Dr. Dorothy I. Mitstifer
9/14/2015
It is with great sadness that I share with you today the passing of Dr. Dorothy I. Mitstifer, Executive Director Emerita, on September 13, 2015. Dr. Mitstifer was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February and underwent several rounds of chemo in her fight to beat it. As tough as Dorothy was, the cancer was tougher. She left us last night with both of her sons at her side.
Since 1976, when Dr. Mitstifer first stepped into her role as secretary-treasurer for ACHS, and throughout her years as executive director, Dorothy worked as a tireless advocate for the best and brightest of our students across the nation and around the world. As a staunch proponent of ethical, transparent practices for honor societies and a champion for high standards, she set a tone of integrity and wisdom that each of our member societies works hard to achieve on the campuses we serve. We could ask for no better role model and no better friend.
Dr. Mitstifer will long be remembered and lauded for the contributions she’s made to all institutions and organizations supporting higher education. Her gifts and her guidance have left an indelible mark upon the scholarly landscape, and her legacy will inspire many generations to come to “Aim Higher.”
In closing, I would like to ask that you remember Dorothy Mitstifer as a champion. A champion for the highest standards of excellence, a champion for meaningful collaboration, a champion for the students and professionals she served, a champion for her family, friends and colleagues… and simply, a champion. She will be forever remembered for her advocacy and efforts on behalf of scholastic excellence and leadership in post-secondary education, and particularly among our collegiate honor societies. The contributions she’s made are immeasurable and her legacy is a lasting one that will inspire generations to come.
With fondness and great respect,
Lisa Wootton Booth
Interim Executive Director, Association of College Honor Societies
lwbooth@kon.org
