LJWorld.com / KU professor leaves legacy of promoting American Indian literature, culture

Archive for Tuesday, September 5, 2006

September 5, 2006

A Kansas University professor who is credited with opening up the world of American Indian literature and culture to thousands of students died Sunday.

Bernard “Bud” Hirsch, a professor in KU’s English Department, died at his Lawrence home of brain cancer. Hirsch, 61, was a member of the KU faculty since 1976 and a noted American Indian scholar.

“There were students that took his course because they were curious, some took it because they were Native American, but there were a lot of students who took the course because it was available,” said Dorice Elliott, chair of KU’s English Department. “But most of those students came out with a real appreciation of American Indian history and literature.

“They really had their eyes opened to ideas and possibilities they had never considered before.”

Hirsch also was instrumental in creating KU’s Center for Indigenous Nations Studies and recently received the center’s Crystal Eagle Award for his contributions to the study of American Indian cultures. Hirsch in August was the recipient of a $5,000 W.T. Kemper Award, presented by the university for teaching excellence.

Hirsch, who worked as the department’s undergraduate director, served as the department’s main undergraduate student adviser. He worked hard to create new internships and seek job opportunities for students, Elliott said.

“He didn’t put up with any nonsense, but he was willing to help anyone who needed help,” Elliott said.

Colleagues on Monday remembered Hirsch as a straight-talking Chicago native who rooted for all things pertaining to the Windy City until the “very end.”

“He grew up in Chicago and was proud of having a different background as a professor,” said Mary Klayder, a friend of 20 years and an honors lecturer in the English department. “He liked having a sense of the world and people, not just books.”

Hirsch’s wife, Elaine Lindberg, died in 1996. He is survived by his mother, Mollie Bernover, Chicago; a brother; and a stepbrother. Services are pending and will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.