Professor Emeritus Norman Rudich Dies at 85

Norman Rudich, professor of letters and of romance languages and literatures emeritus, died Dec. 20, 2007 at home in New York City. He was 85 years old.

Professor Rudich joined the Wesleyan faculty in 1952 and served with distinction until his retirement in 1991. He earned his Ph.D. in French from Princeton University and did graduate work at the Sorbonne. Rudich was an accomplished scholar who edited two notable books, Premiers Oeuvres (with J. Varloot) and Weapons of Criticism, and published numerous articles, essays, and reviews.

Rudich was one of the founding members of Wesleyan’s College of Letters. His former colleague Paul Schwaber notes that “Norman was a master teacher, a brilliant dialectician, a committed Marxist, and an engaging and stimulating colleague.”

He is survived by his son Steven Rudich, his daughter Suzy Rudich, and four grandchildren. Memorial plans are pending. Donations in Professor Rudich’s memory may be made to The Lighthouse International.