20
A Legend Passes
Dr. Miriam M. Stimson, OP ‘36
1913 – 2002
By Jennifer Hamlin Church
ister Miriam Stimson—acclaimed chemist, inquiring
scholar, inspirational teacher and quintessential lifelong learner—died June 15 after
suffering a massive stroke.
Just six weeks earlier, at Commencement on May 5, she was awarded
the Siena Medal, the highest honor
given by Siena Heights University, in
recognition of her outstanding career
and life accomplishments. The Siena
Medal is given only occasionally, and
honors individuals who embody Christian
commitment and help to transform the social
and political world.
In response to a standing ovation that May
day, Miriam spoke of her continuing excitement about Siena Heights. “When you have
students in the classroom who want to know
what’s going to be new tomorrow, not just
what was new yesterday, then I think you
can move forward with great confidence,”
she said, speaking from a wheelchair
due to a recent hip fracture.
Research chemist and teacher
Vividly remembered by generations of alumni, Miriam was