Gilbert, Judith (Decker) (02/26/1940–06/09/1997). Judy Decker spent three active years at Grinnell (1957-60). She had roles in several campus dramatic productions and was a member of the local drama group (Grinnell Players) and the National Collegiate Players. Judy also found time for the Young Republicans, the women’s swimming club (White Caps) and campus journalism (Scarlet & Black newspaper and the Cyclone annual). She lived in James, Loose and Haines Halls. Years later she said that “the Grinnell influence extended far beyond the campus days. I’m ever grateful for the experience.”
Judy completed her undergraduate education at the University of Northern Colorado with a B.A. in 1961 and obtained an M.A. in 1986 from the University of Colorado. She was an English and drama teacher in schools in Colorado. Later she became an independent consultant to school districts on the teaching of English writing; that turned into her being hired by the State of Colorado’s Department of Education to be in charge of state-wide programs in this area.
In 1992 Judy was hired as the Curriculum Director for the Eagle Rock School in Estes Park, Colorado. Opening in 1993, the School is a residential, year-round, full-scholarship high school for students who have not been successful in traditional public high schools. Associated with the School is the Eagle Rock Professional Development Center that works with educators from around the country who wish to study how to re-engage, retain and graduate students; the Center provides consulting services at school sites and hosts educators who study and learn from Eagle Rock practices. Judy was instrumental in developing the School’s curriculum, assessments, and learning philosophy. She was still its Curriculum Director when she passed away, and her memorial service was held on campus. Eagle Rock has dedicated its art building, the One Room Schoolhouse, to Judy. (Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center, http://www.eaglerockschool.org/home/index.asp.)
Judy also was very active in CLAS (the Colorado Language Arts Society), and a fellowship was established in her name to “perpetuate [her] spirit of leadership and professionalism.” (Judith Gilbert Fellowship for CLAS Leaders, http://clastalk.ning.com/page/gilbert-fellowship.)
In 1960 Judy married John Gilbert, and they had three children– Cindy (Gilbert) Olson (Grinnell, 1984), John Gilbert and Christine (Gilbert) Cox. In 1992 Judy and John were divorced. Judy was survived by her three children and six grandchildren.
Cindy says the only regret she ever heard her mother voice was that she didn’t graduate from Grinnell. Cindy grew up listening to Judy’s stories of Grinnell and is so very glad she ended up at the College.
Cindy recalls, “Mom was so proud at my Grinnell graduation. She felt I had completed what she had started.”
