Karen McKee Glaser

Karen believed that advancing years merely changed the number of birthdays one could claim and that should in no way limit one’s activities. After retirement she maintained her old habits, such as skiing, hiking, gym workouts and traveling as long as she was able. Advancing years eventually slow us down and catch up with all of us in some way or another. Karen was dancing at a Halloween party when an overenthusiastic move caused her to slip and fall, breaking a bone. Complications set in and despite her best efforts, she died at University Hospital on November 26, 2018.

She was born on April 28, 1938, the only child of Dorothy and Roy Glaser of Wichita, KS. After growing up in Wichita, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music, with piano and organ as her major instruments, from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, MO. Like Condoleezza Rice, she did not want to spend her life listening to small children murdering Beethoven, so she changed her major in graduate school at Indiana University choosing the fairly new field of study called Student Personnel work in higher education. She loved the mountains and so chose to begin her professional career as Assistant Dean of Women at the University of New Mexico in 1962. She rose through the ranks and retired as the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students after 35 years of service. Karen was a leader in the UNM community and paved the way for following generations of women. She was instrumental in moving the needs of women to the forefront at the University. She was one of the founders of UNM’s Women’s Resource Center, active in support of the Child Care Center, and inspired many women to enter the profession of student affairs. One of her proudest achievements, however, was being appointed as the first Title IX Coordinator for UNM.

Karen was recognized through numerous awards. They include the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region IV-West Distinguished Service Award, NASPA Region IV-West Scott Goodnight nomination, UNM’s Regents Meritorious Award, and the Lobo Award (Alumni Association). She chaired the KNME Board of Directors and UNM’s Campus Diversity Council, and kept in touch with her beloved mountains, even while wearing a business suit, by serving as Chair of the New Mexico Search and Rescue Review Board. She was also a member of the Mayor’s Urban Enhancement Committee, Rotary Club of Albuquerque, Phi Kappa Phi, American Red Cross, and many other organizations.

While she was well aware of life’s negative aspects and worked to change those she could, Karen relished all the positive things life had to offer. Travel and learning brought her great delight as did her lifelong devotion to music. Her love of the outdoors found expression in a wide range of activities from hiking and backpacking to skiing, fishing small streams, bike riding, stargazing and time spent at her beloved cabin in southern Colorado. While not surprising to those closest to her, these activities often mystified those who knew her mainly through the professional and “fashionista” side of her character, also a source of great pleasure to her. But she valued most highly the personal and professional success and happiness of colleagues, staff, students and friends. She particularly enjoyed hosting conferences and meetings on campus as they gave her a chance to show off UNM while offering professional development and networking opportunities to her colleagues.

Although she had no remaining extended family “by blood,” her warmth and devotion to everyone important in her life meant that she built a large “family of choice” with those who loved and honored her. Respect for their right to a peaceful and happy holiday season has delayed arrangements for a gathering in her honor.

A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held on the Campus of the University she loved so much on Saturday, January 26, 2019, 2:00 p.m., at the Alumni Chapel (park in the SE corner of the lot at Redondo and Las Lomas). Friends at La Vida Llena who wish to attend but need assistance with transportation, please call the Transportation Unit at X-3593.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Karen’s memory might make a contribution in her name to their favorite charity or to one of hers: St. John’s Cathedral, KNME TV, or The Full Life Foundation at ­­­La Vida Llena.