 After spending her early life in Ohio, Mennen received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech from Kent State University in 1938, and received the Honorary Cardinal Key from the National Activities Society for Women for her participation in extracurricular activities.She then taught high school English in Twinsburg, Ohio for 5 years.After receiving a MA in Theatre from Purdue University in 1964, Mennen taught at Purdue in the Theatre program as the voice teacher for both candidates in the Professional Acting program (graduate) and undergraduate theatre majors from 1964-2001.