Gertrude Esteros (B.S. HEEd ’36, M.S. HEEd ’41), who for three decades led what is now the Department of Design, Housing, and Apparel, died on December 2nd. She was 102.
During her time at the University of Minnesota, Esteros served in a variety of positions, from instructor to professor to division chair. She headed the Department of Related Arts, as it was then called, from 1949 to 1979 and built it into a dynamic design department. Under her leadership the department developed professional degree programs and expanded its research.
Esteros retired from the University in 1980 and in 1993 she was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award by the Regents of the University of Minnesota. Calling her a “visionary and driving force,” the award was in recognition for her work on what was then called the Goldstein Gallery and also for her work to develop the 1666 Coffman Condominiums for retired faculty and staff. It is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a graduate.
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