Friday, March 19th, 2010

Mary Marburger, the wife of Lawrence Tech President Emeritus Richard Marburger, died March 10 after a prolonged illness. Many of her friends at Lawrence Tech attended the funeral held March 15 at the Armenian Congregational Church in Southfield. She was a popular Sunday school teacher at the church for some 60 years, remembered for her kindness, caring, and dedication to generations of young people.

Mrs. Marbuger was also a strong and gracious presence at the University for 45 years, especially during the years her husband served as president from 1977 to 1993. She faithfully attended, often as host, hundreds of campus events.

Richard Marburger joined Lawrence Tech’s adjunct faculty in 1965 and he advanced through a number of positions of increasing responsibility, including dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and vice president of academic affairs, now the provost position.

The couple met while growing up in Highland Park. Both of their children are Lawrence Tech alumni. Son Dennis earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1976, and daughter Kathryn earned the same degree in 1978. 

In recent years, Mrs. Marburger has perhaps best been known on campus for her philanthropy. She joined her husband in establishing the Mary E. and Richard E. Marburger Excellence in Achievement Awards in 1993, which annually recognize administration, faculty, and staff excellence at the University.

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