Remembering Libby Rankin Elizabeth "Libby" Rankin, director of instructional development and professor of English, died early Saturday morning, Jan. 6, at Altru Hospital. She was 59. Libby was born in Robinson, Ill., on July 8, 1947, to Dean and Elizabeth (Zike) Rankin. She grew up in Robinson, and then attended Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., (bachelor's degree) and the State University of New York at Binghamton (master's and doctoral degrees). Libby worked as a VISTA volunteer and a newspaper writer before beginning a career in academia. Early teaching positions were at Auburn University, Louisiana State University, and the University of Alabama, prior to beginning her tenure at the University of North Dakota in 1985. She started at UND as the director of composition and assistant professor of English. During her career, she directed the University Writing Program, advanced to full professor, and became the director of the office of instructional development. She was the primary author for three Bush grants awarded to the University of North Dakota, initiated the Bush Teaching Scholar Program, and led the Alice T. Clark Mentoring Program for new faculty. She authored two books on writing, initiated and facilitated writing seminars for faculty across campus, and consulted at universities throughout the United States. Libby was married to Tom Steen on Nov. 24, 1995. They enjoyed camping, cooking, canoeing, and the company of many friends. Libby was also an avid reader and a passionate fan of music of all kinds. She is survived by her husband Tom, her sister Kathleen (Lyle) Sharp of Hilton Head, S.C., and her brother John (Kathleen) Rankin of Robinson, Ill. She is also survived by three step-children Ben (Kim) Steen of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Sam (Erin) Steen of Dallas, Ga., and Molly Steen of Kennesaw, Ga.; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, at the University of North Dakota’s Burtness Theatre. A reception will follow the service from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Dakota Museum of Art. **Instead of flowers, please make a donation to: the Libby Rankin Memorial Fund -- to be used for the Advancement of Teaching and Writing. You may also leave thoughts and memories on the Amundson Funeral Home's web site: www.amundsonfuneralhome.com.