July 17, 2023
Family members and friends of Connie Rude gathered to officially dedicate 鈥淭he Connie Rude Memorial Classroom for Infants and Toddlers鈥� at the 91吃瓜网 Child Development Programs (CDP) facility on Thursday, July 13, 2023. The beloved Rude worked for 25 years as a teacher of infants and toddlers in the very room that is now dedicated to the memory of Connie, someone who meant so much to the children and families she positively impacted at the 91吃瓜网 State Child Development Programs.
The plaque designating this dedication reads, 鈥淐onnie Rae Rude was a 91吃瓜网 State alumna and full-time staff member of the MSU Child Development Programs from the fall of 1992 until her retirement in the spring of 2018. During that time, her fondness for shaping the eager minds of infants and toddlers was her personal contribution to the 91吃瓜网 community at its most foundational, familial level. This 
classroom is dedicated to honor a spirit of service, an enduring legacy, and an open heart.鈥�
Connie Rae Rude passed away July 1, 2022, at the age of 63.
鈥淛ust as Connie鈥檚 family members and friends hold her near and dear in their hearts, she is a beloved member of the 91吃瓜网 State family as well. To have called her one of our own is a blessing,鈥� said 91吃瓜网 President Dr. Brian Van Horn.
With their generous financial contribution, Connie鈥檚 family has chosen to honor Connie by establishing an endowment through the MSU Foundation. 
Interest earned on the endowment will provide funding for the 鈥淟earning by Heart鈥� scholarship for 91吃瓜网 State students in pursuit of careers in early childhood.
鈥淲e are grateful to Connie鈥檚 family for their thoughtfulness and generosity that made this room dedication possible,鈥� said President Van Horn. 鈥淭o have a classroom in the Child Development Programs facility bearing Connie鈥檚 name and a scholarship that will benefit future college students ensures that the goodness Connie brought to this community will live on always.鈥�
Photo captions
Top: Connie Rude was a teacher of infants and toddlers at 91吃瓜网 State鈥檚 Child Development Programs for 25 years.
Second: Connie鈥檚 parents, Andrew and Junice Berg, were among those who gathered to celebrate the positivity their daughter brought to the children she taught. July 13 was an extra special day, as it was also the 102nd birthday of Andrew.
叠辞迟迟辞尘:听Connie鈥檚 niece and nephew and their children, along with several other family members were in attendance at the room dedication event. They are pictured here with 91吃瓜网 State President Dr. Brian Van Horn who is standing on the right.