Sara Spurlark, MTS Life Trustee Dies at 88

02-23-2012

By B. Vaughan

Sara Spurlark, a McCormick Life Trustee, died on Sunday, February 12, 2012 in University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was taken after suffering cardiac arrest in her Chicago home.

In notifying the McCormick community of Ms. Spurlark’s death, President Frank Yamada said, “She was a pioneer in higher education and in the public schools of Chicago. She has left a rich legacy in this city and McCormick Theological Seminary through her leadership and life witness.”

Ms. Spurlark served on the McCormick Board of Trustees from May, 1984 through May, 1993. She was elected as a Life Trustee in May, 1994. An educator, she began her 35-year career with the Chicago Public Schools, teaching chemistry and later heading the science department at Kelly High School. Ms. Spurlark also served as principal of Ray Elementary School in Hyde Park. Later in her career she worked with the University of Chicago as it launched what is now known as the Urban Education Institute. 

Upon learning of Ms. Spurlark’s death, McCormick Board President John L. Anderson said, “She served McCormick Theological Seminary in many ways.  Her educational background proved invaluable to our curriculum committee, but it was her quiet and effective witness to the Church that made her so important to our community.”  

Ms. Spurlark’s final services have already been held.

For more information, please also see her obituary in the Chicago Tribune.