Dear Members of the Bates Community,

I write to share the shocking and profoundly sad news that Katie Vale, our vice president for information and library services and librarian, died yesterday, Sunday, November 27, after suffering cardiac arrest. As some of you may know, Katie underwent surgery a little over two weeks ago and appeared to be recovering well, so her death was sudden and unexpected.

Katie joined Bates 15 months ago, and she quickly proved herself to be a strong and creative organizational leader, a wonderful, collaborative colleague, a professional of enormous breadth and intellect, and a person possessed of quick wit and self-deprecating humor. She was a national leader in educational technology and a valued member of the senior leadership team.

Katie is survived by her husband, Marshall Vale, her two children, Riley, age 17 and a senior in high school, and Zoe, age 13 and in seventh grade, as well as her father, a sister, and a brother.

We will write again as soon as we know the family’s wishes for expressions of sympathy and remembrance and plans for a service. Meanwhile, I know that you join me in deepest sympathy for the loss suffered by Katie’s husband, children, extended family, and friends.

Sincerely,

Clayton