DuRocher receives Hilleboe Award
The Student Life Division has named the late Richard DuRocher, professor of English and associate dean of students, this year’s winner of the Gertrude Hilleboe Award for Faculty Involvement in Student Life.
DuRocher passed away in November of 2010 after a long career of exemplary scholarship, meaningful student mentoring, and rich collegial relationships. He was a nationally recognized scholar on the works of the English poet John Milton, and published multiple books and articles on the writer. He brought Milton to life in 2008 by organizing a 12-hour reading of Milton’s Paradise Lost — an event featured in the Chronicle of Higher Education. Since arriving at St. Olaf College in 1986, DuRocher taught a variety of courses about Renaissance women writers, “visionary” poets, and Shakespeare. He also taught in the Great Conversation program.
“At his heart, he loved students, and he loved teaching them,” says Vice President of Student Life Greg Kneser. “He showed class, grace, wisdom, and patience and demonstrated his deep love for students by never giving up on them and never losing faith, both in the classroom and as their dean.”
DuRocher’s family received the award at an April 10 ceremony, and his name will be added to the honorary plaque outside the Dean of Students Office.
The award honors Professor of Latin and Dean of Women Gertrude Hilleboe’s commitment to students during the more than 40 years she served on the St. Olaf faculty. Hilleboe was well-known for her individual interest in every student and her dedication to the St. Olaf community.