Trix Niernberger

is honored with a Brick from Tim Quigley

Born in 1954 in Wichita to Clyde and Ruth Niernberger, Trix Niernberger graduated from WSU in 1977 with a BA in English and in 1979 with a Master in Urban Affairs. While at WSU, she served as freshman class president, and later, as a university senator. She was an honors student who primarily worked 40 hours per week while a full-time student.

Active as a volunteer in civic and charitable organizations all her life, she served on the Wichita Park Board, and the WSU Women’s Studies Community Board developing this plaza. Other organizations included the March of Dimes, Wichita YWCA Board of Directors, Women’s Political Caucus, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Citizens Action Coalition in Indiana, and Rensselaer Land Trust in New York. She also developed a volunteer tutoring program at Hyde Elementary School in Wichita.

She was involved with many political races and campaigned to stop the repeal of the gay rights ordinance approved by the Wichita City Commission in 1978, as well as the volunteer legislative coordinator for the Kansas Pro-Choice Action League around that same time.

Her career focused on the not-for-profit and government sectors. She served as the Executive Director of the Interlocal Community Action Agency in Indiana, Indiana Primary Health Care Association, Kansas Healthy Kids, and National Alliance on Mental Health of New York State. She ended her career working to develop the New York State Health Exchange providing health insurance to uninsured persons.

In retirement, she chairs a committee establishing a community forest on the Rensselaer Plateau in New York State, and provides a weekly nature photo published by The Eastwick Press.

She raised one son, Dylan Quigley, born in 1987. He attended the University of Kansas and was a member of the successful debate team. He graduated from Berkeley Law School and works as a public defender in San Diego.