Passages: Remembering Three Trinity Women

Eleanor “Sis” McGue Millhiser ’41
1920 - 2003

Photographs of the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Trinity Center for Women and Girls in Sports tell it all: Eleanor “Sis” McGue Millhiser ’41 and husband Ross stand with President Patricia McGuire and hoist ceremonial shovels to mark the beginning of a new era for Trinity College. Nattily dressed in red suit and bright scarf, even the construction helmet takes on a fashionable flair as it sits atop Eleanor’s silver white hair. She and Ross were so committed to the future of Trinity College that after visiting the campus in the fall of 1997, sitting in classes and talking with President McGuire, they pledged a lead gift of $1 million and challenged the College to raise an additional $4 million to begin the Centennial Campaign for the Trinity Center for Women and Girls in Sports. Eleanor was delighted to support the mission of Trinity, and this gift was the culmination of many years of love and support for her alma mater before she passed away in August of this year. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she lived much of her life in New Jersey and was a leader for Alumnae Association chapter events through the years. The Trinity community is saddened by her loss, but ever grateful for her friendship, enthusiasm for life and dedication to the excellence of a Trinity education. Eleanor is survived by her husband, Ross; sister, Jean; and four children: Ross R. Millhiser Jr., Timothy McG. Millhiser, Thomas McN. Millhiser and Mary McGue Millhiser, and eight grandchildren.

Sr. Marie Therese Dimond ’38, SND
1916-2003

Sr. Marie T. Dimond ’38 came to Washington D.C. in 1934 from Valdez, Alaska. She taught biology at Trinity from 1948 through spring 1982, and was known for her research on the embryonic development of turtles. Hers was a life of teaching and research; she traveled extensively and in later years concentrated on India and the study of sea turtles that was funded by the National Science Foundation. She was well-loved by nearly four decades of Trinity students and alumnae, and Dr. Saundra Oyewole, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, spoke for many when she learned of Sr. Marie Dimond’s passing in September of this year: “Sister Marie touched many Trinity lives as student, teacher, scholar, colleague and friend. Hers was a gentle, sweet spirit that will surely be missed.”

Marion Tappan Ryan ’25
1901-2003

Marion Tappan Ryan was a devoted alumna from the early years of Trinity College who inspired graduates of fifty years later through the Ryan Challenge. She and her family responded to the Centennial Campaign with a generous leadership gift early in the Campaign, then initiated a $200,000 pledge to challenge alumnae of the 1970s (graduating 50 years after her class) to match the gift. The Ryan Challenge led to a significant increase in contributions from those classes, and enthusiasm on the part of all alumnae to bring the Centennial Campaign to its successful conclusion. Marion came to Trinity from Minneapolis and after she graduated she married and raised her family in Providence, R.I. where she was active in the Trinity Alumnae Chapter. She was a warm and generous mother, grandmother and friend who was graced with a sense of humor and love of life. Although Marion passed away in May of this year, we know she will be with us in spirit as we dedicate the Marion Tappan Ryan Plaza at the Trinity Center for Women and Girls in Sports in spring of 2004. Marion is survived by her three sons: Vincent J. Ryan, Elliot T. Ryan and T. Anthony Ryan, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.