Passages: Kristi Williams Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life for Kristi Williams will be held on Sunday, February 10 at 2 PM in Agnes Flanagan Chapel.  Kristi had taught and worked at Lewis & Clark since 1982, and was serving as Associate Director of Academic Advising at the time of her death.  A reception will follow immediately after the celebration.

Kristi attended Grinnell College as an undergraduate, where she graduated with a degree in English.  She went on to Brown University, where she earned a Master’s degree and a PhD in English with a concentration in Victorian literature.  After her graduate work Kristi taught at Tulane University in New Orleans where she met her husband Ben Edwards.  They moved to California and then to the Philippines where Ben attended veterinary school.  While in the Philippines Kristi taught at Ateneo de Manila University, and their son Jim was born there.  She came to Lewis & Clark after moving back to the United States and to Portland, where her scholarly interests gradually became focused on the role gender, race, and class play in forming identity and in determining destinies.  Kristi also had a strong appreciation of and interest in American Indian writing and the alternate paradigms it presents.

Along with teaching English classes and courses in the Core program at Lewis & Clark, Kristi became deeply involved in academic advising and supporting students who had questions or concerns about their academic program of study, or who were facing academic challenges or difficulties.  She was a tireless advocate for students, and had a compassionate and caring way with all those whom she assisted.  Kristi was particularly passionate about assisting and supporting our students of color.

Kristi was a beloved colleague and friend to many here, and countless students have benefitted from her wonderful teaching and caring guidance.  She is survived by her husband Ben and son Jim.  Memorial gifts may be directed to the American Indian College Fund.