Librarian Emeritus, IUPUI University Library
May 13, 1936-December 8, 2014
Passed by the IUPUI Faculty Council at their meeting on May 5, 2015.
The IUPUI University Library is profoundly saddened by the passing of our esteemed colleague, Marie Turner-Wright. Ms. Turner-Wright served the campus for twenty years as a librarian, as well as an adjunct faculty member in the English Department of the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI.
Ms. Turner-Wright graduated from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis and received her Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University in Bloomington. In addition to an M.L.S., also from IU Bloomington, she held a post-master’s specialization in Folklore.
Ms. Turner-Wright began her professional career as an elementary school teacher in the Indianapolis Public Schools system. Her first library position was with the Indianapolis Marion County Public Library as an assistant in Children’s Services. She later served as a head branch librarian.
After a term as a visiting assistant librarian, Ms. Turner-Wright joined the University Library as an associate librarian in 1985. During her tenure at University Library, Ms. Turner-Wright worked in Government Documents, Bibliographic Instruction, and Reference. She was Acting Head of Public Services for two years. In addition, she was successful in bringing to the library a number of culturally significant national exhibits, which facilitated exchange between the campus and the Indianapolis community. Ms. Turner-Wright retired in 2001.
Throughout her IUPUI career, Ms. Turner-Wright was esteemed by colleagues campus-wide. A number of awards and distinctions demonstrate her significant contributions to the IUPUI community. These include the Glenn W. Irwin, Jr., M.D. Experience Excellence Recognition Award (1995), the Herbert S. & Virginia White Professional Development Award (1999) and the Outstanding Contribution Award from the IUPUI Black Faculty and Staff Conference in 2002.
In retirement, Ms. Turner-Wright taught as an adjunct faculty member at Martin University. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Indianapolis Public Library and the Dean’s Advisory Council for the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI. In 2007, in commemoration of the important people in her life, she established the Marie Turner-Wright Scholarship for Africana Studies for undergraduates at IUPUI.
Ms. Turner-Wright had many interests beyond the University. Among these were horticulture, music and story-telling. Her passion to fight censorship led her to be active in the Freedom to Read Foundation. She was also a member of the Indianapolis Fortnightly Literary Club.
Ms. Turner-Wright was an advocate for life-long learning and diversity. She was a trusted teacher and mentor, a caring friend and a community connector. Her service at IUPUI made a difference in the lives of many.
THUS, BE IT RESOLVED: that this memorial resolution be placed in the minutes of the IUPUI Faculty Council with a moment of silence observed in her honor.
This resolution is written on behalf of Ms. Turner-Wright’s students, staff and colleagues. This resolution was prepared by Kindra Orr, University Library Assistant Dean for Administration.