In Memoriam
The career of Robert J. Edgeworth as teacher and scholar spanned nearly four decades. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1947, he took his A.B. in Latin from Loyola University in 1967 and followed quickly with an M.A. at University of Michigan. A graduate of Quigley South High School in Chicago, he returned to teach Latin there until he resumed his studies at Michigan and completed his Ph.D. in 1974, with a dissertation directed by D.R. Shackleton Bailey. His next appointment took him to Australian National University, where he lectured for six years. After a brief stay at San Diego State University, he came to Louisiana State University, where, rising to Full Professor in 1990, he would remain the rest of his career.
His
scholarship always reflected the depth and precision of
his expertise. His dissertation
research led to a scattering of articles about the uses of color in
ancient
texts and culminated in a book on colors in the Aeneid. Dozens of other articles brought incisive
commentary on a wide range of literature, from Greek lyric poetry to
Senecan
tragedy, from Lucian to modern novelists.
He was a captivating presenter of papers, as he would explicate
elliptical references in the satires of Juvenal or expound on the broad
humanity of Vergil. Likewise he was a
driving force in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures at
LSU,
whether directing the graduate program in Comparative Literature, the
Classical
Languages section of the department, or simply serving as a constant
source of
information and leadership.
Students and colleagues alike were drawn not only by his ability but also by his gentlemanly manner. He taught his classes only at the highest level, challenging his students to be scholarly and professional. His high expectations and tireless assistance inspired students both to seek his classes out repeatedly and to continue on in the profession. The community of Latin teachers around Louisiana owes much to Prof. Edgeworth’s energy and commitment.
His encyclopedic intellect and dignified bearing
made him a popular
outside of academic circles as well. He
held the chairmanship of the Latin Liturgy Association.
His love of language and knowledge of
popular trivia led to successful appearances on the game shows
Jeopardy, Wheel
of Fortune, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and others.
His abiding passion for politics included
service to the Louisiana Republican Party as parliamentarian. The bravery and candor with which he
combated cancer in his last years only illuminated further the strength
of
spirit he displayed in all facets of his life. When he passed away on
October
22, 2004, he was survived by his wife Kathleen and two daughters, Julia
and
Antonia, and left a renewed passion and appreciation for life to all
who had met
him.
At the Annual Meeting of the LCA in
Hammond on October 23, 2004, upon learning that Prof. Edgeworth has
passed awya the previous day, voted unanimously to name the LCA
Scholarship the "Robert J. Edgeworth Memorial Scholarship."