In Memory

James P Hammersmith - Class Of 1967

James P Hammersmith (2/6/49 - 9/15/13) was a professor of English at Auburn University from 1978 through his retirement in 2008. He began his study of Renaissance English literature as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he continued as a graduate student and earned his doctorate in 1976. He continued at UWM with a post-doctoral fellowship until his appointment at Auburn in 1978. Dr. Hammersmith left his mark on the academic community not only as a renowned Shakespearean scholar and textual editor but also as a much-respected teacher and mentor. While his scholarly contributions live on in print, his teaching lives on in the hearts of his students, many of whose lives were deeply impacted by his classroom teaching and mentoring. In the words of an associate, he was an award-winning teacher, exciting particular enthusiasm from his Shakespeare students, as well as his hundreds of writing students.

In addition to his passion for Shakespeare, Dr. Hammersmith was a brilliant writer and instructor of writing. He was well-known for his eccentricity, sarcasm and wit as well as being one of the toughest professors on campus. Dr. Hammersmith's passion for delivering the best education to the his students was also evident in his anonymous donations to support the English Department's Graduate Student Paper Awards. It is fitting for his generosity and spirit of intellectual simulation to live on in the form of the James P. Hammersmith Memorial Graduate Award. Please join us for a casual open house memorial celebration at Pebble Hill on Friday, May 9 4PM - 7PM. 101 S Debardeleben St, Auburn, AL 36830 Snacks and beverages will be served. For donations, please contact: College of Liberal Arts, Development 317 S. College Street Auburn, AL 36849 ATTN: Melissa Hage