Russell Thorn Blackwood III
Russell Thorn Blackwood III, the John Stewart Kennedy Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, died on January 12, 2007, in Philadelphia, PA, at the age of 78.
Although he formally retired fromthe faculty a dozen years ago, he continued to teach courses each year until last fall, thereby carrying on a tradition of great teaching on College Hill to which he had contributed so significantly.
Russell Blackwood was born in Philadelphia on February 6, 1928.The son of Russell T., Jr., president and general manager of a wholesale drug company, and Madeleine Niesley Blackwood, a successful artist, he was graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth
College in 1948.
On September 30, 1950, he and Elizabeth L. Hamilton were married in his native city.Thereafter he pursued graduate studies, earning
an M.A. from Colgate University in 1951 and a Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1957. That year, after three years as assistant professor of philosophy and religion at Hood College, he accepted a similar position at Hamilton.
Promoted to associate professor in 1962 and full professor in 1965, Russell Blackwood also chaired the department of philosophy from 1965 to 1981.
He was appointed Kennedy Professor in 1973. In addition, he directed the Asian Studies Program from 1983 to 1990 and served
most impressively, given his tall stature, as College Marshal.
A member at one time or another of virtually every college committee, he played a highly active and prominent role in the campus community.
But above all, Russell Blackwood was a teacher who captivated students with an approach that has been described as“Socratic, charming, and disarming.”With“a dry wit and an anecdote for every
occasion,”he enlivened the philosophy of religion for a host of Hill students through five decades.Continually questing for knowledge and eager to impart it to others, he was “interdisciplinary” in his teaching long before that became academically the fashion.
He taught courses both in philosophy and religion ranging from
the history ofWestern philosophy and the Judeo-Christian religious tradition to Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist thought.
His dedication as well as his genuine concern for the welfare of students was exemplified by his commitment to the Higher Education Opportunity Program,which helps to prepare prospective students fromunderprivileged backgrounds for entry into Hamilton.
Professor Blackwood assisted in the development of the program,
regularly taught in its summer sessions, and played a vital role in its great success.
Hispersonal encouragement helped many in the program to
persevere and ultimately attain Hamilton diplomas. Besides being a mentor and friend to students, and particularly those from abroad,he was warmly considerate of colleagues and ever ready to lend them an assisting hand.
The author of numerous scholarly articles and co-editor of two books, Professor Blackwood taught courses in religious studies for several adult educational programs in the Utica area.
He also spoke at retirement communities, and one of his favorite subjects was the Brotherton Indians, in which he had developed a great interest.
Drawing upon his extensive travels, especially in the Far and Near East, he captivated audiences with his erudition. Belying his formality of manner, he was a fascinating conversationalist, as his tablemates at the Alterra retirement community,where he recently
resided,would attest.
Russell T. Blackwood,who was regularly seen on campus, especially in the Burke Library keeping up on Middle Eastern news on a computer screen, taught his last course, in Islamic thought, in the fall.
In December, in failing health, he was being attended by his daughters in his native Philadelphia when he died. Predeceased by his wife in 2002, he is survived by his daughters, Cynthia and
Rebecca, and six grandchildren and a great-grandson.
