Karen Brownsberger Gordon ’79

Karen Brownsberger Gordon ’79 died on June 29 after two years with cancer. Karen was born on August 4, 1957, in San Francisco, and moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1965. She graduated from East High School in Anchorage in 1975. During her Dartmouth freshman year Karen lived in Middle Fayerweather with Marina Finch. Throughout college she was a devoted volunteer at Mary Hitchcock, providing play therapy for kids while also meeting her future husband, Steve Gordon ’79. Karen served on the ’79 council, sang in the Glee Club, and was a member of Fire & Skoal. Karen graduated with highest distinction in psychology, also obtaining her elementary education certification. Karen and Steve married right before graduation in June 1975 and moved to Iowa to pursue graduate work. Karen obtained a master’s, then began teaching first grade. After five years they moved to Anchorage, where Karen taught kindergarten and later she and Steve adopted Ben, Amy, Peter, and Laura. Karen next became a full-time volunteer for her kids, her church, and the community. When the kids were older, Karen returned to her beloved kindergarten teaching, winning the BP Teacher of Excellence in 2019. Classmates remember “Karen was completely without artifice and gently and completely honest. Her enthusiasm, empathy, and nurturing spirit made those around her feel supported and loved. She was an enduring force in the lives of her grade school students and the adults whom she led in faithful fellowship.” 


Portfolio

Book cover Original Sin with photo of hands over face
Alumni Books
New titles from Dartmouth writers (July/August 2025)
Woman posing with art sculpture
Inspiration in the Adirondacks
Artist Catherine Ross Haskins ’94 transforms an old grain mill into a vibrant arts hub.
Comeback Story

Alumni first returned to campus for official reunions in 1855.

Illustration of woman in movie theater eating popcorn
Katie Silberman ’09
A screenwriter on storytelling in Hollywood

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