Winston Napier died today. He was a professor at Clark University. The education that I received from him is invaluable. No educator has had such a significant impact on the course of my life and on the formation of my identity. I know I am not alone when I say that I love him dearly.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Winston Napier
Winston Napier died today. He was a professor at Clark University. The education that I received from him is invaluable. No educator has had such a significant impact on the course of my life and on the formation of my identity. I know I am not alone when I say that I love him dearly.
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23 comments:
He was an exceptional person who did an exceptional job educating his students. My time spent studying theory with him was not only my most important class, but also my most valuable. He granted an experience that was not merely presentation but constant and lasting application. A very beautiful gift. I agree, Dave, I love him very much and miss him dearly.
I have to compliment you and Tracy for finding such a fantastic picture of him. That's a very affectionate and honorable gesture.
I also have to thank Tracy for finding that picture. It's great.
Also, in addition, Dave, it was great to talk to you last night, especially about this subject. All day I thought about what you had said about the impact Winston had on your life and I realized that he did much the same for me. He actually taught me; I learned theory and application and now I know it and employ it constantly thanks to him. Thanks for talking last night. Love you very much.
I just got this devastating news -- though I had not seen Winston in years, he and I spent hours talking in our Howard U days -- he used to drop my my office all the time, and he may have been the first person who ever invited me to give a talk --
Winston was a generous and enthusiastic colleague who supported the ideas of others with meticulous care and passionate enthusiasm--while he was himself a greatly gifted and inventive scholar and creative thinker. Speaking on behalf of Vicki Arana and myself, half the fun of publishing our book Black British Writing was having Winston share in the excitement of spreading its new ideas. I'm deeply touched by the messages of his students and heartened to know that you will carry on his knowledge and example.
Winston Napier was never happier than when he was totally engaged in intellectual pursuits. That's when his face would light up and his eyes sparkle with delight. He loved sharing his insights with others--colleagues, students, friends. He was a voracious reader and a seeker, contagiously gregarious. His students thought him an excellent teacher, but Winston himself never tired of expressing his appreciation of such colleague-mentors as Vincent Leitch, Curdella Forbes, and his fellow faculty at Clark University. They were not his teachers in a formal sense, but he was grateful to them for the intellectual company they afforded him. The news of his untimely death is truly, truly sad.--R. Victoria Arana
I'm very glad so many people who knew him have found this and left comments. Thank you for that. I enjoy hearing more about our dearly missed professor.
Virginia Vaughan, chair of the English Department, shared the following in a letter to students and faculty:
"I visited Winston at the hospital on Friday, and he said two things that I'd like to share with you. He was concerned about the library books in his apartment. He wanted to be sure those books were returned to Goddard Library so the students could have access to them. He also reflected on his years at Clark and commented, "What a lot of fun it was, what fun." If he had an impact on your life, you also enlivened him in the classroom and the hallways of Anderson House, affording him tremendous pleasure with your insights and ideas."
What an amazing person.
I just heard about Winston and was surfing the web to find out more info when I found this blog. Winston advised my feminist theory dissertation work at Clark. He spent hours each week selflessly pouring over drafts of my dissertation chapters, and we had a great time together discussing ideas and politics. He was a true intellectual/ aesthete, and I am sorry that his life was tragically cut short.
He is greatly loved and will be greatly missed by many.
Michelle Matisons
On behalf of myself (Norman W Napier) and my brother and sister (Debbie Napier, Owen Napier) we would like to thank you for the kind words of condolences .We will be in Worcester to arrange a viewing for Winston Napier ,this will be posted for all to see again thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.
I am going to miss Professor Napier, he made my time at Clark University much more enjoyable with his intellectual, entertaining, and diverse perspectives! I loved him as a professor and will miss him greatly. I learned so much from his courses and I am a better person because of it. Please let me know when the viewing will be.
Latosha
It is sad that my uncle died thank you for your caring thoughts.
Daniel Napier
I recently finished my master's thesis with Professor Napier as my guide, spending countless hours pouring over my work with him and inevitably filling it with more and more philosophy and theory as his passions became infectious. I am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to drink in his powerful mind. I am shattered by this loss.
I hope that I can bring a bit of his light with me as I continue on in academia and one day share it with others.
Emily
I have live(d) next to Mr. Napier for about 2yrs here in Worcester, MA. I knew very little of the awkwardly large and peaceful fellow. He dressed overly warm and comfortable, usually in high rubber boots, carrying a black leather satchel and pushing a bicycle to and from the apartment elevator. Only in passing did we share a smile or a brief conversation about the weather.
I regret never reaching out and getting to know him as a friend. Only until his unfortunate passing, have I learned so much about a scholar, and a man that may have changed my life. Only until now, have I found, that for 2 years I lived next to a professor, and writer (aspirations of my own) that was highly regarded in the community of his peers.
A glimpse at his bookshelf on Friday, accompanied by family members, resembled my very own. The simplicity of his earth-toned, midtown bachelor pad was a mature version of mine next door. And I could not resist imagining the conversations we could have had, or the friendship we could have shared.
In a way, I guess Winston did change my life. Yesterday, a family member I've gotten to know knocked at my door, and asked If I'd care for a mint condition black leather satchel! The same one the large guy in rubber boots carried. I can't explain the humbleness and gratefulness that took place. I gladly accepted alone with a nice pen.
Since the home-going of Winston, I've taken the time to shake hands and get to know another neighbor. This is a small world, and Winston has changed my life through his passing. We need each other. To grow, to share, to love and care.
He is in a better place now, and my prayers are with him and his family, alone with all those he inspired, encouraged, or just passed on his bicycle. May he rest in peace. God Bless.
It is very sad to learning about the passing of Professor Napier-a true intellect and a friend to so many in the Clark community. My thoughts go out to his family and loved ones.
As a sophomore in his African American Literature course, Winston pushed me to grow into a stronger English major. There was some resentment on my behalf at the time, but he was merely trying to cultivate my capabilities. And he did. By senior year, I jumped at the chance to take his Critical Theory course, which I expected to be a challenge. Winston shined in this class. Never before have I witnessed such passion in the classroom, coupled with incredible knowledge. He was a master of literary theory, from formalism to deconstructionism. I smile when I recall his lecture...'the center is not the center!'
It is touching to see the comments on this page. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute here.
Professor Napier was one of the most brilliant people I have ever met. He inspired me to accept challenge head on, to not only face it but dissect it. I know that I join many of you in saying that he will be dearly missed.
I only took one class with Professor Napier, "Critical Theory," in the Fall of 1999. It was the hardest class that I took as an English major, but also the most rewarding. I carried his lesson with me into my career as a high school English teacher, and now as a law school student. Thank you, Winston Napier.
The Worcester T&G has mentioned our blog:
http://telegram.com/article/20080601/NEWS/901051223/0/FRONTPAGE
Check the 9th paragraph down, or just read the whole article. It's pretty nice.
My very first English course toward my major was African American Literature I. Winston Napier was absolutely the most brilliant and fascinating introduction I could have ever had to the English Major. I felt like every class was another act to a very well written play. The classroom was his stage and his eagerness to share his knowledge with his students was reflected in his every move. I loved his class and was torn up by the news of his passing. I will never forget him, and I am grateful for having had the opportunity to have been one of his students. May he rest in Peace.
Though it has been years since we spoke, Professor Napier was the highlight of my academic career at Clark. Not only was he my honors thesis advisor after many classes I took with him, but also a dear friend. His passion, intelligence and belief in me opened up a world of possibilities and changed my life in a profound way. He will be sorely missed, and I am truly sorry for all the students that will never have the opportunity to engage this amazing professor. I will never forget him.
Tara Baratono class of '02
I, also, was lucky enough to have studied with Winston Napier. He was one of the rare people in this world where you think possibly you will grow smarter, by some form of osmosis, just by being in the same room with them. I imagine this is how all professors are supposed make you feel, ideally. I had not spoken to Prof. Napier in a long time and it just goes to show that you shouldn't take things for granted and to tell people you love them when you have the chance.
Winston's memorial service will be 09/10/08 Wednesday 4:30 pm at Clark University
I write these comments with a broken heart. I was a student of Winston's from George Washington University and stayed in touch with him whenever I could. His course in African American Literature was one of the best classes I have ever had and being in his class made me want to find the best I could offer. I just found out yesterday about the events and circumstances of his passing and it will be an effort not to be left with a feeling of devastation. I have his voice, humor, splendid intellect and ever curious mind at my immediate behest. His presence is such that I cannot imagine what a loss those that are closer to him must feel. You all have my deepest sympathies. I will try my best to attend the memorial service in September.
-Courtney Tolbert
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