Veteran educationist Kathleen Kisting Alam passes away, leaving behind legacy of learning, kindness

A number of people from the academic community and civil society attended the funeral of renowned educationist Kathleen Kisting Alam on Sunday, paying tribute to her decades of academic service to Pakistan.

Kathleen, a well-known educationist who helped thousands of Pakistani students pursue higher education abroad, passed away on Saturday after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She was 79.

Born in 1947 in Dubuque, Iowa, Kathleen grew up in a large family. Her father, who rose from poverty after the Great Depression, played a strong role in shaping her determination and work ethic. She later graduated in economics from Clarke University in 1971.

Kathleen’s journey to Pakistan began with a chance meeting with her future husband in London. During a trip to Europe, she met Asad Alam at Trafalgar Square. Their relationship quickly grew and she travelled overland to Pakistan. After accepting Alam’s proposal in Istanbul, the couple married in Lahore in 1973, with Kathleen soon becoming a familiar and beloved figure in the city.

"She truly became a Lahori at heart and this is the reason, instead of going abroad, she preferred to stay in Lahore. She was a humble personality and did her maximum for youth in connection with higher education," said Nadeem Muhammad, a family friend of Kathleen's.

Kathleen began her teaching career at the Lahore American School in the late 1970s. Colleagues recall her as a passionate teacher who encouraged students to think freely. "She made learning enjoyable and meaningful. Students were always comfortable around her," they said.

After her divorce in 1987, she focused on helping Pakistani students aim for international education. "She introduced the Princeton Review SAT preparation programme in Pakistan, which opened doors for many students to study in the United States," said Christopher, a former student of Kathleen’s.

Another former student added, "Before her, studying abroad felt impossible. She guided us at every step."

Alongside the late Dorothy Eha, Kathleen trained and mentored a generation of students who later joined leading universities abroad.

In the early 1990s, she briefly served as Principal of the Lahore College of Arts and Sciences. She later worked as a guidance counsellor at the United States Information Service, where she helped students secure admissions and scholarships, before being appointed Regional Educational Adviser for South Asia, extending her work beyond Pakistan.

Apart from education, Kathleen was known for her strong faith and community service. She was an active member of St Mary's Church, where she was respected for her kindness and spiritual guidance. "She always reminded us that kindness matters most," said a member of the congregation.

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Kathleen returned to the United States in 2014 but came back to Pakistan in 2021. According to close friends, she often said that Lahore always felt like home. In her final years, she remained active, meeting friends, guiding students and sharing her humour and wisdom.

"Kathleen Kisting Alam has around four decades of education services in this country,” said Yaqoob Bangash, Professor and Dean at the School of Economics and Social Sciences at the Institute of Business Administration in Karachi. He added that thousands of students from the country went abroad due to Kathleen’s guidance and support.

“She also supported me when I was applying for my undergraduate programme,” he said. “She was a very nice and kind person and surely her services will be remembered forever," said Bangash.

Kathleen, who is survived by her daughter Natasha Alam Barncastle and her grandchildren, was laid to rest at the Jail Road Christian Graveyard.