JMC News:  Message from Dean Garnett

This message comes from Dean Garnett--

It is with a deep sadness that I forward the following announcement from UC-Berkeley:

Peter Lyman, former University Librarian and professor emeritus at the School of Information, has died.  Professor Lyman passed away at his home on Monday, July 2 after a long illness.

Professor Lyman came to Berkeley in 1994 as the University Librarian and joined the faculty of the School of Information in 1995. Lyman received his B.A. from Stanford University in Philosophy, M.A. from Berkeley in Political Science, and Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford.  He co-founded James Madison College at Michigan State University and taught there from 1967 to 1987.

Professor Lyman is survived by his wife Barrie, son Andrew and daughter Abby, sister Cynthia, daughter-in-law Faria and his two grandchildren.

We at Madison have also experienced a deep and personal loss.  For those, like me, whom Peter taught, no explanation of his powerful presence as a teacher is necessary.  He was, quite literally, the personification of the modern thinkers for me and many other students in the 1970s, but he taught a wide range of life-changing courses during his time at Madison.  Many of you experienced his teaching, and some of you were fortunate enough to see him and thank him in person when he attended the memorial weekend for Jack Paynter last year; however, all of us who care about Madison are diminished by his death.

The College will be planning a similar gathering to honor Peter, as well as a lasting tribute to him, but we need time to reflect on Peter’s life and consult with Barrie, the family, and friends.  

Sherman W. Garnett
Dean, James Madison College