Dr. Gloria M. Link, Professor Emeritus and former head of theatre at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh 1959 to 1992, passed away February 24, 2006 at Aurora Medical Center. She was born in Milwaukee on July 27, 1926 to the late Charles and Pauline (Brandt) Link.

Dr. Link earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Marquette University, in Milwaukee, and her doctorate at UW-Madison. Before joining the UWO faculty, she taught at Marquette and the University of Tampa, Florida. She was a theatre consultant for the Green Ram Theatre in Baraboo for eleven years and resident director of the group for seven summers. Beginning with her first acting role at the age of seven until her last performances in "Shakespeare's Women" at the Paine Art Center, Dr. Link could count her roles as well over one hundred. Oshkosh audiences may remember Dr. Link in the Fredric March Theatre opening production of "The Visit" and later roles in "The Gin Game", "Painting Churches" and her one woman show, "Gertrude Stein, Gertrude Stein."

Dr. Link was well known to students from all disciplines in the university. She developed and taught "Appreciation of the Drama" which drew more than two hundred students per semester and was broadcast to other campuses throughout the state. She received the Distinguished Teaching Award in 1974 and was nominated for the Rosebush Professorship three times. She was a popular speaker at meetings throughout the Fox Valley

In addition to Professor Link's administrative duties as Coordinator of Theatre, teaching classes and directing plays, her thirty-three years at UWO were significant for her service to the institution. She served on the all university faculty senate for nine years and as its president for two. When the new Dean of Letters and Sciences Faculty Committee was organized, Dr. Link was elected to represent the arts areas. Over the years she was called upon to serve on many other curriculum and planning committees. She even penned the lyrics for the university's "Alma Mater."

Following her retirement in 1992, Dr. Link continued to share her love of theatre through offering courses and organizing theatre tours for the University Learning In Retirement program. She also served on the community SOAR board for nine years as a "passionate advocate" for arts in the schools. Retirement allowed Dr. Link time to pursue another interest -- painting -- and she had works shown in the Oshkosh 100 exhibits.

Gloria is survived by her siblings: James Link, Fay Link, Nancy Budzisz, and David (Barbara) Link; fourteen nieces and nephews; 30 great-nieces and nephews; and close friends: Dorlis Grubidge and Heather McPerson. Her brothers: Robert and Charles Link; sister-in-law: Betty Link; and brother-in-law: Ralph Budzicz preceded her in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Gloria at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 4, 2006, at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 830 South Westhaven Drive, Father Douglas LeCaptain officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation and support at the church on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be give to the American Heart Association or the St. Raphael Life Teen Program.

Condolences may be given online at www.seefeldfuneral.com

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