Nierstheimer donates books to College for Purdue teacher candidates

The Susan Nierstheimer Memorial Book Fund donated hundreds of books to the College of Education on March 12 for Education teacher candidates.

“Purdue’s College of Education was thrilled to accept a generous donation – six large boxes – of children’s literature from Norm Nierstheimer on behalf of the Susan Nierstheimer Memorial Book Fund,” said Jennifer Barce, assistant dean for teacher education.

Norm Nierstheimer champions the Fund, which has donated over 14,000 books to students in central Indiana elementary schools. Dr. Susan Nierstheimer was an assistant professor in literacy and language in the College and lost her battle with cancer in December 2005. Norm Nierstheimer established the Fund in 2010 to provide children’s books (usually) to first graders who are enrolled in reading intervention programs at their schools.

The March 12 donation will be provided to current College of Education student teacher candidates to help them build their own classroom libraries.

“It was Susan Nierstheimer’s wish to get books into the hands of children, and the Memorial Book Fund is still funded and active,” Barce said. “Many thanks to Mr. Nierstheimer for including us in this important mission – we’re honored to be included in this legacy of literacy and learning!”

Source: Jennifer Barce, jbarce@purdue.edu