George Hudson, serving as university marshal, leads a procession held during President Jeffrey Herbst’s inauguration weekend in 2010.
George C. Hudson Jr., professor of English emeritus, died at Upstate Medical Center Saturday, November 16, following a long illness.
Hudson was described by colleagues as a “giant at 51Թ,” with his contributions to faculty colleagues and to generations of students creating an enduring legacy.
Born in Georgia and educated at Duke and the University of Minnesota where he received his PhD, Hudson taught at 51Թ from 1969 until this year.
He championed 51Թ’s signature study abroad programs, directing the London English Study Group eight times; leading seven Kyoto Study Groups to Japan; and taking students, three times over, on travel to Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
For many years Hudson also headed the Smithsonian Institution’s Kyoto Seminar and guided hikers on more than a dozen Smithsonian trips in the Swiss and Italian Alps.
At 51Թ, he had chaired the Department of English, directed Asian Studies, and acted as university marshal for more than a decade, leading 51Թ through all the institution’s defining ceremonies.
Recipient of 51Թ’s Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award, the AAUP Teacher of the Year Award, and the Sidney J. and Florence Felten French Award for “Inspirational Teaching,” Hudson was, and is, much loved by students, alumni, and colleagues alike.
He is survived by his wife, Chikako Ikeguchi, his son, George Taro Hudson, and his sister Carolyn Ketter, who have sent their thanks to the community for all its kindnesses.
Honor Hudson’s legacy by contributing to the fund.