University News
Former Education Leader Frank Sorenson Died April 4
April 4, 2006
MACOMB, IL - - Frank D. Sorenson, 74, of Macomb, a former Western Illinois University assistant dean of continuing education and professor of education, died at 9:04 a.m. April 4 at McDonough District Hospital. He had worked at Western from 1965-1992.
He is survived by his wife, Margery, and daughters Kathy Sorenson of Macomb and Janet (Ross) Latham of Austin, TX, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.
Sorenson was well known for his work with the adult learner, especially senior citizens and aging. He received the 1978 Creativity Award from the National University Extension Association (NUEA) for the program Developing Competency and Effectiveness Among Employed and Volunteer Personnel for Area Agencies on Aging. He served on the elected NUEA Board and was chair of the NUEA Council on Management and Operational Services.
He served as president (1981-82) of the Illinois Gerontology Consortium; and in 1984 Sorenson received a $32,000 Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) grant for WIU to conduct, with assistance from the Illinois Gerontology Consortium, the Illinois Aging Network Conference in Chicago.
Sorenson came to Western in 1965 as assistant to the dean of public services, coordinator of extension and assistant professor of education. He was named assistant dean of Continuing Education in 1970. He also served as acting dean of Continuing Education Aug. 1, 1974-June 30, 1975.
Sorenson was among 11 Western Illinois University faculty and administrators included in the 1974 national publication Outstanding Educators in America.
Previously, he had served as director of a curriculum demonstration program for a U.S. Office of Education project in Quincy, IL (1964-65); was assistant superintendent of Fort Madison, IA Community Schools (1962-64); was a teacher/counselor in Lincoln, NE public schools (1958-62); and was a supervisor of student teachers at the University of Nebraska Laboratory School (1957-58).
Sorenson earned his degrees at the University of Nebraska: B.S. in physical education (1954) and Ed.M. (1958) and Ed.D. (1962) in educational administration.
He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Macomb Elks Lodge No. 1009, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Volunteer Now and Macomb Community Theatre. He served on the Governors Commission for Volunteerism and was past president of AARP and the State University Annuitants Association.
Sorenson officiated football and basketball for more than 40 years.
Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 7 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1212 W. Calhoun, Macomb. Rev. Russell Smith will officiate. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 6 at Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home, 201 W. Carroll, Macomb. Cremation has been accorded.
Memorial contributions may be made to Western Illinois Universitys College of Education and Human Services or the American Heart Association.
Please sign the guestbook at www.dodsworthfh.com.
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Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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