Kids in the Kitchen Kids in the Kitchen - College of Public Health and ...

In Memoriam
Velda Brust BS ’ 53, EdM ’61
Associate Professor
1923–2007
“Velda was a real Blue Collar Renaissance
Woman,” says dean emeritus
Mike Maksud of Velda Brust, who,
during World War II, was a machinist
for Northrop Aircraft. “She was
soft spoken and competent, a truly
dedicated professional. Whether she was teaching
anatomy or fixing some broken equipment,
you were confident it would be a job well done.”
Emeritus associate dean Kathy Heath, who shared
an office at OSU with Velda, recalls, “Her favorite
subject to teach was human anatomy, and the background
her students received at OSU served them
well in teaching, therapy, or medical careers.”
Celebrating
Milestones
College student ambassadors
and faculty welcomed alumni
back to campus in June for the
annual Golden Jubilee celebrating
the classes of ‘37, ‘42, ‘47,
‘52, and ‘57. Above, assistant
dean for academic programs Liz
Gray (second from right) visited
with Mortar Board members
from the Class of 1947 (L-R)
Laura Jean Hampton Hevel (with
honorary Beaver Roger Hevel,
center), Eldora Greed James,
and Ruth Hoffman Talbott. Far
left, Elaine Scudder Yunker
and Elizabeth “Betty” Louise
Menashe, both ‘57, enjoyed
reuniting at the college showcase
and reception, where student
ambassadors (left) were on
hand to bring alumni up-to-date
on the college.
A certified occupational therapist, Velda
worked at Children’s Hospital in Eugene
and was assistant director of the occupational
therapy school at the University
of Puget Sound before returning to OSU
in 1959. During her 23-year career at
OSU, she taught physical education, pretherapy,
and human anatomy, coached
basketball and tennis, and was head of
the Women’s Recreation Association. Her
strong advocacy for the rights of women
and people with disabilities was a life-long
commitment.
For over 25 years, Velda was involved in the operation
of Camp Tamarack, a popular girl’s camp in Central
Oregon where, according to friends who worked
with her, “her cleverness, competence, and mischievous
spirit made her a favorite of the girls. Whether
tinkering with camp vehicles, fixing the plumbing,
catching porcupines in garbage cans, or teaching
square dancing, she was always a joyful inspiration.”
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