Richard Hugo (1923 - 1982)
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Richard Hugo was instrumental in gaining national recognition for UM’s Creative Writing Program. Raised by his grandparents, he became a semi-pro “hardball” catcher turned bombardier, serving over 35 missions in a B-24 in Romania. Later in life, he struggled with alcohol abuse and demonstrated a determination to rise above adversity. After taking a teaching position at UM in 1964, he connected students with top New York editors. With optimism and encouragement, he helped students aspire to achieve seemingly out-of-reach goals. He was also a friend and mentor of noted author James Welch.
Life brings many hardships, and extraordinary people persevere and leave lasting impacts on society. Richard Hugo exemplified devotion to his work that motivated others to dream big. Hugo demonstrated the potential inherent in academic pursuit, and the possibility it has to change the course of one's life. Education provides a space to grow and challenge yourself. For more information, visit: Poetry Foundation, History Link, or read the introduction biography in Making Certain It Goes On: The Collected Poems of Richard Hugo by Richard Hugo and William Kittredge, or watch this PBS Video. |