An author, an anthropologist, a linguist and a literary critic, Elaine Jahner was, in every sense of the term, a true academic Renaissance woman.
The 60 year-old English and Native American studies professor, who lost a five-year battle with metastatic breast cancer late last week at a hospice in Denver, was known by her peers and admirers for her incredible scope of scholarly interests. She worked professionally in the fields of literary theory and criticism, creative writing, cognitive styles, Irish studies and jazz, among others.
"I think one of the most important things about her was her range of interests and expertise," said English Department chair Peter Travis. "She was interested in Native American cultures and literature but she was also interested in American literature -- she really was a polymath."
Also remarkable, Travis noted, was Jahner's indomitable courage, even during the height of her illness. Primarily a professor of Native American written and oral tradition, Jahner ended her career at Dartmouth three summers ago due to complications stemming from a prior bout with cancer.
"Up until a few months before her death, she was still publishing and writing," he said. "She was a model to all of us for her courage and fortitude, with such a strong spirit and powerful will to carry on."
Adding to Jahner's talents as an instructor was her intense ability to identify with the lives of others. Though not of Native American heritage herself, she spoke the Lakota language and wrote about its linguistic record, garnering praise from Native American scholars and international acceptance.
Her brother, Kenneth Jahner, attributed her interest in Native American culture to her experiences living in the Plains states as a youth. Born in Wichita, Kan., on Sept. 16, 1942, Jahner graduated from high school in Bismarck, N.D. She then attended Indiana University, where she earned a doctorate in folklore and comparative literature. Soon after, she completed fieldwork at both the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota and at South Dakota's Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
Jahner taught for 10 years at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln before arriving at Dartmouth in 1984.
"One of her goals was to incorporate more Native American literature into English departments throughout the country," Kenneth Jahner said. "Working on the reservation sparked a real appreciation in her for the lives of displaced persons."
Later in life, Jahner also developed a strong interest in French culture, spending several winters in Paris. She also traveled to England, Ireland, China and Italy, her brother noted, always balancing her high standards of intellectual excellence and a deep sense of compassion for others.
"Elaine always had high expectations for herself, and that was passed down to the rest of us," Kenneth Jahner said. "I remember riding around with her on one of our Sunday rides as children; I looked out the window and said, 'It's him,' and she looked at me and said, 'No, it is he.'"
In a collection of testimonials compiled by Mike Hanitchak, director of Dartmouth's Native American program, many of Jahner's former students expressed this same idea.
"Dartmouth will not be the same without her sharp insights and saucy attitude," one said.
Another: "She could connect the dots that no one else could immediately see. She connected many dots for me in a short period of time. I am grateful."
In addition to Kenneth Jahner, Elaine Jahner's survivors include her other brother, Bob Jahner, and two sisters, Arlene Merriman and Diane O'Marro.
Her funeral was held Wednesday in Denver.
