Italian born, American-educated and Latin American- and Caribbean-focused in his academic career, University of Kansas professor emeritus of geography John Augelli was a student — and teacher — of the world. Augelli, who founded KU’s Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, died March 20 at home in Lawrence. He was 96.

During his time at KU, Augelli served as chair of the geography department and dean of international studies, according to a KU news release about his death. His academic publications included two seminal texts on Central American and Caribbean geography. He founded the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies in 1961.

Augelli built the center into one of the best in the nation and was “an ebullient, dapper man” who balanced scholarship, teaching, administration and public service, James Shortridge, professor of geography and atmospheric science, said in KU’s news release. “John embraced life fully. I admired his bold and confident manner, his zest for adventure and his dogged pursuit of excellence.”

As a member of the Army Air Force during World War II, Augelli had tours of duty in the South Pacific, including the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands, according to his Journal-World obituary. Before arriving at KU he taught at the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Maryland and the University of Illinois.

After retiring from KU, according to his obituary, “John began a long second career lecturing on cruise ships which allowed him to continue two of his passions — teaching and traveling all over the world, as he would delightedly say, ‘On someone else’s nickel!'”

Memorial Mass is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Lawrence Catholic Center.

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• I’m the Journal-World’s KU and higher ed reporter. See all the newspaper’s KU coverage here. Reach me by email at sshepherd@ljworld.com, by phone at 832-7187, on Twitter @saramarieshep or via Facebook at Facebook.com/SaraShepherdNews.