Public Employee Press

Gwen Tolliver Luster, leader of DC 37 college, is mourned

The College of New Rochelle and District Council 37 mourn the loss of a vital leader in Dr. Gwen Tolliver Luster, the director of CNR’s DC 37 campus, who died Sept. 26 after a lengthy illness.

“We have experienced a tremendous loss with Dr. Luster’s death,” said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts. For 12 years Dr. Luster headed the union’s college for working adults, which Roberts played an important role in establishing over 30 years ago.

“Gwen was an extraordinary member of this community,” said CNR President Dr. Stephen J. Sweeny. “She was a gifted educator with a real commitment to students, and led the DC 37 campus of our School of New Resources with great dedication and deep appreciation for the special needs of the adult learner and the labor movement.”

Although the campus was shuttered for six months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks only one block away, Luster motivated staff and students to press on. As a result, the DC 37 students completed their degrees on time despite the “unimaginable obstacles,” Dr. Sweeney said.

“Gwen was a strong administrator and a caring teacher who was energized through her contact with students,” said DC 37 Education Fund Administrator Barbara Kairson, who recalled Luster’s humor, intelligence and commitment to education.

Luster had a clear vision for the kind of academic programs that would keep students abreast with advancements in computers and technology, and she possessed a distinctive grasp of the issues and challenges associated with non-traditional adult learners.

Luster held a master’s degree in education management from Antioch University and master’s and doctorate degrees from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College.

Her husband, Donald Luster, is pastor of Bethel AME Church in Bridgeport, CT.

Gwen Tolliver Luster will be remembered at DC 37 as a wise and compassionate director who always had her students’ best interests at heart.