Alvernia English professor of 28 years passes away
On Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, Alvernia University associate professor, Richard Law, Ph.D. passed away. Dr. Law spent over 60 years as a professor of English, including 30 years at Kutztown University and the last 28 years as an associate professor of English professor at Alvernia.
In 1992, Alvernia was looking for an additional adjunct instructor in the English Department. Dr. Law applied and was invited to join the faculty. He was so impressive in the classroom and his students were enthralled by his talents that when a full-time position opened, Alvernia asked him to apply. He was hired immediately, and with it came a renewed passion for the profession.
In a 2010 publication for the Office of Institutional Advancement, Dr. Law shared with the Alvernia community:
"Alvernia is a friendly, caring community and there is such harmony within the English Department, between faculty and students, and with the faculty and administration. In addition, I truly value the openness we have to express our Christian faith. It is one of the joys of being at Alvernia."
"Alvernia gave me a second chance at my career. I had retired from a state institution when my enthusiasm for teaching was beginning to wane, but Alvernia reenergized my career."
During his time at Kutztown University, which started in 1962, Law earned several awards for distinguished teaching and served as acting dean several times. His excellence is something he carried with him to his time with the Alvernia community.
"We will miss him terribly in the English and Communications Department," said Alvernia University English and Communications Department Co-Chair Jodi Radosh, Ph.D. "I personally will miss his thoughtful news clippings in my mailbox, cards to my home, and our many conversations in the BusCom building. He always asked about my children and husband. Likewise, I liked hearing stories about his family. Moreover, I especially enjoyed when students would tell me about how much they liked having him as a professor. He embodied a true professor in every aspect. He was a scholar, a teacher, mentor and a gentleman."
Law was described by many as dapper and a true gentleman. He will be deeply missed by all his friends and colleagues in the Alvernia community. Alvernia has organized a Tribute Board here for the Alvernia community to leave their memories, photos and videos that the university will share with Law's family.
His family has shared that there will be a full mass at St. Mary's Kutztown on Dec. 1. At 9 a.m. Cards or flowers may be sent to 712 Highland Ave., Kutztown, PA 19530.
