Dr. Thomas Wright

Tom was my friend. Though I was a less-than-gifted student, I suppose he saw something in me that I didn't. I was a "jock", and English was an easy (for me) way of getting to graduation so I could achieve my goal of a commission in the Marines. Tom taught me other things: "serious" music ("classical" implies that it was better than I), good literature, but mostly the value of quality relationships. In truth, he was one of the more influential people of my...

Dr. Wright was a wonderful teacher and mentor. He was the most cosmopolitan professor I ever studied with—learned, cultured, with a razor wit, but also generous, encouraging, and truly interested in his students. I don’t know if I have any notes from his classes, but his many insights and perspectives on medieval literature and academe in general informed much of my career as a university professor. I am grateful to have known and studied with Dr. Wright, and I feel his loss keenly.

Dr. Wright truly "illuminated" the world of medieval literature for me. I still have the copious notes I took while a student in his courses, often including his own witty observations about a particular piece. He was a beloved mentor to many of us. With my heartfelt sympathy, Linda Henry Dean

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