John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
Kate Chesley, a former editor of the Stanford Report and a notable figure at Stanford University, passed away on October 25 in Palo Alto after battling a long illness. She was 66 years old.
Chesley joined Stanford in the 1990s as part of the Office of University Communications and became an integral member of the university community over her years of service. Her roles included leadership speechwriting, editing the Stanford Report, and supporting students as a resident fellow at Roble Hall.
Donna Lovell, former assistant vice president for news in University Communications, remarked on Chesley's deep connection to Stanford: “Kate had a tremendous love for the university. She loved Stanford,” adding that Chesley considered it not just her workplace but also her home.
John Etchemendy, who served as university provost during Chesley's tenure as his speechwriter, praised her skill: “Kate was very, very good at making a message sound like a person – sound like me.” He appreciated her ability to write speeches with precision and speed.
Born in Vermont, Chesley earned her BA in journalism from the University of Rhode Island and an MS in professional communication from Clark University. Her career included positions at several universities before she arrived at Stanford in 1998. Her work there spanned various areas including governance writing and academic advising.
In addition to her editorial duties, Chesley reviewed film scripts for use of Stanford branding. One such script was The Hangover Part II, which she cleared with then-Provost Etchemendy.
Her colleagues remember Chesley not only for her professional contributions but also for her personal qualities. Former resident assistants Alan Ransil and Chelsea Kuhnle noted: “The first thing you noticed about Kate was her joy...with Kate, life felt like a game and one heck of a good time.”
Chesley's dedication extended beyond work; she enrolled in Stanford’s Master of Liberal Arts program in 2012. Linda Paulson, director of the program, recalled how Chesley distinguished herself through curiosity and humor during discussions.
After retiring from Stanford on July 1, 2021, following more than two decades of service, Chesley continued to be remembered fondly by those who knew her. Etchemendy summed up this sentiment: “The university has lost a really wonderful staff member and we will miss her.”
Chesley's survivors include Maureen Breen, her partner for 37 years; their children Josephine Breen and Miles Breen; grandchildren Aliah Breen as well as Gabriel and Mason Streffery; brother Andrew Chesley; sister-in-law Leslie Potter; niece Victoria Catanio; and nephew Ian Chesley.
A celebration of life will take place on November 9 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Palo Alto. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Bay Area Cancer Connections or the National Center for Equine-Facilitated Therapy.
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