John R. Locke (1933-2000)
Dr. John R. Locke was head of the University of Arkansas Program in Comparative Literature from 1980-2000. He planned to retire at the conclusion of the 2000-2001 academic year. However, a disgruntled Comparative Literature graduate student who had been dismissed from the program in mid-August 2000 entered Dr. Locke's office on August 28, the first day of classes, and shot him to death before taking his own life. Despite the tragedy, Dr. Locke's legacy lives on in those who knew him.
Click on the photograph to go to an memorial page.
These are some thoughts I wrote a day or so after his death:
Darkness.
This knowledge is almost too much to bear. I do not know what to say. He gave me more light than he knew. The words he
whispered to help me through a trying time now course through my mind: "Be Gentle with Yourself."
Be Gentle.
Darkness.
There is no more.
These words, taken from the UofA Comparative Literature website are a good summation of Dr. Locke:
Dr. John Locke--the head of our department--a kind, compassionate, humane, and learned human being. Dr. Locke was much beloved by his students for his concern, understanding, and depth of knowledge. He knew countless languages, and he took great interest in introducing students to enlightening ideas. He will be sorely missed. Dr. Locke taught at the U of A from 1967 - 2000.
'O amice, requiescas in pace. Dis te ament.'