“Mary Carolyn Dobbs, a California State University, Fresno alumna who became a teacher and internationally renowned pioneer in special education, passed away Jan. 12 in Grass Valley. She was 99,” according to Fresno State News.
“Ms. Dobbs was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the California State University at Fresno State’s 2004 Commencement. The honorary doctorate recognized her contributions to special education through her advocacy at the state and national levels and her tireless efforts to win teaching and legislative improvements for children with special needs.
“It wasn’t easy overcoming prejudices based on stereotyping.
‘“My career was fraught with vast, intense challenges because of all of the opposition in my work,’ Ms. Dobbs said in 2004,. “Handicapped people were looked upon with disdain and scorn, and we had to put forth our best efforts to change that on a global scale. We had much to overcome.”
“Her selfless work brought significant changes at the state and national levels in the classroom and in everyday life for students, and she also was an advocate for support and assistance for teachers of special needs pupils.”
The rest of the article is here.
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This lady truly deserves to be honored. Education has made tremendous differences in the lives of those with this disability and their families. After retiring from full-time teaching, I subbed some times, in special ed as well as other classes, always found these kids fun and easy to work with, though thought it really took superior teaching skills to do it on a full-time basis.
Thanks Jeff for posting about a regional treasure. She (Mountain Millie of Mountain Messenger) dedicated her life to giving back. She missed her goal of 100 years old by a few months but it is the getting to our goal where all the fun and great stuff happens.
Carolyn was a jewel in our town. Up to about a year or two ago she would walk from her home on Alta Vista Ave to the Club Sierra for her daily swim. She was a great friend to my family, and would frequently deliver homemade muffins, or seasonal fruit from her trees with a lovely note and a random copy of one of her columns from the Mtn Messenger. Carolyn was soft spoken, but incredibly strong willed and loved Fresno State, her Alma mater. The Dean of Fresno State would personally call annually to send Carolyn flowers on her birthday. We were lucky to have Carolyn as a resident of our community. Carolyn did not have any children, and she left her home on Alta Vista Ave. and estate to Fresno State. RIP.
Mark,
Thanks for such a heartfelt tribute.