Princeton in Asia director Gordon dies from cancer

Carrie Gordon, 48, under whose direction the University's Princeton-in-Asia (PiA) Program flourished for nearly a decade, died Sept. 27 of breast cancer. Now, the close-knit PiA family that Gordon helped create mourns her loss and remembers her fondly as "Superwoman."

As executive director, Gordon "took PiA to a new level by pushing it into new areas, like the NGO direction," said Ginny Parker '96, acting director of PiA.

Introducing new internships to PiA is only one example of how Gordon contributed to the recent success of PiA.

"She worked so hard on PiA and was a vital part of it," said Silas Riener '06, who taught English in Thailand this summer.

With her organizational and fundraising skills, Gordon made a "really big effect on PiA by making it more professional, and Princeton-in-Asia will keep going," Parker said.

One of her first major accomplishments was orchestrating the centennial events of PiA in 1998. She directed the publishing of books related to the program and launched a fundraising campaign that increased PiA's endowment.

Gordon strengthened the mission and opportunities of PiA by organizing both the PiA board of directors and its network of alumni into dedicated PiA groups for the long term.

In the past, students completed their internships and felt no lasting connection with PiA, Parker said, but Gordon, as a "real people person perfect for the job," formed strong relationships with participants and drew them closer into the program.

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"Carrie saw something in all of us PiA-ers, she really believed in every one of us," said Danielle Ivory '05, who worked at an English-language newspaper in Thailand this summer.

Known for her ability to place students in the perfect internships for their personalities, Gordon served as a "mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to all," Ivory said.

And it was not only on PiA that Gordon made a lasting impact. As a testament to the rich friendships she had with those she met throughout her lifetime, 54 people visited Gordon on a single day during her hospitalization.

When people heard of Gordon's decline in health, countless friends flew in, sent emails or called.

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Gordon's legacy at PiA surpasses simply the tangible work she did to expand the program; she made a resounding impression on those fortunate enough to have known her. To those, like Ivory, whose lives Gordon touched, she was "the only woman I could call Superwoman, who knew how to live more than anyone I've ever known."