English Department establishes two funds in honor of Michael DePorte

By John Reed, Media Relations

In the last days of his life, English Professor Michael DePorte made sure that his dedication to teaching and scholarship would continue long after his death.

A UNH professor for 31 years, DePorte devoted much of his 38-year career to the study of 18th century literature, particularly the writings of Irish author Jonathan Swift, famous for his 1726 work, Gulliver’s Travels.

Prior to his death Dec. 9, 2003, from non-Hodgkins lymphoma, DePorte asked the English Department to establish a book fund in his name to enable junior faculty members to purchase texts for their teaching and research that they would not otherwise be able to afford.

The department went one step further, establishing both the Michael DePorte Scholarship Fund and the Michael DePorte Book Fund.

“He was, as a colleague, very supportive of other faculty in the department. He had the remarkable ability to project himself into other people’s passions. He brought out the best of people in moments of pressure and tension. He could make you feel a home in a conversation, even if you were a complete stranger. He’s very much missed. I miss him a lot,” said Briggs Bailey, associate professor of English.

The scholarship fund supports deserving undergraduates. An anonymous donor from among the UNH English Department faculty has pledged up to $5,000 to match contributions to the fund. The department hopes to generate sufficient funding to offer an annual award to the most deserving undergraduate student in the new English Literature major.

“Because Mike loved literature and respected the literary text, as a lasting memorial to his generous spirit we are dedicating this award to students in the new English Literature major,” said Professor Janet Aikins, chair of the English Department.

DePorte came to UNH in 1972 from the University of Chicago, where he was an assistant professor from 1966 to 1972. In 1986, DePorte received the first Gary Lindberg Award for the Best Scholar and Teacher in the College of Liberal Arts. From 1987 to 1996 he served as chair of the English Department, and as interim chair in 2002.

“He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was just great. I never knew someone who loved life so much,” said Tory Poulin, academic department coordinator for the English Department.

Those wishing to contribute to the DePorte Book Fund or the DePorte Scholarship Fund should send checks to the College of Liberal Arts, Office of the Dean, Murkland Hall 110, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824.

Checks should be made out to the University of New Hampshire and specify in the memo line of the check the fund to which the money is being donated.