Remembering the Lives that Have Touched Otterbein

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Sylvia Vance ’47, alumna and emerita faculty member at Otterbein. Vance received the 1995 Distinguished Alumna Award, which is given to recognize outstanding service to the College, one’s profession, and the community. She served as a co-chair of the Sesquicentennial Coordinating Committee as the College prepares for its 150th anniversary in 1997. She returned to Otterbein in 1961 to teach French and European history but she was equally active outside the classroom until her retirement in 1991.

For several years beginning in 1981, Sylvia headed Otterbein’s nationally-recognized Integrative Studies program and was instrumental in designing and implementing this program. She also served on the personnel and curriculum committees as well as the appeals council in Otterbein’s governance system. She was president of Quiz and Quill literary organization, a national advisor to Phi Sigma Iota honorary, and an advisor to Sigma Alpha Tau sorority (of which she was also an undergraduate sorority member). She was instrumental in writing proposals that benefitted Otterbein and in 1984, the University was awarded a $250,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), which benefited the library, English, foreign languages, and philosophy departments.

In 1983, Sylvia was named Woman of the Year by the Otterbein Women’s Club. Her contributions for earning the honor included serving as president of the Westerville branch of the American Association of University Women and a member of the Westerville Beta Child Conservation League and the Westerville Historical Society. Her impact on Otterbein was profound and she will be greatly missed. 

Obituary and funeral arrangements for Sylvia can be seen here.

Updated on 2/3/22