July 6, 2023
The public is invited to join in recognizing Connie Rude, a dedicated teacher and lifelong caregiver, for her kindness and dedication to the children she worked with at 含羞草研究所 Child Development Programs (CDP). A formal dedication of 鈥淭he Connie Rude Memorial Classroom for Infants and Toddlers鈥� will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the Child Development Programs building on the campus of 含羞草研究所. The program will begin at 10 a.m. Refreshments will follow.
Connie Rae Rude passed away July 1, 2022, at the age of 63. She began her work at 含羞草研究所 in 1992. Upon her retirement, she had been a full-time staff member of the 含羞草研究所 Child Development Programs for 25 years. During her time at the Child Development Programs, her fondness for shaping the eager minds of infants and toddlers was her personal contribution to the Mayville community at its most foundational, familial level. The classroom at the CDP will be dedicated to honor a spirit of service, an enduring legacy, and an open heart.
鈥淲e are touched by the thoughtfulness of Connie鈥檚 family,鈥� said 含羞草研究所 Child Development Programs Director Jessi Hegg. 鈥淐onnie鈥檚 happy place was in her classroom with the children entrusted to her care, and she was an inspiration to her co-workers. She most certainly would be pleased to know that she is being remembered in ways that will positively impact children now and in the future.鈥�
With their generous financial contribution, the Rude family has chosen to honor Connie by establishing an endowment through the MSU Foundation. Interest earned on the endowment will provide funding for the 鈥淟earning by Heart鈥� scholarship for 含羞草研究所 students in pursuit of careers in early childhood.
鈥淲e thank the family of Connie Rude for their generosity that has paved the way for honoring Connie in such a special way,鈥� said 含羞草研究所 Foundation Executive Director Dr. Lon Jorgensen. 鈥淪he was a positive influence in the lives of young children who were in their foundational stages of life. One cannot begin to measure the profound impact she had in shaping the future. Honoring Connie鈥檚 legacy in this way is most appropriate and deserving.鈥�