Kathleen Luttenegger, Ph.D., professor of Elementary Education and Literacy, passed away peacefully at her home in Littleton on April 22 at age 51.
Luttenegger joined Metropolitan State University of Denver as a School of Education faculty member in 2003. Throughout her 19-year career with the University, she accomplished much more than simply teaching undergraduate, licensure and graduate courses — she supported hundreds of students in and outside the classroom on their journeys to becoming teachers.
School of Education Dean Elizabeth Hinde, Ph.D., described Luttenegger as a professional educator dedicated to teaching and learning, always ensuring that her students received the absolute best education possible.
“Kathleen’s unwavering focus on students made her an excellent teacher, advisor, scholar and colleague. She set the bar high,” said Hinde. “Even though we are sad we will no longer see her in her office with students and co-workers, teaching in a classroom or sharing her vast wisdom and wit in meetings, she will remain the model of a professional educator for generations to come.”
Luttenegger’s fellow faculty members advocated having a celebrated graduate-student award named in her honor: the Dr. Kathleen Luttenegger Master of Arts in Teaching Outstanding Capstone Award.
Krista Griffin, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Elementary Education and Literacy, said Luttenegger’s ability to collaborate, problem-solve and tirelessly do what was best for students made her a great colleague.
“It is difficult to describe how amazing it has been to work with Kathleen,” said Griffin. “Her content expertise and heart for teaching made her a fabulous professor, and her gift for listening — making you feel heard — and providing an often no-nonsense (but always-wise) answer made her a true friend.”
Luttenegger earned her B.A. at Mount Holyoke College, an M.A. in Special Education from Columbia University, an MBA focusing on Educational Administration from the University of Denver and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado Boulder. She was a National Board Certified Teacher for grades 2-5, and her research interests included connecting field experiences with coursework for preservice teachers and formative assessment practices.
In her final, precious moments on this planet, Luttenegger displayed incredible courage and dedication to the field, University and students she loved by continuing to teach online courses. A mother, teacher, colleague and friend, she will be dearly missed by the MSU Denver community.
In lieu of flowers, Luttenegger’s family asks that you consider making a gift to the Dr. Kathleen C. Luttenegger Legacy in Teaching Endowment, allowing her legacy to live on at MSU Denver through the students she selflessly served. Your generosity will support School of Education students as they work toward achieving their dreams of earning a degree and working in the field of education. For more information, please contact Allyssa Joseph, director of Development.