The Union community is mourning the death of Margaret Eleanor Horsfall Schadler, a resident of Niskayuna, N.Y., who made indelible contributions to the College during her time as a professor. She died April 18 at the age of 93.
Schadler, who earned a B.S. in biology from Cornell University in 1953 and worked in her field for the next several years, moved to Schenectady in 1957 with her husband, Harvey. Here they raised a family, and Schadler earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in biology from Union.
In addition to being an alumna, Schadler served as associate dean for undergraduate programs for many years. In 1991, she helped establish one of the College’s most beloved and important traditions – Steinmetz Symposium. Now in its 35th year, the day-long event has showcased the scholarly and creative works of countless students.
The symposium was inspired by the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR).
“Union had just served as host of a very successful NCUR in 1990 (only the fourth of these conferences) and was about to send 35 students to NCUR in 1991 at Caltech in Pasadena, which, as I recall, was the most from any school except the host,” said Tom Werner, the Florence B. Sherwood Professor of Physical Sciences Emeritus. “So, the interest in highlighting undergraduate research and scholarly activity in all disciplines at Union made the idea of the symposium a very timely one.”
“But, to go from an idea to a successful event like Steinmetz requires someone with organizational skills, enthusiasm and diplomacy and that’s what Marge Schadler contributed in her role as associate dean,” he continued. “She did an excellent job of organizing the conference for several years. I remember Marge as someone who had a positive but realistic attitude on what it takes to accomplish a task, and it served her well. It was a pleasure to work with her, and I was sorry to hear of her passing.”
Schadler also taught biology at Union for more than 25 years after joining the faculty as a research assistant professor in 1981. She was a strong advocate for access to higher education for all students, and equitable treatment of all faculty. From 1981 until 1987, Schadler was an affirmative action officer at the College. She wrote and revised the school’s affirmative action plan in 1981 and 1983, respectively.
“I have fond memories of Margaret Schadler. In 1973, I came to Union from Detroit, where most of my students were the children of first-generation immigrants, or were the first in their family to attend college,” said Robert Baker, the William D. Williams Emeritus Professor of Philosophy. “Union was a different world. The students were often second or third generation Union students. The men wore blazers and ties to class and often referred to each other as ‘Mister [last name].’”
“When I mentioned my culture shock to Margaret during a coffee break, she cheered me up with the saying, ‘shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves only takes three generations,’” he continued. “Margaret loved to chat with colleagues in other disciplines. I remember her as a kind and welcoming colleague.”
Schadler was a generous member of the regional community as well, and always a strong advocate for equal rights and for the environment.
She served as president of the Junior League of Schenectady, where she helped establish the Environmental Clearing House (ECOS) focused on environmental education, a thriving institution now 53 years old.
A great lover of the outdoors, especially Lake George and the Adirondacks, she was a board director of Adirondack Wild, Friends of the Forest Preserve, and a long-time board member for the Lake George Association (and the Fund for Lake George). She and Harvey were also strong supporters of the Lake George Land Conservancy.
Schadler was a passionate supporter of Planned Parenthood and the Girls Club of Schenectady. She was active in the First Reformed Church of Schenectady.as an elder on the Consistory and for 50 years as a member of the church choir.
Schadler’s greatest joy came from her family, from being outdoors, and allying herself with institutions that make a difference. Her professional and personal interests took her to all seven continents in search of nature and culture. China, Africa, and Arizona were particular draws.
Schadler is survived by her children, Janet Anne Schadler, Edward (Ted) Harvey Schadler (married to Deirdre Fay Quinn Schadler of Baltimore), and Linda Schadler Feist (married to Thomas Feist of Pittsburgh); and grandchildren, Edward Paul Feist, Annabelle Sue Feist, Rory Horsfall Schadler and Sophie Fay Schadler.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. May 3, 2025, at the First Reformed Church, 8 North Church Street, Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Lake George Land Conservancy or to the First Reformed Church.