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May 28, 1998

Eva Reid Brosius

Eva Reid Brosius, former clerk of the University Senate who held the job for over 27 years, died May 25.

Brosius joined the University in 1969 as associate director of the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs. Appointed the first clerk of the University Senate that year, Brosius went on to work with 15 Senate presidents.

In December 1996, Brosius stepped down as clerk to begin writing a history of the University Senate. Brosius told the University Times, "I have been very, very happy in the Senate. It's been the love of my life." "She was a great lady," said English professor Richard C. Tobias, parliamentarian and past Senate president.

Brosius grew up in Ashland County, Ohio. She attended Ashland College for two years, completing her bachelor's degree at Westminster College in 1935, and a master's degree in education at Pitt in 1967.

In 1937, Brosius began her career with the Eastminster United Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, as assistant to the minister and director of activities. Her responsibilities there included teaching, public relations, research and training. She joined Thiel College in 1966, where she served as associate dean of students, dean of women, and director of placement.

Brosius was a member of Thiel's board of trustees from 1978 to 1996, serving as board secretary from 1983 until her term ended. In November 1996 she was named trustee emerita.

Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg said, "I first met Mrs. Brosius when I was a student at Thiel College and she was the dean of women there. Our personal and professional relationship now has spanned more than 30 years. My feelings for her include both affection and respect, and I feel privileged to have counted her among my friends and colleagues." In addition to serving at Thiel and Pitt, Brosius served for 20 years as a member of the board of directors of Bristol, Inc., including eight years as president.

An accomplished instructor, writer, public speaker, and musician, Mrs. Brosius received many honors, including a Commission in Christian Education from the United Presbyterian Church – USA (1961), the Westminster College Alumni Achievement Award (1962; she was the second woman to receive the award) and an honorary degree from Thiel College (1997).

Surviving are her husband, Arthur J. Brosius of Pittsburgh, and her sister, Mary E. Reid of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania.

Funeral services will be handled by H. Samson Inc., 537 North Neville Street. Viewing will be today, May 28, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A service will be held May 29, 3 p.m. at Samson. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arthur J. and Eva Brosius Scholarship Fund at the University of Pittsburgh, c/o the Office of Institutional Advancement, 500 Craig Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.


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