Nazareth remembers professor, historian, and academic administrator Mary T. Bush
Nazareth is saddened to report the death of Mary T. Bush ’51, Ph.D., professor emerita of history and political science, and an untiring advocate for Nazareth. She was 94. A devotee of Nazareth College from her freshman year in 1948 to her retirement in January 2009, Bush was an accomplished professor, historian, and academic administrator. She continued her dedication to Nazareth after retirement and was often on campus checking in with different colleagues.
One of her lasting legacies is the Dr. Mary T. Bush Endowed Scholarship that was announced upon her retirement in 2009. The scholarship is awarded annually, with preference given to a sophomore, junior, or senior with academic excellence who is majoring in history or political science. Her scholarship has helped countless students further their academic pursuits.
In a letter of appreciation, one recipient said the “generosity of the scholarship motivates me to continue my education and eventually be able to give back in my own community. Thank you again for the role you have played in helping me achieve my goals and become a graduate of Nazareth.”
Another student, who transferred among colleges twice before finding Nazareth, is grateful to Bush for the financial support. “Without the opportunity to attend this college, I feel I would have not found my passion for history and politics. However, by being the recipient of this scholarship, it gave me a chance to find my way and I am extremely grateful.”
Bush taught history and political science at Nazareth and her career spanned seven administrations. She rose through the ranks to assistant professor, associate professor, professor, and served as chair of the department. She was also a coordinator of the American studies program and secured internships for students in the local New York State Senate and Assembly offices. Her last position at Nazareth was assistant to the vice president for academic affairs. She also did archival work on the history of Nazareth College. Bush was Nazareth’s Outstanding Alumni Award honoree in 1976, and Nazareth’s Distinguished Colleague in 1986, for providing inspiration and support to both students and colleagues.
Born on October 18, 1928, in Rochester, she earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Nazareth in 1951, her master’s degree in history from Georgetown University in 1953, and her doctorate in philosophy from the University of Ottawa in 1963. She earned a doctor of humane letters honorary degree from Nazareth at the 2010 Commencement ceremony.
As her obituary in the Democrat and Chronicle recounts, she always was interested in presidential history, and she fondly remembered meeting President Harry S. Truman when he traveled to Rochester by train during his 1948 re-election campaign. A newspaper photographer snapped and published a picture of her presenting flowers to First Lady Elizabeth “Bess” Truman.
For More Information
Julie Long | Senior News & PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
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Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
