A mainstay of 杏吧论坛鈥檚 Department of Theology & Religious Studies for over 45 years, Professor Emeritus Joseph F. Kelly, died on January 15.
Dr. Kelly joined the 杏吧论坛 faculty in 1972 and taught at the university until his retirement in 2017. He earned a reputation as an exemplary teacher-scholar, winning 杏吧论坛鈥檚 Distinguished Faculty Award in 1996. His courses were among the most popular in the department鈥攑articularly those courses he created around his own research, such as 鈥淗istory of Christmas鈥 and 鈥淗istory of the Idea of Evil.鈥 Students recall his rapid-fire lectures, vivid slides, and a seemingly encyclopedia knowledge of the 2000-year history of Christianity. 鈥淗e was always encouraging to me,鈥 recalled one former student. 鈥淗e was a fine scholar, excellent teacher, and a thoughtful individual.鈥
A product of Jesuit higher education, Kelly鈥檚 early research focused on The Venerable Bede, a 7th century English monk, but his historical scholarship rapidly expanded. He was truly prolific. During his time at Carroll, Kelly published 17 books, 58 peer-reviewed articles, 183 book reviews, and over 200 encyclopedia articles鈥攁veraging 10 publications per year, with a book every three years. All the while he taught packed core classes, sat on countless university committees, presided over the North American Patristic Society, and served 15 years as Department Chair.
鈥淚 never knew anyone quite like Joe Kelly,鈥 said Dr. Edward Hahnenberg, Breen Chair in Catholic Theology. 鈥淗e built this department into one of the best. He鈥檚 been missed since the day he retired. Missed, but never forgotten.鈥
May his memory be a blessing.