R. Christine Royer

R. Christine Royer, a beloved member of the Barnard community for several decades, died in November at the age of 89.

Royer joined the Barnard faculty in 1961. For more than three decades, she was a teacher and mentor to countless Barnard students, enriching their lives in the process. She was a member of the English department, where her courses in American literature were especially popular; a class adviser; the adviser to the Class of 1970 (and an honorary member of the class); associate dean of the faculty; director of admissions; and vice president for development and alumnae affairs. She retired in 1993.

Royer graduated from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) summa cum laude in English and French in 1948, and went on to earn a master’s degree in English literature at the University of Pennsylvania. She taught English at Penn Hall Junior College, Dickinson College, and Connecticut College before moving to New York City to attend Columbia’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, where she studied English as a Danforth Fellow.

Royer was remembered as an accomplished teacher and administrator, and for her warmth, passion, and commitment to excellence. She believed that access to education was vital, and served on several national committees in that pursuit.