Dr. Rodney K. Delasanta Epitomized the Teacher-Scholar
The following reflection from College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. was sent to the Providence College community on April 11, 2007.
On Tuesday, the Providence College community learned that Dr. Rodney K. Delasanta, one of the College’s most respected and beloved professors, had died at home earlier that morning after a long illness. Our deep sympathy and heartfelt prayers are extended to Rodney’s wife, Frances; his son, Peter; his daughters, Deborah, Lisa, and Andrea; other family and friends.
I had the privilege of learning from Rodney when I was a Providence College student. His passion for and knowledge of the subjects he taught was perfectly complemented by the great love and high expectations he had for each of his students. Ever committed to promoting teaching excellence, Rodney was among the first faculty members to be featured in a profile on the PC Web pages devoted to this purpose. In his teaching philosophy statement there, Rodney noted Chaucer’s characterization of the Clerk of Oxford, "gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche." This quality was perfectly embodied in Rodney Delasanta. In his long and distinguished career, he epitomized the teacher-scholar who contributes so much to his students in the classroom while continuing to enrich his colleagues and field of study through research and publications outside the classroom. His life and legacy can truly be an example to all of us.
A 1953 graduate of Providence College, Rodney earned both his Master of Arts (1955) and Doctorate (1962) degrees in English Literature from Brown University. A professor of English and a nationally known expert on the works of medieval poet Geoffrey Chaucer, Rodney also served as director of Providence College’s Liberal Arts Honors Program from 1987 until 2004. Under his guidance, the program expanded from approximately 25 students to more than 100 students per class year. In February, the program’s annual lecture was renamed the Rodney Delasanta Honors Lecture as a tribute to him.
While his primary scholarly interest was Geoffrey Chaucer, the scope of Rodney’s literary expertise was extensive, ranging from medieval literature, to the Renaissance epic, to 19th-century poetry, to modern fiction. He authored the book, "The Epic Voice" (Mouton & Co., The Hague, Paris, 1967), and more than 40 scholarly articles, more than half of which focused on Chaucer.
A much-honored member of the PC faculty, Rodney received the College’s President’s Distinguished Faculty Award at Academic Convocation in 1999 and The Very Reverend Vincent C. Dore, O.P. Award from the Providence College Alumni Association’s Greater Providence Chapter, the Mal Brown Club, in recognition of his many contributions to the College in 1996. He received the Sears Roebuck Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1990.
Rodney joined the Providence College faculty in 1961 as assistant professor of English. He was promoted to associate professor in 1965 and to professor in 1969. He served as a visiting professor at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, for the 1969-70 academic year, and as a visiting associate professor at Brown University in 1983. In addition to service as chair of the Department of English and assistant director of the Study Abroad Program, as well as on numerous College committees, Rodney also served as chairman of the Rhodes Scholarship Nominating Committee for Rhode Island.
He was a member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma (Providence College chapter) and Phi Beta Kappa (Brown University chapter) honor societies. He was also a member of the Modern Language Association, the Medieval Academy of America, and the New Chaucer Society.
Calling hours will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13, at the S. DiPardo Funeral Home at 1583 Diamond Hill Road in Woonsocket, R.I. His Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, April 14, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church on Mendon Road in Woonsocket.
Please keep Rodney and his family in your thoughts and prayers.