Professor Emerita Katherine Tinsley succumbs to fatal injuries

Email from Manchester University President Dave McFadden to students, faculty and staff June 5, 2017:

Friends, 

It is with great sadness that I share the news of Katherine Tinsley’s passing. The longtime Manchester University history faculty member died today, June 5 at Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis. She was involved in a serious automobile accident last Tuesday in Indianapolis. 

Her husband, Matt Hendryx, shared this on Caring Bridge: “Katherine died this Monday at about 1 p.m. It was peaceful and without pain. I, her siblings, and her father were there to say our good byes. We, as well as you, will miss her so much. As a daughter, sister, and wife she added immensely to our lives, and as your wonderful comments show, her impact extended well beyond our family circle.” 

We will share information about calling hours and services on MU Today, http://06p.52greenhome.com/mu-today. I have been in contact with Bekah Houff, University pastor, and she is planning a memorial service celebrating Katherine’s life in the fall when students are back on campus. 

Katherine taught courses in American history at Manchester University for 26 years, retiring this spring with emerita status. 

Her dedication to her students and helping others touched so many lives. She is fondly remembered for bringing people together over meals and sharing snacks with faculty and students alike. Katherine’s popular January session classes on the History of Foodways placed recipes in their time and place of origination and then followed their migration. 

Katherine trained future social studies teachers. She worked tirelessly to improve student writing, scheduling a one-on-one meeting with nearly every student. For many years, she and Matt also mentored international students, taking them on trips in the region so they could learn more about our culture. In touching their lives, she touched thousands more. 

Music and art were dear to her heart, and Katherine and Matt often attended symphonies and visited galleries in Fort Wayne, Chicago and New York. 

Our hearts and prayers go out to Matt, their family and friends. 

Dave McFadden

President

Manchester University

About Manchester University
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers more than 60 areas of academic study to 1,600 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Athletic Training, a Master of Pharmacogenomics and a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy. It has students from 20 nations and is home to the world's first undergraduate peace studies program, established in 1948.

June 2017