A Life Fully Lived- Remembering Dr. Bonnie Kirkpatrick

This summer, we mourned the loss of our friend and colleague, Dr. Bonnie Kirkpatrick, who passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, after privately facing cancer with grace and determination. She continued working through much of her illness, lifting others along the way, never losing her sense of humor, and fighting like a warrior.

Family was Dr. Kirkpatrick’s greatest joy. She spoke often and lovingly of her mother, Jean, her son, Kirk, his wife, Madisen, and their two daughters, Elliot and Maeve. Becoming a grandmother was one of her proudest roles — and no one wore that title more glamorously. She also adored her dog, Zeus, and could often be seen walking him briskly throughout North Wilmington, where she lived for many years.

Dr. Kirkpatrick’s career at Wilmington University began in 2002 as an adjunct instructor, followed by over two decades of service in academic and administrative leadership roles. She served as an instructional designer, director of online learning and educational technology, and senior director of faculty development. She eventually took on roles as assistant vice president of administrative affairs and, later, as assistant vice president of student enrollment, overseeing both enrollment and financial services.

“Dr. Kirkpatrick exemplified professionalism, compassion, and resilience,” says Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon. “She led with integrity, treated others with respect, and remained committed to our students and colleagues throughout her career. Her impact will be felt for years to come.”

Long before online learning became essential, Dr. Kirkpatrick recognized its promise. A former elementary school teacher with a deep understanding of how students learn, she was recruited to what was then Wilmington College by a former colleague who knew that great teachers make great instructional designers. At a critical moment in the University’s growth, she helped lay the groundwork for what would become the Office of Online Learning. Her thoughtful approach to course design, grounded in real classroom experience, played a key role in launching the University’s early online offerings.

Later, as assistant vice president, Dr. Kirkpatrick focused on improving the student experience more broadly. She led efforts to streamline services, designing smarter systems and more responsive processes. An innovative course scheduling model she intro-duced automatically generated new sections based on enrollment trends and capacity, enabling students to access the classes they needed without delay.

She also collaborated with colleagues to establish a team-based support model, ensuring that when students reached out for help, they were served quickly and directly. That student-centered approach became a hallmark of her leadership.

Commencement was another area that Dr. Kirkpatrick reimagined. By coordinating simultaneous cere-monies, she enabled more graduates to invite loved ones to celebrate their achievements. When it came to graduation, she was tireless. She poured her energy, creativity, and heart into every ceremony, ensuring that each one was a celebration worthy of the students and their families. It was not unusual to see Dr. Kirkpatrick racing from one end of the Chase Center on the Riverfront to the other, ensuring that student needs were met and addressing last-minute problems. Caring for students was her true passion. Her ability to think like both an educator and an administrator made her an invaluable force for progress.

Dr. Kirkpatrick had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. Anyone could pop into her office, where she’d offer a Diet Coke and a listening ear. She decorated every department she led for the holidays, a tradition that stemmed from her years as a teacher. She never missed an opportunity to send a card when someone was promoted or recognized. Her quick wit and the twinkle in her eye were equal parts charm and mischief.

“Dr. Kirkpatrick had a remarkable way of leading without ever needing the spotlight,” says Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Erin DiMarco. “She made every room feel lighter and every challenge feel more manageable. Whether she was solving problems behind the scenes or making someone laugh, she brought a balance of competence and warmth. We will miss her deeply, not only for what she did but for who she was.”

Dr. Kirkpatrick had endured immeasurable loss. She was the youngest of four sisters; three had passed away from cancer, the other from a stroke. In 2023, when her sister, Karen, passed, she wrote a note to her on her own Facebook page. It said, “To my sister, Karen, there’s nothing more beautiful than a life fully lived. May you rest peacefully.”

Those words, offered in grief and love, now echo back to Dr. Kirkpatrick.

Her life was full, and so was the love she gave. May she, too, rest peacefully.  

—Maria Hess