Remembering Nancy Bragdon

Literary Arts was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Literary Arts Strunk and White member Nancy Bragdon after a long period of illness. Nancy moved from New York City to Oregon in the early 1970’s when her husband Paul Bragdon was named President of Reed College. Nancy befriended Julie Mancini when the two taught early childhood education at PCC together. Around 1987, Nancy worked with Julie to establish Portland Arts & Lectures as one of the premier arts presenters in Portland.  Nancy had many roles working with Julie, including producer, fundraiser, and what can only be described as audience relations. She was a key player in growing the series to national prominence, and was also deeply involved in the merger with the Oregon Institute of Literary Arts, which resulted in the creation of Literary Arts. She had a profound impact in shaping our organization for the decade or so she worked here, and otherwise had an significant impact on our community as a whole.