Dr. Katherine Buell, professor emeritus of biology, died July 19 at age 94. A member of the Doane College faculty since 1936, Dr. Buell shared her knowledge and passion with students for 43 years.
"Dr. Buell was simply a legend on campus," said Doane President Jonathan Brand. "She was known for her fierce intelligence, high expectations, and above all her love of learning and the beauty of science and living things. Dr. Buell's influence and teaching made a positive impact on so many students and on Doane College."
Dr. Buell was born in Grand Island in 1912, one of two children of a Congregational church minister. She entered college at the age of 16 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in zoology from Oberlin College in Ohio. Dr. Buell went on to earn a master's degree in zoology from Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., and a doctorate in botany from the University of Wisconsin.
Dr. Buell came to Doane College as an assistant professor in biology in the fall of 1936. Upon her retirement in 1979, Dr. Buell was awarded the rank of professor emeritus and to date remains the longest serving faculty member in the history of the college. Throughout the years, her life continued to include Doane as well as community service, including volunteering for New Beginnings thrift store and knitting for hospital patients.
A celebration of her life was held Wednesday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m. in the Whitcomb Lee Conservatory at Doane College.