In Memory Dr. Louise Kaplan

On Sunday, April 14, 2019, Atlantic Cape Community College lost beloved retired faculty member, Dr. Louise Kaplan.

Louise began her distinguished teaching career as a part-time instructor of Anthropology in 1968, securing a full-time assistant professor position in 1969.  She was named associate professor in 1977 and promoted to professor of Anthropology in 1988 adding Bioethics a few years later.

The native of Bronx, N.Y. Louise earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Anthropology from Hunter College.  Louise was awarded a master’s in Public Administration from New York University and named a Carnegie Fellow.  After joining Atlantic Cape, she earned a second master’s in Anthropology and an Ed.D from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Louise was named the community college faculty representative to the New Jersey Department of Higher Education Chancellor search committee in 1990, was the first Atlantic Cape faculty member to receive a mid-career fellowship to Princeton University and was the 2005 recipient of the prestigious Lindback Award.

On March 27, 2018, Louise was granted the rank and distinguished honor of Professor Emerita. 

Louise was passionate about her field, working tirelessly to build the college’s Anthropology program, describing it as the place where “the past, the present and the future all come together.” She encouraged her students to open their minds and expand their perspectives on topics such as evolution, the abortion debate and the role of pharmaceutical companies in our society, “It’s about the exchange of ideas in a collegial environment, where a passionate debate, conducted respectfully, is encouraged,” she said.

After 44 years service, Louise retired from Atlantic Cape on June 30, 2012.

Louise is survived by her three beloved children, Charles, Esther and Yousef and six grandchildren.

A graveside service was held on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at noon at Beth Kehillah Cemetery, 6687 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township.