In memoriam: Eugene Hogan

Dr. Eugene Hogan, former professor of political science, sadly passed away on Jan. 14. Gene, as he was known to his friends and colleagues, taught constitutional law and American government for 32 years until he retired in 2001.

Always one of the department’s most popular teachers, Gene was known for his thought-provoking lectures, profound observations on the human condition and a legendary wit. For Gene, teaching was fundamentally a subversive activity because it challenged students to question the world as it is and think beyond accepted beliefs. His classrooms were full of energy, and he guided his students like a maestro conducting a vibrant orchestra. He had passion and vision for his classes, and he excelled at getting students to understand and invest themselves in that vision. As one former student said on hearing of Gene’s passing: “he taught constitutional law—arguably the hardest course at Western—and the seats were always full, and we all embraced the challenge because we knew listening to him teach was worth the effort.”

Gene’s teaching did not end at the classroom door. In fact, the end of class was only an interlude to his work as advisor, mentor and sometimes healer. Gene was devoted to his students, and his one-on-one sessions with students in his office were genuinely transformative. More often than not, students whose performances were weak would exit Gene’s office with new motivation to succeed, and most did. Gene was especially committed to helping students who lacked middle- and upper-class backgrounds. The amount of time he expended in tutoring these students, and the positive results attained, is truly remarkable.

Gene’s love of teaching was interwoven with his passion for democracy. It was no accident that he was attracted to the philosopher John Dewey, who believed education was the lifeblood of democracy. All facets of Gene’s life involved democracy and education. As a faculty member, he was a forceful proponent of democratic governance and in building institutions that served democracy. He was a leader in early campaigns to create a faculty union at Western, and he was steadfast in his commitment to greater democracy in all aspects of departmental governance. Early on, he wrote a constitution adopted and followed by his department for decades. He took a leading role in rewriting a Constitution of the Faculty Senate and was frequently consulted by faculty members in other departments over issues of governance. He was deeply gratified by the success of Western's faculty in attaining recognition as a collective agent as an equal with the administration.

As a colleague, he initiated the Arntzen 4th Floor "lunch room," a democratic institution, where for decades faculty members came together as members in a civil society. Later, as chair of the department, he practiced what he preached by reaching out to everyone, ensuring full diversity in hiring and creating an atmosphere of equality among peers—something often lost in this time of stratified faculty.

Unlike many political scientists, Gene loved the reality of politics. This enthusiasm and the insights he brought were widely appreciated in the broader community. This commitment to politics was a prominent feature in the Taft Institute for Teachers (now the Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education), a unique civic education program for high school teachers that Gene brought to WWU in 1985.

Gene’s humanity, generosity and inspiration will be deeply missed.

Remembrances may be made to Catholic Community Services or the Southern Poverty Law Center. A vigil service will be held at Westford Funeral Home at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Assumption at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1 followed by a reception at Westford's Broadway Hall, 1300 Broadway.

Share memories at http://www.westfordfuneralhome.com.