Arlene Colvin spent more than four decades serving in leadership positions in the city of Gary from its legal department to a key role as director of Community Development.
She still found time to become a leader at Gary’s 21st Century Charter School in 2005.
Colvin died on Aug. 24 at Methodist Hospitals – Southlake in Merrillville at age 72.
Her funeral is at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Guy & Allen Funeral Directors 2959 West 11th Ave., Gary, with Pastor Frederick Greene of the Abundant Life Worship Center officiating.
Colvin spent 45 years in various roles for the city of Gary.
“Her commitment to the City and its residents leaves a lasting legacy. The City of Gary honors her years of service and extends its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by her life and dedication,” stated a post from the city.
She graduated from Gary’s Roosevelt High in 1972 and studied at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, where she earned a bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and political science.
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She continued her education at the Indiana University School of Law, earning a law degree and passing the bar in 1979.
Colvin spent the next 45 years serving the city under seven mayors from Richard G. Hatcher to Eddie Melton.
Former mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson called Colvin the “consummate municipal professional who understood how government worked…” Colvin worked for Freeman-Wilson as director of Community Development from 2012 to 2019.
“She was not only the chief of staff for many mayors but she ran some of the most essential branches of city government and had a hand in some of the most useful programs. The Dollar House program, the development of the Hilltop neighborhood … all had her signature on them,” said Freeman-Wilson.
When charter schools began springing up in Gary, Colvin decided to take a leadership role with the 21st Century Charter School, established by the GEO Foundation in Indianapolis.
Kevin Teasley, founder and CEO of the GEO Foundation, paid tribute to Colvin in a post.
“Arlene was a jewel. That is an understatement. She served on our board for 20 years, 10 of which she served as our board chair. She took a big risk by serving on our board, too.
“Charters were not popular when she joined our board in 2005. But she joined anyway. She believed students in her community needed better options.”
Teasley said Colvin defended the charter and guided it with confidence as chairman of the school board.
“She was quiet in her methods but so effective. The City of Gary lost a wonderful person. But we will remember Arlene forever. I’m proud to say we have dedicated our board room in her honor,” Teasley said.
Former Gary fire chief Sean O’Donnell recalled working with Colvin in a post on her passing.
O’Donnell said Colvin shepherded funding to the fire department to purchase new much-needed turnout gear and fire apparatus.
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“Attorney Colvin never wanted any recognition; she had a heart of gold and was a wealth of knowledge and always worked behind the scenes never wanting to be in the spotlight,” he said.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.