Professor Emerita, Indiana University School of Nursing
February 1, 1934 - December 8, 2013
Passed by the IUPUI Faculty Council at their meeting on May 6, 2014.
The Indiana University School of Nursing (IUSON) is profoundly saddened and mourns the passing of one of its most respected and beloved faculty members on December 8, 2013 at the age of 79 in Shelbyville, Indiana. Dr. Rebecca T. Markel was one of our pioneers in the field of nursing, on the stratum of Florence Nightingale and Clara Barton.
Her distinguished career embodies her role as professional nurse, leader extraordinaire, innovator, exemplar; she was an ambassador and an advocate for one of the greatest professions in the world. Dr. Markel’s efforts touched so many lives over her 41 year career--patients, students, colleagues, community leaders. She had a vision--that well-educated nurses can make a difference in health care delivery and their communities. Her collaborative style created many partnerships between individuals and groups.
Becky’s favorite colors were cream and crimson. From contributing her time, talent, and treasures throughout the university, to her avid support of IU football and basketball, she embodied all that is the spirit of Indiana University.
Dr. Markel received her diploma in nursing in 1956 from The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, then earned three degrees from Indiana University (BSN, Ed,’59; MSN,’72; EdD,’86), which set in motion longstanding and deep bonds with the entire Indiana University community. She joined the Indiana University School of Nursing (IUSON) faculty in 1968, and in 1989 began serving in an administrative position as Assistant Dean for Development--the first full-time development officer for the School. Dr. Markel retired from IUSON in December, 1997.
Her accomplishments were many. As a leader within Sigma Theta Tau International (nursing’s prestigious honor society), she worked willingly and passionately with established and fledgling chapters to inspire them with a commitment to the highest standards. She promoted these high standards through her special kind of dedicated international leadership--serving during a crucial period of history as Second Vice President, chairing the educational development committee, and participating as a member of the international task force. Dr. Markel traveled throughout this country and the world participating in the chartering of over 60 new chapters. She contributed in preparing for the association’s gala 75th Anniversary Celebration, weaving into all she did her vast historical knowledge.
Dr. Markel’s many accomplishments and her enormous and outstanding contributions to the School, the University, and the nursing profession were recognized with numerous honors and awards. They included:
- School of Nursing’s Emily Holmquist Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Award (1997);
- Dorothy Garrigus Adams Founders Award from Sigma Theta Tau International for Excellence in Fostering Professional Standards (1993);
- Indiana University Alumni Association’s Gertrude Rich Award (1990);
- Distinguished Leadership Award from Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (1987);
- Glenn W. Irwin, Jr., MD, Experience Excellence Award (1984);
- Distinguished Service Award from the School of Nursing Alumni Association (1984);
- IUPUI’s Maynard K. Hine Medal for IUPUI Alumni Leadership (1979).
She was voted “top administrator” at IUPUI by student organizations. Upon the occasion of her retirement Dr. Markel was presented with a Sagamore of the Wabash signed by Governor Frank O’Bannon in which her contributions to Indiana University were specifically mentioned. Dr.
Markel was also a member of IU’s President’s Circle, recognizing her significant philanthropic gifts to IU Athletics and the School of Nursing.
Becky Markel had the courage of her convictions and an unfailing optimism about the future. She believed that intelligent, educated nurses can make a difference in educational and health care delivery systems, and she gave her professional life to the advancement of this vision.
There are those special stars in one’s life that have such an impact as to make us wonder where we would be without them. Dr. Markel is one of those stars for all of us, whose bright and shining contributions to IUSON, IUPUI, Indiana University, the larger community of Indiana’s citizens, and our profession will continue to burn brightly. And--as we know--“some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay for a while leaving footprints on our hearts, and we are forever changed.” Dr. Rebecca Markel, professor emerita of IUSON, is one of those unique individuals. Her footprints will be forever emblazoned on the heart of the Indiana University School of Nursing.
THUS, BE IT RESOLVED, that this memorial resolution be placed in the minutes of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Faculty Council with a moment of silence observed in her honor. A copy of this memorial resolution will be delivered to her brother John Thomas and family.
This resolution is written on behalf of Dr. Rebecca Markel’s former students, staff, and faculty of the Indiana University School of Nursing, and was prepared by Dean Marion E. Broome of IUSON.