Kathryn Urick, A Many “Faceted” Person

by Pauline Williams

Published July 30, 1986

Elder Teller

While driving home from my interview with Kathryn Urick, the large Austrian crystal paperweight in our west window came into my mind. As the sun comes around the house, rainbows start appearing on our walls and they move along for a delightful time as the sun moves on.

And so it is with Kathryn. She is a many faceted woman … so full of love and light and gifts to others. And she is all the more special because she shares these gifts with the dozens of children that she works with.

Governor Branstad honored her in May for her school volunteer work at the first annual recognition program in Des Moines. She, along with over 150 others, were individually called to the stage to be recognized and given framed certificates by the Governor.

This certificate will be added to the others she has received from Ames schools, such as, “The Ames Advantage – is positive positive people like you!”; a Service Award from Abbie Sawyer School for sharing finger knitting.

[Photo with caption, “Kathryn Urick receives School Volunteer Recognition Award from Gov. Branstad”]

Another item in her memory book: Youth and Shelter Services, Inc. “In recognition of your effort as a volunteer working with the youth of Story County … has benefited the agency as well as the youth you work with.”

A regular contributor to the Elder Teller, this lady keeps so busy she cannot possibly do all the millions of things she has lined up for herself.

Originally from Troy, Ohio, she came to Ames following the death of her husband, since she had relatives in Ames. So just when she was eager to get involved in some activities, a third-grade teacher at Fellows School called. He asked her to come and work with the children in his class. She told him she couldn’t do it, - she “didn’t have any college training” – but he told her, “I’ll help you!”

Kathryn started working with international children and “just clicked right away.” A six-year-old boy from Vietnam needed help; “a little boy that I just knew was going to be president of the United States someday!’ He could add and subtract four digits in his head. She went to his home and got to know his whole family, one of 8 family units brought to Ames by the Catholic Church. They now live in California because of the climate, but Kathryn keeps in touch.

Her life has been greatly enriched by her contact with children and their families. Often the children come to her home for lessons and help and perhaps have a cookie and a glass of milk. Friends from around the world, including Nepal, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Laos, Vietnam, and Egypt go home with the memory of America, Ames and an expanded vision of what life can and will be with a bit of help from volunteers like Kathryn Urick.

Kathryn, who works for peace around the world, started the Peace Ribbon project through Church Women Untied. Not only did she make two segments for the ribbon and encourage others to do likewise, she paid her own way to Washington, D.C., to march and help tie the ribbon around the Capitol, White House, and Pentagon.

Glenn Connor, principal at Northwood School where Kathryn’s work is centered now, has nominated her twice for the President’s Award for volunteering in education. She has an engraved card from President and Nancy Reagan which shows their recognition of her work.

Kathryn loves to share her exciting origami designs. She has taught many to use this art form for gifts, decorations, and just personal pleasure. Her final remarks were, “I’d like to start a “friends of Origami” this fall”; and, “I can’t wait for school to start – and here it’s just July 1- to get back with the children!”

The children are surely anxious, too, to be back with their friend and “cultural guide” Kathryn Urick. She says, “Don’t neglect the laughter, which is important in everyone’s life …”