College Relations

March 22, 2004

CONTACT --- Jim Glynn at 978-542-7519 or james.glynn@salemstate.edu

SALEM - Helen Bushner of Salem has made a $60,000 donation to Salem State College in memory of her daughter, Diane Bushner.

A former professor of education and graduate coordinator who donated over 5,000 children's books to the college, Diane Bushner was a tireless worker who coordinated Salem State's master's program in reading. She was also a leader of the Reading Clinic for children and directed the Massachusetts Children's Book Award program. Diane Bushner died of cancer on Dec. 11, 2002.

During a ceremony in December, 2003, Salem State College designated a portion of its library as a reading area for children in her memory. While her mother, Helen, looked on, a plaque commemorating Diane's love of children's literature was unveiled in a special section of the college's Educational Resource Library. The area, featuring many of Dr. Bushner's donated books, has been designated the Bushner SELECT (Select and Evaluate Literature to Empower Children and Teachers) Nook and is open to the public. Books for the SELECT nook are supplied by publishers with the understanding that they will be available to students and faculty for review. Dr. Bushner began the SELECT program in 1996 with former Salem State professor Jo Ann Brewer-Harp. The program continues to enable students to have access to recently published works of children's literature.

"In trying to come to terms with Dr. Bushner's passing, many of us will seek ways in which we can remember her love of children's literature," said professor Michelle Pierce. "Fortunately, we have a special place in which to do so."

For more information, call Pierce at 978-542-7903, the Education Resource Library at 978-542-6767 or visit www.salemstate.edu.