Instructor of social work Terri Scherer died Monday night from unknown health problems, friend and colleague Judi Egbert said.
Scherer, was born Jan. 23, 1963, and graduated from Ball State with her bachelor's degree social work in 1997. She later became a field supervisor for the department, Egbert said. She also received a master's degree from Indiana University, according to her obituary. Besides teaching at Ball State, she was also a therapist at Park Center in Decatur, according to the obituary.
Her family and life partner could not be reached for comment.
Egbert and Scherer worked together at Ball State and with Indiana Youth Group, an organization supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth.
"The kids we worked with were fun kids but oftentime very stressed because they were oftentime not accepted by their peers," Egbert said. "[She] connected with them well, helped them see the fun in life, helped to reenergize them."
Scherer also was the key organizer for the Women's Music Festival in Muncie, Egbert said, and a huge Green Bay Packers fan who loved Brett Favre. A tribute written to Scherer said she thought it was a gift from God that Favre didn't retire last year
Egbert taught Scherer when she was a student and said Scherer was a very interactive student and eager to learn. Her enthusiasm continued as a teacher, Egbert said.
"She was very engaged in education," Egbert said. "Very real about what life was like, she could take the series from class, and she could apply them in life."
Freshman Mardah Michlow had Scherer as an instructor this semester. Michlow said she had not decided on a major until she met Scherer, heard her stories and saw how much social work could help people. Scherer also helped Michlow, who is an orphan, find better counselors for herself and her three brothers.
In addition to the help she received from Scherer, Michlow said she was impressed by her teacher's attitude toward life and constant humor.
"She was a powerful woman," Michlow said. "She was not your typical woman. She was kind of overweight and shaved her head, and she would go into town, and people would stare. But she didn't care because she was who she was. I never met anyone like her before."
Because of Scherer, Michlow said she wanted to go into social work and possibly work with the elderly.
Senior Pella Konstantinidis also had Scherer for class and said she was always helpful and really related to her students. Konstantinidis said she started crying when she heard about Scherer because she was such a kind lady.
"She's always read us," Konstantinidis said. "'Hey, you look confused.' I think if another professor would just look at you and think 'if you had a question, you would ask.'"
Michlow said she and her classmates planned to attend the visitation, which is at Meeks Mortuary and Crematory from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Egbert said attendees should feel free to dress "Terri style" in jeans and a bright T-shirt. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Washington Park East in Indianapolis.
Donations in Scherer's name may be made to Ball State Social Work, Women in the Arts or any children's charity.
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