Former Metropolitan State University of Denver associate professor and alumna Marilyn Starrett died Feb. 4 at the age of 80.
After a career in corporate public relations, Starrett joined the Department of Journalism and Media Production faculty, where she taught Journalism, Public Relations and Social Documentary. She was a member of one of MSU Denver’s first graduating classes and one of the first employees of Kaiser Permanente of Colorado in 1970, where she worked for decades as communications director.
Former colleagues of Starrett remembered her thoughtfulness, professionalism, skill with the language and love for her family.
“The word ‘mentor’ didn’t come close to covering what she really meant to me,” said Steve Krizman, retired MSU Denver associate professor of Journalism and Public Relations. “‘Mentor’ covered the professional aspect just fine. But more than that, she made me a better human being. Her wit and unpretentious personality are what I’ll miss most.”
“At nearly 5 feet tall, she was a giant,” said Kenn Bisio, professor emeritus in the Department of Journalism and Media Production. “I knew Marilyn for 42 years, and she was always the same woman: one who demanded excellence from friends, working professionals and her students. She had a high bar for her students to reach, and reach they did.”
Starrett was born in Fort Collins on Jan. 25, 1946, and lived most of her life in the Denver area. She attended Colorado State University for two years before completing her bachelor’s degree in journalism at MSU Denver in 1979. She also earned a master’s degree in visual communication from the University of Colorado Denver.
She is survived by her husband, John Starrett, her sister Kerry Sue Black (Herb), her sons Randy and Robert (Sherri) Kiarsis, a grandson, and a nephew and niece.
A celebration of life will take place this year. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
