Rupel, Annabel J., 1918-2017
Dates
- Existence: November 21, 1918 - May 13, 2017
Biographical Information
Annabel Rupel was a teacher, home economics demonstration agent, and Extension Specialist for Purdue University. She taught in counties across Indiana, worked with 4-H and youth groups, and directed projects related to clothing, foods, and food preservation. She was also involved in international programs and travelled to Nigeria to work as a home economics instructor.
Rupel was born on November 21, 1918 to A. Byron and E. Edith (Rohrer) Rupel. She was born on their family farm near Walkerton, St Joseph County, Indiana. Rupel attended the Walkerton-Lincoln Township High School, graduating in 1937. After high school, she majored in home economics and physical education at Manchester University, earned her certification in vocational Home Economics from Teacher's College at Ball State Unversity, and earned a master's from Purdue University in 1958.
Upon earning her teacher's certification, Rupel taught in LaFontaine for two years, Argos for four years, and Breman for four years. After ten years of teaching, she switched careers and joined the Co-operative Extensive Service in Fulton County where she served as their home demonstration agent for six years. In 1958, after earning her master's, Rupel continued her work in home demonstration and served for four years as the agent for LaPorte County before joining the Indiana Co-operative Extension Service at Purdue University (1962).
At Purdue, Rupel worked as an Extension Specialist, working with 4-H and youth and directing projects related to clothing, foods and food preservation. She also served as an advisor and assisted with many student and youth organizations and programs. She was an advisor for the Purdue Collegiate Club and State 4-H Key Club Council, assisted with the state leadership training and 4-H roundup, guided the International Farm Youth Exchange, and accompanied student tour groups to Europe. From 1973-1974, Rupel took leave from Purdue to work at a teacher's college in Waka, Nigeria as an instructor in home economics where she taught about clothing, food and preservation, and pedagogy.
Rupel earned numerous awards and recognition for her extensive service at Purdue. In addition to being named a distinctive Purdue University Professor Emerita, Rupel also earned the President's Council Cornerstone Certificate, Epsilon Sigma Phi-National Extension Honorary Fraternity of the International Service Award, Certificate of Meritorious Service Award, and a professional membership in the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents.
In addition to her work at Purdue, Annabel Rupel was a member of numerous professional organizations in home economics and extension and an active community member. She was a lifetime member of the Church of the Brethren where she volunteered as a camp counselor, Sunday School superintendent, and Peace Representative for the Women's Fellowship. Rupel also served as president of the Lafayette Church Women United, member of the family selection committee for the Wabash Habitat for Humanity, and participated in international work camps, sponsored by religious organizations, in both Austria and Greece.