On hand for the announcement and inaugural presentation of the Rodney Delasanta Honors Lecture are, from left, Dr. Suzanne J. Fournier ’77, associate professor of English and assistant director of the Liberal Arts Honors Program; Dr. Stephen J. Lynch, professor of English and director of the honors program; Dr. Rodney K. Delasanta ’53, professor of English and former honors program director; College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80; Dr. Gordon Wood of Brown University, who delivered the first lecture; and John J. Partridge, Esq. ’61, a former member and longtime supporter of the honors program and who suggested naming the annual lecture in honor of Delasanta.

The announcement of the Rodney Delasanta Honors Lecture was made by College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80 on February 8 prior to the inaugural lecture by Dr. Gordon Wood of Brown University. Wood, who is the Alva O. Way University Professor and professor of history at Brown, presented a talk based on his book Revolutionary Characters: What Made the Founders Different? (Penguin Press, 2006) 

In announcing the naming of the lecture, Father Shanley quoted the Canterbury Tales line that Delasanta includes in his PC Web profile: “In referring to the Clerk of Oxford, Chaucer writes, ‘gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche.’ No one else on the faculty so perfectly embodies what Chaucer was talking about than does Rodney Delasanta,” he said.

The idea to honor Delasanta originated with John J. Partridge, Esq. ’61, a former member of the Liberal Arts Honors Program and a member of the College’s President’s Council. The proposal was overwhelmingly approved by Father Shanley; Dr. Hugh F. Lena, vice president for academic affairs; and the Honors Advisory Committee.

Delasanta joined the College faculty in 1961 as assistant professor of English. He was promoted to associate professor in 1965 and to professor in 1969. His primary scholarly interest is the poetry of Geoffrey Chaucer.

Beginning in 1961, Delasanta served as a guest in honors program seminars. He succeeded Dr. Richard J. Grace ’62, current professor of history, as director of the program in 1987. Under Delasanta’s guidance, the program expanded from approximately 25 students to more than 100 students per class year.
 
Recalling his first impressions of Delasanta, Dr. Stephen J. Lynch, professor of English and current director of the honors program, said, “When I came to Providence College 14 years ago, I found Rodney Delasanta one of the smartest, most learned people I had ever met … and also one of the kindest and most caring.” 

Delasanta, who is recovering from a serous illness, plans to be back in the classroom this fall.