Eric Belgrad, political science professor, remembered

By: Cody Boteler, Senior Editor

Eric Belgrad, formerly the chair of the political science department, died during emergency surgery on Sept. 1, according to Cindy Cates, the current chair of the department.

Belgrad had been department chair for 20 years and was a professor for 49 years. He was 80.

According to Allison McCartney, a professor in the political science department, Belgrad was struck by a “sudden illness” before the start of the semester.

An internment service will be held tomorrow, Sept. 4 at Sol Levinson and Bros. (8900 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21208) at noon. The political science department is also planning a memorial for Belgrad.

The Towerlight will update this story with details of the service when they are released.

Cates, who was hired by Belgrad, called him “the heart of the political science department.”

“I once sat in on a class of his for a review, he walks in, he has this big stacks of notes, he set them down, and then he never looked at one – and he just gave the most beautiful presentation,” Cates said. “I was awestruck.”

Belgrad’s legacy, Cates said, is not only in the political science department, but the international studies program that was, “his brainchild.”

“The department is largely a reflection of the way he built it,” Cates said.

McCartney called Belgrad an “institution” at Towson, and “the patriarch” of the political science department.

“His friendship is cherished beyond measure, and his company, his guidance, and the joy which he brought to life will be missed,” McCartney said in a Facebook post.

 

One thought on “Eric Belgrad, political science professor, remembered

  1. Thanks, Cody. A nice word about someone who gave his life to the University and was dedicated to his students.

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