Ada Wilde Ausplund was born in 1891 and came to Oregon on October 1st, 1915, from St. Louis, Missouri, to teach in Prineville. She married Dr. Emil G. Ausplund in 1922 and decided to enroll at Reed College. Her advisor, Dr. Barry Cerf, suggested she enter as a freshman even though she already had a teacher’s degree from Missouri State College. Mrs. Ausplund entered Reed College in 1925 at the age of 34, the mother of a two-year old. She graduated in 1928.

Mrs. Ausplund was a longtime volunteer with cultural organizations including the Christensen Ballet, the American Association of University Women, and Trinity Episcopal Church.

She has a daughter, Mary Ausplund Tooze, and a granddaughter, Mary Kristen Kern, both of Portland, OR.

Ada Wilde Ausplund died on November 11, 1991.