Annie Glenn

Annie Glenn in 1965

Annie Glenn (February 17, 1920 – May 19, 2020) was an American advocate for people with disabilities and communication disorders. She was also the wife of John Glenn, a United States Marine Corps aviator, engineer, astronaut, and U.S. Senator from Ohio. Annie Glenn's personal struggle with a severe stutter led her to become an outspoken advocate for those with speech impediments and other disabilities.

Early Life and Education

Annie Glenn was born Anna Margaret Castor in Columbus, Ohio. She grew up in a close-knit family and met John Glenn when they were both children. They attended New Concord High School together and later, both enrolled at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, where Annie majored in music and education.

Marriage and Family

Annie married John Glenn on April 6, 1943. The couple had two children, John David and Carolyn Ann. Throughout John Glenn's career as a military aviator, astronaut, and politician, Annie was a constant presence, supporting her husband's endeavors while also pursuing her own interests and advocacy work.

Advocacy and Public Service

Annie Glenn's battle with a stutter that affected 85% of her speech from an early age did not deter her spirit. After undergoing an intensive program at the Hollins Communications Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1973, she was able to speak more fluently. This personal victory inspired her to advocate for others with communication disorders.

She became affiliated with various organizations, including The John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University, where the Annie Glenn Award was established to honor individuals who overcome a communication disorder. Annie Glenn's work extended to supporting the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), where she was an honorary board member.

Legacy

Annie Glenn's legacy is marked by her tireless advocacy for those with disabilities, her support for her husband's career, and her role as a loving mother and grandmother. Her efforts to bring attention to communication disorders and her personal story of overcoming a severe stutter have inspired many.

She passed away on May 19, 2020, at the age of 100, due to complications from COVID-19. Her life and work continue to be celebrated for their positive impact on the community of people with disabilities and beyond.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her life, Annie Glenn received numerous awards and honors for her advocacy work, including the first-ever award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for persons who have made significant contributions to the field of speech and language pathology.

See Also

• John Glenn
• Speech disorder
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association