Author and newspaper columnist Molly Ivins died January 31 at the age of 62. Ivins, a student at Scripps during the 1962-63 academic year, passed away at her Austin, Texas, home after a long bout with inflammatory breast cancer. Ivins spoke at Scripps several times in recent years, including a commencement address in 2003.
Ivins was the author of a widely syndicated newspaper column, appearing in nearly 400 dailies nationwide, as well as a host of books. Her wit and Southern charm appealed to many, even regular targets. After hearing of her death, President George W. Bush commented that he “respected her convictions, her passionate belief in the power of words, and her ability to turn a phrase. She fought her illness with that same passion.
“Her quick wit and commitment to her beliefs will be missed.”
A fierce defender of the freedom of expression, Ivins often spoke in support of the right to speak freely, a belief backed also by her legacy in print. She is survived by brother Andy and sister Sara.