In Memoriam: Taronda Spencer, C'80
Spelman College Archivist and Historian

View WABE-FMs (90.1) Tribute to Taronda

Tune in locally to the station's broadcast on Saturday, June 1, at 9 a.m., as Beverlay Guy-Sheftall, Ph.D., director of Spelman's Women's Research and Resource Center, reflects on the impact Taronda had on the Spelman community.

An alumna of Spelman, Taronda Spencer returned to her alma mater as the archivist in 1998. In 2000, she was appointed college historian. Spencer was well-known and well-respected by alumnae, faculty, staff, and students for her extensive knowledge of Spelman's history, and the extent to which she would go to ensure that the College's history was accurately documented, accessible, and relevant for the campus community, and the community at large.

A second generation archivist, Spencer was a student assistant assigned to the Spelman College Archives before earning a bachelor of arts degree in history from the College in 1980. In 1985, she received a master of arts degree in history and archives administration from the University of New Orleans.

Professionally, she has worked at a number of institutions including the Amistad Research Center (where her mother was an assistant archivist) and the Historic New Orleans Collection in New Orleans, as well as the Walter P. Reuther Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs at Wayne State University in Detroit. Spencer was also the archivist for the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College and the Atlanta chapter.

Service Information

Memorial Service*

Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Spelman College ~ Sisters Chapel
Memorial Service - 6 p.m.
Reception - 7 p.m.

*Spelman College alumnae and students are asked to wear the traditional white dress attire. Faculty and staff are invited to wear the traditional white dress attire or shades of blue.

Cards and condolences can be sent to:
The Spencer Family
C/O Office of College Relations
Spelman College
Campus Box 2023
Atlanta, GA 30314

Memorial gifts can be sent to:
Spelman College
Office of Annual Giving
Campus Box 1551
Atlanta, GA 30314