It is with great sadness that the IRH has learned of the passing of Susan Stanford Friedman, Virginia Wolf Professor Emerita of English at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Hilldale Professor of Humanities, and former director of the IRH. Susan was a prolific scholar of literature and culture, a pioneer in women’s studies, and a beloved mentor to many. Her most recent books include Contemporary Revolutions: Turning Back to the Future in 21st-Century Literature and Art (Bloomsbury, 2018) and Planetary Modernisms: Provocations on Modernity Across Time (Columbia University Press, 2015). Susan was an extraordinary leader of the IRH from 2007 to 2017, raising its profile on campus, nationally and internationally. The IRH deeply mourns her passing, and we send our condolences to her family.
Dr. Susan Stanford Friedman’s obituary can be found here.
Gender & Women’s Studies Department’s “Remembering Susan Stanford Friedman (1943-2023)” page.
Department of English’s “Susan Stanford Friedman, 1943-2023” statement.
A memorial service to celebrate Susan’s life will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 15th in the Atrium at First Unitarian Society Meeting House (900 University Bay Drive) in Madison. All are welcome. A gathering to celebrate her work and achievements will be held later this year.