Shirley Kurlander died on May 16 at the age of 90. While at IU, Kurlander was the assistant editor for Indiana Daily Student. She also served as a secretary of the Independent Party, as a member of the IU Student Foundation, and was most notably inducted into Theta Sigma Phi, a national honors society and professional fraternity for women in journalism.

Kurlander had a distinguished career in journalism, serving as Assistant Women’s Editor of The Indianapolis Star and later as an associate editor of WFYI-TV 20 Member’s Magazine.

Committed to Jewish education and civic engagement, Kurlander was the first president of both the Auxiliary to the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis, and the Parents Club of Sigma Alpha Mu at IU. She served as president of both the Women’s Service League of the Indianapolis Jewish Community Center and The Guild for Hooverwood Living.

Kurlander also served on the boards of the Indianapolis Symphony Society, the Museum of Art Alliance, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Marion County Medical Society, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Hasten Hebrew Academy, the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Congregation Beth El Zedeck Sisterhood, and Hadassah.

Among her many honors, Shirley received the Martin L. Larner Leadership Award from the Indianapolis Jewish Community. She and her husband were also inducted into the Indiana University Presidents Circle and received the HAI-Life Distinguished Service Award from the Hasten Hebrew Academy.