Gittleman named University Professor

Until recently, the title of "University Professor" was so distinguished that only two members of the Tufts faculty could claim it.

A third professor has been added to the list. Former Provost Sol Gittleman has been named a University Professor for his contributions to the Tufts community for over 37 years.

"For me, having been appointed a University Professor is the final recognition of an academic life," Gittleman said.

Being appointed a University Professor requires a strong base of support among students, faculty, and administration. The University's president must first nominate candidates before the Committee of Academic Affairs of the Board of Trustees.

"This special honor is reserved for our most distinguished faculty colleagues who have made extraordinary contributions to both their disciplines and to Tufts," President Larry Bacow explained. "Professor Gittleman was recognized for his remarkable record as a teacher, scholar, administrator, and advisor to generations of Tufts students."

Once the Committee on Academic Affairs approves the President's nomination, the Board of Trustees must ratify it unanimously.

"The nomination was greeted with unanimous and enthusiastic approval by the Committee on Academic Affairs and the entire Board of Trustees," Bacow said.

The other two faculty members who hold the title are Philosophy professor Daniel Dennett and Dean Irwin Rosenberg, of the Friedman School of Nutrition, Science and Policy.

"It doesn't get any better than this, to share with people like Daniel Dennett and Irv Rosenberg, this kind of designation," Gittleman said.

During his tenure at Tufts, Gittleman has served as provost, professor, advisor, scholar, and friend to innumerable students and faculty members.

Gittleman's list of accomplishments is substantial. He has received two Fulbright awards, two honorary doctorate degrees in humane letters, and was named "Professor of the Year" by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

Gittleman has taught thousands of Tufts students over the years. His classes have ranged from German language and German civilization and the rise of Nazism, to Yiddish culture. He also teaches a popular freshman advising class, "Writing about baseball."

Gittleman's honor has been hailed by an appreciative student body. "The best thing about Professor Gittleman's classes is his enthusiasm," said Dan Kahn, a sophomore. "Whether the subject is Jackie Robinson or Shalom Aleichem, Professor Gittleman is always speaking quickly and excitedly, taking questions, and waving his hands. He just wants to get everyone involved in the class and get the best out of his students."

In addition to his enthusiasm, Gittleman is also known for his accessibility "What struck me about Professor Gittleman was how approachable he was and how much he loved the subject he was teaching," sophomore Yasmin Pena said. Pena took his "Writing about baseball" seminar her freshman year. "He would always come to class excited to discuss some aspect of baseball, so that would get us excited too. It was definitely the best class I've taken at Tufts so far."

Professor Gittleman has a long list of academic accomplishments that span a lifetime of working in education, but the legacy he has created has also had a great impact on the community at large.

"Gittleman's Yiddish literature course has been a staple here, for what seems like as long as PT Barnum's domesticated elephant," junior Richard Kalman said. "It was a truly unique experience to participate in a class that has that kind of staying power."

"I've also never seen a professor so devoted to giving students personal attention," Kalman said."Despite his busy schedule, he always had time to sit down and chat with his students."

Bacow called Gittleman "a legend at Tufts." "I loved working with him as Provost," he said. "Indeed, given all that he taught me about Tufts, I now count myself as one of his students, and one of his biggest fans."

Even after stepping down as Provost, Gittleman continues to teach classes, advise students, and remains a powerful presence on campus.

"It's liberating," Gittleman said. "Especially as you come to what should be the last years of a teaching life. So, I feel honored and very satisfied."

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