Linda E. Landon’s Legacy

Linda Eoline (Vought) Landon was born in New York in 1856 and later moved with her family to Niles, Michigan. There, she married Rufus W. Landon in 1877. They had two sons, Rufus and Lee. Her husband passed away in 1886. She served as a teacher in the Kalamazoo, Michigan, public schools for some time.

Linda began a 41-year career with MSU when she moved to East Lansing in 1891 to begin her tenure as librarian at the Michigan Agricultural College. She was beloved by her students, as shown in the 1912 yearbook, which was dedicated to her for “tutoring thousands of students in the art of appreciating, loving, and valuing these true friends in life—books.”

In 1931, President Robert S. Shaw presented Linda with honors from the college. She later received further distinction when the Men’s Union Library Society made her an honorary member.

In addition to her many contributions to the libraries, Linda also holds the distinction of being the first female instructor at the college. Upon her retirement in 1932, the M.S.C. Association extended Linda’s honorary life membership in the Alumni Association “in recognition of the important part she played in the lives of hundreds of former students and as an expression of appreciation for her distinguished service.”

Linda passed away on September 29, 1942, in East Lansing. Construction on Landon Hall, which was named in her honor, was completed in 1948 on the site of two of the Faculty Row buildings.

The Linda E. Landon Legacy Society recognizes and honors individuals and families who, through their estate plans, have established a planned gift benefiting Michigan State University.