Connie Coleman, Adjunct Professor of Communications (1947-2011)

By Purnell T. Cropper | September 8, 2011

Constance Elizabeth Coleman, Adjunct Professor of Communications and wife of Associate Professor Alan Powell, passed away at home Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, after a determined struggle with cancer. Arcadia University President Carl (Tobey) Oxholm III lowered the Arcadia flag in her honor for a day.

Coleman graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a master’s degree in both textile design and art education. “She was a professor at University of the Arts in Philadelphia and an adjunct professor at Arcadia University. She was a multi-talented artist and pioneer in videography. Connie was also respected for the rigor of her teaching,” reports the Intelligencer. “She was born July 19, 1947, in Warwick, R.I. to Maitland and Mary Morse Coleman. She is survived by her brother, Robert M. Coleman of North Kingston, R.I.; and her husband of 33 years, Alan Powell; and many friends.

“Losing a faculty member is always hard on the community, especially one who is cherished by all and a spouse of another faculty. Although Connie is gone, her spirit and the fruit of our work at Arcadia abide with us. We will surely miss her,” said Dr. Steve O. Michael, Arcadia Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“Connie was on the Board of Directors of Discovery Service Projects, through which she and her husband participated in nine international service trips. In addition, Connie designed 15 Discovery Project T-shirts. Active in Episcopal Church Women, the Plumsteadville Grange, the Pipersville Library, and the Hunterdon Rug Hookers Guild, Connie had a way of bringing people together through art and community service.”

Memorial Service

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held in the afternoon of Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2631 Durham Road, Buckingham. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Discovery Service Projects, P.O. Box 172, Pipersville, PA 18947 or ‘Code Blue’ Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 387, Buckingham, PA 18912. Condolences may be made at www.shellyfuneralhomes.com.