Issue date: 7/25/02 Section: Front Page

Dr. Helen Barthelme, senior lecturer in the English department, passed away June 28 of colon cancer. Colleagues are working together to establish a scholarship in her memory. Barthelme took time off from teaching this spring in the middle of the semester due to back problems and complications with the cancer.

"I always think of her smile," said Maura Ives, associate head of the English department. "She always had a wonderful smile whenever I saw her."

Ives is in charge of coordinating the scholarship to honor Barthelme, which could be awarded to an outstanding teaching assistant. Barthelme frequently taught large classes and worked closely with a teaching assistant.

Ives knew how much she appreciated the assistant's help and thought this would be a good gesture since there is not an award specifically dedicated to helping teaching assistants.

However, if enough donations come into the scholarship fund, additional awards could be created that are not limited to teaching assistants, Ives said.

"Helen was a very dedicated teacher and wonderful person," Ives said. "We would like to honor her in this way."

So far, faculty members, colleagues, friends and former students of Barthelme's have donated to the scholarship fund.

"The response around here has been really positive," Ives said.

Barthelme taught mostly American Literature and writing courses at A&M. Besides teaching classes, Barthelme was an award-winning author. Her book entitled Donald Barthelme: The Genesis of a Cool Sound, was featured at the 2001 Texas Book Festival. In her book, she wrote the memoirs of her ex-husband, Donald Barthelme, who was also an award-winning author.

After teaching for several years at the University of Houston, Barthelme came to A&M in June 1987 as a visiting assistant professor and the coordinator of writing specialization. She became a senior lecturer in 1992.

Barthelme received her bachelor's degree in journalism and her master's degree in communications from the University of Houston and later earned her Ph.D. from the University of Texas in American literature.

Barthelme was also a pilot during the 1950s and 1960s and owned an advertising firm with her sister.

Anyone wishing to donate can write a check to the Texas A&M Foundation, write Barthelme's name on the memo line, and send it to A&M's English department, Ives said.

"Texas A&M really meant a lot to her," she said.

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