Lois e kim biography robert

The Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin has selected Lois Kim to lead its comprehensive development program aimed at advancing the Center’s strategic initiatives.

I am honored to be joining an institution whose holdings have global reach and impact, and a team so passionate about cultural preservation and celebration.
—LOIS KIM

For the past ten years, Kim has served as the chief executive officer of The Texas Book Festival, founded by former first lady Laura Bush in 1995. The organization grew significantly under Kim’s leadership, as it increased the number and diversity of authors hosted at its iconic annual festival and expanded the reach of its statewide school and community programs. Doubling the size of its annual budget, Kim increased the Texas Book Festival’s base of major donors and sponsors, grew its annual fundraising gala, and forged lasting partnerships with local and national literary and cultural organizations.

“Lois Kim has been a strong advocate for the arts and humanities for her entire career,” noted Director Stephen Enniss, “and I am excited that she is now bringing that commitment and experience to the Harry Ransom Center. Under her leadership, we have the opportunity to make transformative investments in the Center’s future growth, all in service to present and future generations of students, researchers and the public.”

The Harry Ransom Center is one of the country’s leading research libraries and museums, with internationally renowned holdings in literature, theatre and the performing arts, photography, art, and early books and manuscripts. The Center’s extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of some of the world’s finest writers and artists, deepening understanding and appreciation of our common humanity.

As part of the university’s “What Starts Here” campaign, the Center seeks to raise $70M in supp

Lois Marie Criss was born Nov. 9, 1929 to Ray and Ethel (Brothers) Gill in Akron, Ohio. She loved playing in the orchestra in high school and college. In 1948, while attending the University of Akron, she met and married Everett Robert Criss. The couple had three sons, William, Robert and Karl.

The family moved to many states due to Everett’s career. Besides being chief mover, Lois lived life to the fullest. She was a Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout troop leader, Sunday School teacher and a champion of many causes. Her home was always filled with animals they took in.

When the family finally settled in Dublin, Ohio, Lois became a docent at the Columbus Zoo. Her favorite job was staying up at night with the babies. She could spend hours with her beloved okapis. One of the treasures of her life was meeting Jane Goodall. Lois would volunteer at the zoo for over 35 years, and in 2014 was honored as Docent Emeritus.

Lois and Everett were fortunate to have traveled the world. Her favorite stop was in Greece. Their dearest stop was in Belgium, where Everett received the Belgium War Cross for bravery in World War II. Lois appreciated all flora and was an enthusiastic member of the Muirfield Garden Club. She was an avid reader and volunteer at local libraries. While faithfully attending New Hope Church (the church by the Zoo), she enjoyed their Senior Sages.

Lois loved family celebrations. She prepared wonderful meals, gave generously, cared for everyone’s needs (pets included) and always had a good joke to tell. Even in her later years, Lois’ recollection of stories was astonishing to all and she could whip most folks in “Jeopardy!” She never met a stranger and everyone was welcome.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Everett, her brothers William Gill and Ray Gill Jr., and by her son, William Criss. She is survived by sons Robert Criss and Karl Criss; grandchildren Celina, David, Everett, Genevieve

It is with broken hearts that we share with you the passing of our mother, sister, aunt, niece and friend Kimberley Ann Black, born in Moncton, NB on April 26, 1970 to Robert and Lois Black.

Kim had two great passions in life, her children Molly and Anne and her "other" children, her students.

Kim’s career in education spanned 26 years. She taught in many local schools and also worked in the district office. Kim was a well-loved educator known for her compassion, caring, understanding and generosity. This is evident from the outpouring of condolences from the hundreds of students whose lives she has touched.

When Kim wasn’t teaching technology or pouring her heart into helping a child find a fitting career path, she enjoyed reading, conversations over coffee, walking with her fur babies Sully & Maddie, family times in Belleisle and just hanging out with her girls. Kim loved to travel and enjoyed some very special trips. She had a real zest for new experiences and adventures. During Kim’s brief battle with cancer, she was cared for by many special people. The love and support from her extended family and the teaching community was heartwarming to say the least. Kim handled her last two months in the same way she lived her life, with strength, dignity and love.

Lovingly remembered by her daughters; Molly and Anne Touchie, brother, Bob (Erin) Black, the Matriarch of the family Alcha Keith McConnell, uncles; David (Sandy) McConnell, Norval (Nancy) McConnell, Dennis (Barb) Black, Aunt Katharine (Tim) Paunins, nephew, Benjamin Black, nieces, Gabriella and Tessa Black cousins; Richard (Kate)McConnell,  Robert (Erin) McConnell,  Sara and Kyle McConnell and the father of her children Jeff (Linda) Touchie.

Kim will join her other family members lost; parents: Bob and Lois (McConnell) Black and her Aunt Nancy Black Tingley. Special thanks to friends Art Moore and Theresa MacLeod and the palliative team at the Dr. George L.- Dumont Univer

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