Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
Sadly, I am writing again to announce the death of a retired Hamilton professor who was beloved by many students. Associate Professor of Art History Emeritus Stephen Goldberg died yesterday morning following an extended illness.
Steve came to Hamilton in 1998 and retired just a few years ago in December 2020. He specialized in the history of Chinese art, including calligraphy, and during his time at Hamilton also taught courses in African-American Art and the Black Experience; Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic Arts of India; the Arts of Zen Buddhism; and the Arts of Japan, among others.
Students described him as passionate, enthusiastic, extremely detailed and informative, kind, thoughtful, and a wonderful human being. One student said he had “a genuine passion for helping students reach their full potential,” and he took an “interest in [a] student’s educational experience at a holistic level.” A second student said, “Professor Goldberg’s passion for his subject was evident in every lecture and review session, and he worked his hardest to spread his enthusiasm for art to all of the class.” Added a third, “The way he teaches the coursework has not only educated me academically, but it’s also taught me how to be a better citizen, a better man, and a remarkable human being.”
Prior to his arrival at Hamilton, Steve taught at the University of Hawai'i, Stanford University, and the University of Denver. He received his bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, his master’s degree from the University of Hawai'i, and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. The author of numerous essays, reviews, and articles, Steve served as a consultant for the PBS program Lost Treasures of Tibet in 2003. At Hamilton, he chaired the Asian Studies Program and the Art and Art History Department, and served on the committee that planned Hamilton’s new arts facilities.
Once again, I extend Hamilton’s deepest sympathies to Steve’s friends, colleagues, and family, including his wife, Susan, and son, Ariel.
Ngoni
