Dorothy Remp Elmer Children’s Arts Outreach

Dorothy Remp Elmer
(1917-2003)

Dorothy Remp Elmer was a professor of elementary education and an assistant director of student teaching at UW-Whitewater from 1945-1984.  She received a bachelor’s degree from Lacrosse State Teachers College, and a master’s degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.  After graduating, Professor Remp Elmer worked in Richland Center and Marshfield, WI, before coming to UW-Whitewater.  

As a leading Wisconsin educator, Dorothy created UW-Whitewater’s Teacher Improvement Program to certify two-year graduates of rural elementary teacher training courses, a program that later became known as the Remp Program.  In addition, Remp was also active in many civic and professional organizations, including the Janesville Area Retired Educator’s Association and the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association.

Professor Remp Elmer felt strongly that young student achievement should be recognized and celebrated.  She also felt that every community should have access to art, and supported the Young Auditorium from its inception. The Remp Elmer Memorial Fund provides elementary school students with the opportunity to create their own art, and to have it shown at the Young Auditorium as a part of the Horizons School Matinee Series.  It recognizes young student talent and celebrates their achievements, as well as bringing them to campus; both of which were very important to her.