Adjunct professor of 25 years dies in abject poverty

She had taught almost full time at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh for over 25 years....but she was adjunct faculty all those years.  Never tenured; never on salary; never any health benefits.  In a good year she would make about $10,000; many years it was even less. Her teaching was highly rated.

When they decided she was too frail to continue teaching (age plus cancer did that) they no longer needed her services.  No severance.  No retirement.  No help paying for the cancer treatment she needed.

Margaret Mary Vojtko died at age 83 of a massive heart attack on the front lawn of her home the day after the state summoned her to Orphans Court to see if she was competent.  Her home was so run down and her appearance so tenuous that her neighbors had called Adult Protective Services.[www.post-gazette.com for more information]

One more sad story in a city full of sad stories?  Yes.  But here is the kicker: Duquesne University is a Catholic institution.  It has fought off all efforts made by adjunct faculty to unionize or to improve the contracts under which they work.

The prophet Amos had a lot to say about those who claim to follow Jesus and yet treat others in the market place with contempt.

 "I will turn your feasts into mourning, 

and all your songs into lamentation" 

What you do with your money says a lot about the state of your heart.  Amos 8.10