Dorothy J. McGinnis

Dorothy J. McGinnis of Kalamazoo, passed away January 11, 2013 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. Dr. McGinnis was born in Dowagiac, MI on May 28, 1920, the daughter of John and Wava (Vail) McGinnis. She received a B.S. degree from Western Michigan University in 1943, a M.A. in psychology from Ohio State University in 1948 and her Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 1963. She retired from Western Michigan University in 1986 after 40 years of service. In addition to teaching in the Department of Education and Professional Development, she was Director of the Reading Center and Clinic from 1964 to 1975, which bears her name. She was the chairperson of the committee that established WMU’s Master of Arts program in reading. She helped establish the international journal, READING HORIZONS, and was its editor for seven years. She co-authored eight books, wrote many professional articles, and was a consultant to two publishing companies. She was on the board of directors of the Michigan Reading Association for 14 years and its president in 1967. She served as a reading consultant to several Michigan public schools and conducted reading conferences throughout the United States. Dr. McGinnis received the WMU Alumni Association Teaching Excellence Award in 1972 and was honored twice by the local reading association. She was a licensed consulting psychologist and a member of the American Psychological Association, Michigan Psychological Association, International Reading Association, and the Kalamazoo County Association of Retired School Personnel. After retirement she served two years on WMU’s Emeriti Council and did volunteer work at the Portage Senior Center. She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Dr. McGinnis was preceded in death by her parents and step-father, Charles Dixon. Survivors include several cousins and many good friends including Betty Hagburg and Joyce Meninga. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 16th at 2 O’clock, visitation beginning at 1 O’Clock at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 247 W. Lovell St. Kalamazoo, with The Rev. Dr. Randall R. Warren, Priest, Officiating. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to WMU Foundation or the Fountains at Bronson Place. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac, Thursday at 1:30 O’clock. Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, (269)352-7061. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net