Mount Mourns Death of Beloved Professor

Dr. Emilio Rodriguez, professor of political science at Mount St. Mary's University, died in his sleep in Ireland at the end of October.

The 56-year-old Rodriguez was abroad this semester teaching Mount students in the international program in Dublin.  “Mount St. Mary’s University has lost a dear friend and colleague with the death of Dr. Emilio Rodriguez,” said Mount President Thomas H. Powell. “He embodied the spirit of the Mount mission in everything he did.”

His death comes as a shock to the Mount’s close-knit community where he was a beloved teacher and the 2001 recipient of the university's Richards Award for Excellence in Teaching as nominated by his students and the faculty. “The death of Emilio is a profound loss for the Mount,” said Professor Michael Towle, a colleague in the political science department.  “He was so full of life; it’s hard to believe he’s gone. We are devastated. He was a wonderful teacher; a fabulous colleague and a man of great generosity.” 

It was his devotion to teaching and to his students that won the hearts of many at Mount St. Mary’s.  “The Doc was a passionate, devoted teacher who inspired students to not only learn, but to apply what they’re learning,” said one political science student. Dr. Rodriguez frequently led student trips abroad and was committed to forming strong relationships with his students in both the academic world and outside the classroom. “I have become a better teacher because of the students,” said Rodriguez. “I have found their curiosity and energy to be invigorating.” 

Lauren Mackey, '08 from Lancaster, PA recalls:  "Dr. Rodriguez was by far one of the most incredible professors I have had in my time here at the Mount. He was always willing to take time out of his day to talk to students and loved just "hanging out" and getting to know the people he was teaching. I loved his classes not only because he was truly a brilliant person, but also because the grade simply didn't matter. He only wanted for his students to learn and grow and better understand the world in which they are living. Some students may have found his teaching style to be unique. Some may even go as far to call it unorganized, but he taught with love and passion and a true desire to encourage his students to discover more than they ever could have imagined about themselves and the world."

A tenured professor in political science, Dr. Rodriguez specialized in international relations and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 1994. He graduated from Duke University, received his master’s degree from American University and his PhD. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  His wife Amelia is the registrar at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, his son, John Paul, a Mount graduate, C’06 is a second lieutenant in the Army and is stationed in Texas.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be posted on the Mount website as soon as they are announced.

The university immediately dispatched President Powell’s wife, Irene and Dean of Academic Affairs Leona Sevick to accompany Mrs. Rodriguez to Dublin.  Students in the Ireland program gathered for a memorial Mass upon learning of their professor’s death. Counselors for students and faculty are being provided both in Dublin and at the Emmitsburg campus.

For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 301-447-5366.

Message from Mount President

Many have shared memories, thoughts and prayers. Read the postings to date (pdf).  Please feel free to forward your thoughts and memories about Emilio to be compiled into a booklet for his family. Send to communications@msmary.edu.