Beloved Mount Allison professor passes away

Dr. Marie Hammond Callaghan remembered after many years of teaching at Mt. A 

Mount Allison has lost a dear member of its community; Dr. Marie Hammond Callaghan, associate professor of women and gender studies and history, passed away last Thursday, Nov. 19.
Dr. Hammond Callaghan was also a Mt. A alumna who received her BA in 1985 before continuing on to obtain a B.Ed. in 1986. She then earned graduate degrees at the University of Toronto and at the National University of Ireland, Dublin. Dr. Hammond Callaghan returned to Mt. A to instruct courses in both women and gender studies and history. Her research focused on transnational women’s peace movements in the Cold War Canada and Europe.
Dr. Hammond Callaghan was essential to the development of the women and gender studies program at Mt. A, acting as the only professor for a number of years.
Dr. Andrew Nurse, history professor and colleague of Dr. Hammond Callaghan, said she had a vibrancy in the way she approached both teaching and life. “This was a woman who was very committed to what she was doing and to embracing the people around her,” said Nurse.
Katharyn Stevenson, third-year student and the president of the women and gender studies society, posted the following message to the society’s Facebook page: “Dr. Hammond Callaghan was a wonderful woman who was truly passionate about her academic work as well as the success of her students. She was inspiring, compassionate, and a beloved professor known to many on our Mount Allison campus. She will be greatly missed and we will be forever thankful for her endless wisdom and kindness both inside and outside the classroom.”
Third-year student Kate Jenkins said Dr. Hammond Callaghan was one of the most kindhearted individuals she had known at this school. “For me, she was not only a professor, she was also a mentor, and I will always appreciate the knowledge that she has provided me with as I move forward in my education in my life,” said Jenkins. “I know she will be greatly missed by all those who have had the privilege of working with her.”
“Her passing is mourned deeply by her colleagues, who honour her with grateful affection for her great kindness, both scholarly and personal, and for the example of her indomitable and generous spirit,” wrote university President Robert Campbell in an email to all students and staff.
Many other professors wished to speak to Dr. Hammond Callaghan’s passion for her students and teaching but found it too difficult to speak about. Dr. Hammond Callaghan will be greatly missed greatly by her students and colleagues.
There will be an informal gathering in honour of Dr. Hammond Callaghan on Thursday, Nov. 26 from 4-5 p.m. at the University Club in the President’s Cottage. There will also be a memorial service held on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. in the University Chapel with a reception to follow at the University Club.

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