![]() Wilkinson earned the respect of students and colleagues alike. Whether they were famous or not-and his former students included the late musician Jim Croce, a Pulitzer prize winner, and a former governor of Connecticut-he could relate to anyone with a generosity of spirit that made everyone feel special. Wilkinson formed numerous friendships with students, many of which lasted a lifetime. His infamous end-of-semester parties on the last day of class were perhaps the most unique and stress-free way to review for finals ever devised. For those students who worked hard enough to earn an A in his class, “Doc”-as he was known on campus-would write personal letters to parents acknowledging hard work, how much he enjoyed having the student in his class, and thanking parents for the opportunity to teach their child. If they were foolish enough to have three, they started at an F. His booming voice, infectious smile, and impeccable style made his class come alive-and woe to those who came to class unprepared! In a time before spellcheck, one misspelling on a paper earned students an automatic C. Whether he was teaching Freshman English or a Faulkner seminar, he made students feel that they were the only ones in the room. At Stonehill, Wilkinson was inspired by his English and History professors to become a college professor-a decision that had a profound impact on the nearly 12,000 students who were fortunate to attend his classes in a career spanning 49 years.Īt Villanova, Wilkinson was renowned for the enthusiasm he brought to his subject matter. at Boston University in 1956 and did further graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his Ph.D. in English from Stonehill College in 1952 and was a member of that school's first graduating class. Wilkinson and Ann (Smallwood) Wilkinson, he served in the Navy during World War II and in the Navy Reserves during the Korean War. Born in Meriden, Connecticut, a son of the late Joseph B. Robert Edwin Wilkinson 93 beloved Professor of English and at the time of his retirement the longest tenured professor in the history of Villanova died of cancer on Friday, August 23. Wilkinson Professor of English, Villanova University ![]()
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