the years for more of that encouragement. I was in awe of her, and the nursing students and faculty couldn’t have been in better hands.”
A memorial service is scheduled for Sabbath, October 8 at 3 p.m. in the College View Church. The family has established a scholarship to commemorate her years of inspiring and steadfast service. Contributions may be made below or mailed to the Union College Advancement Office.