Darby Morrisroe, a DePauw University political science professor, died unexpectedly June 15 in Indianapolis.
According to an email released by the department of political science, Morrisroe had been suffering from back pain in early May, leading to the discovery of advanced stage cancer. While she was having some medical issues that required her to be absent from classes and meetings for part of the spring 2017 term, her death in mid-June was unexpected, the email said.
Morrisroe served as a professor in the department of political science for one year, starting in August 2016. The department of political science recommended her for reappointment for the 2017-2018 school year. DePauw followed the department’s recommendation and Morrisroe accepted the reappointment. “She was looking forward to the coming school year and the staff was just as thrilled to be working with her for another year,” Bruce Stinebrickner, a fellow professor of political science, told The DePauw.
While her time on the DePauw campus was brief, she made lasting impressions on her colleagues and students. “Even while hospitalized in May, in Indianapolis, with serious medical problems, she continued to work painstakingly on grading tests and calculating and submitting student's’ final course grades,” Stinebrickner said. Colleagues of Morrisroe described her as extraordinarily conscientious and engaged.
In the classroom, students like sophomore Sydney Kopp noticed her conscientious attitude. “She also almost never let any of her own personal biases be seen in the classroom,” Kopp said.
Her passion for political science was evident to her students. Kopp recalled an encounter with Morrisroe during her first year when she was trying to get into a political science course. “I had tried three to four professors who just couldn’t get me into their class. When I went to talk to Professor Morrisroe about it, she let me into one of her 300 level classes without a second thought.”
Morrisroe was consistently engaged in the political climate of the outside world, especially during the last election cycle. She was committed to helping students engage with the world and political atmosphere outside the DePauw campus scope. In a November 2016 edition of The DePauw, she gave insight into the 2016 presidential election with data from her voting analysis forum.
Reflecting on Morrisroe’s character outside of the classroom, Kopp felt sentimental toward her. “She was just a really nice and encouraging professor to have, especially for me being unsure of what I wanted to study. She will definitely be missed on campus,” Kopp said.
Stinebrickner also commented on Morrisroe’s character. “I could always count on her for a smile and engaging personality in conversations,” Stinebrickner said.
In honor of Morrisroe, the department of political science will be hosting a memorial event in the Political Science Lounge, Asbury Room 101, Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. According to an email from the political science department, the DePauw community, including faculty, staff, and students, are welcome to attend and reflect on the legacy she left both in and out of the classroom.