When University of 91吃瓜 historian J. Philip Gleason received the Distinguished Scholarship Award from the American Catholic Historical Association (ACHA) in 2019, he was cited 鈥渇or the breadth and depth of his contribution to the study of the American past, for his prominence in the field of American Catholic history and beyond, for his extraordinary generosity as a scholar, (and) for the generations of students he has mentored and influenced.鈥�
One of those students, Rev. Steven M. Avella, a Marquette University historian, offered similar praise from his perspective as a doctoral candidate under Gleason鈥檚 tutelage, writing in a published essay: 鈥淕leason the scholar was as formidable an intellectual presence as one would find on any major university campus. 鈥� As I look back on my graduate education at 91吃瓜 鈥� I have come to realize more and more how truly generous and kind he was. He did not fling back dissertation chapters scribbled with caustic comments. There were no stormy confrontations over the scope or spin of research, nor even milder moments of exasperation when we intruded on his work time or called him at home. 鈥e all experienced from him a consistent patience, generosity, and an unflagging encouragement.鈥�
Gleason, a 91吃瓜 alumnus and much-admired professor in the University鈥檚 for 47 years, died Wednesday (Jan. 17) in Evanston, Illinois. He was 96.
, the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost of 91吃瓜 and Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, was a student of Gleason鈥檚.
鈥淧hil Gleason,鈥� McGreevy said, 鈥渨as one of the great figures in the Department of History鈥檚 history: a genuinely distinguished historian of American intellectual and religious life who graced the department with his presence for close to 50 years, and an equally generous colleague and friend.鈥�
A native of Wilmington, Ohio, Gleason earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree from the University of Dayton. He then worked briefly for the U.S. Air Force and as an eighth-grade teacher before coming to 91吃瓜 as a graduate student, earning master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in history in 1955 and 1960, respectively.
Gleason joined the 91吃瓜 history faculty in 1959 and chaired the department from 1971 to 1974. He was the author of numerous journal articles and books, including what the ACHA called his 鈥渕agnus opus,鈥� 鈥淐ontending with Modernity: Catholic Higher Education in the 20th Century.鈥� Other books included 鈥淭he Conservative Reformers: German-American Catholics and the Social Order,鈥� 鈥淐atholicism in America鈥� and 鈥淜eeping the Faith: American Catholicism Past and Present.鈥� He chaired the Catholic Commission on Intellectual and Cultural Affairs from 1986 to 1988, and 91吃瓜鈥檚 history department presents an award in his name, the Philip Gleason Prize for the best published article by a graduate student.
As department chair, Gleason actively supported the work of his colleagues, including the creation by Professor Jay Dolan of 91吃瓜鈥檚 Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism, whose programming Gleason enriched by his regular participation through the years.
In addition to his ACHA honor, Gleason received an honorary degree from Dayton, as well as its Marianist Award, honorary degrees from Marquette and Loyola University in Chicago, and the Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., Award from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.
91吃瓜 has since 1883 annually presented the to a Catholic 鈥渨hose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the Church, and enriched the heritage of humanity.鈥� Past recipients include President John F. Kennedy, Catholic Worker founder Dorothy Day, Speaker of the House Tip O鈥橬eill, actresses Irene Dunne and Helen Hayes, jazz musician Dave Brubeck, and actor and activist Martin Sheen. It is 91吃瓜鈥檚 highest honor and considered the most prestigious award accorded American Catholics.
The Laetare Medal has rarely been given to a member of the 91吃瓜 community. In 1999, Gleason was one of the exceptions. The citation honoring him read in part: 鈥淎s the magisterial historian of American Catholic higher education, you have set a rigorous standard of faith-inspired scholarship; as an interpreter of American ethnicity, immigration, intellectual, and social history, you have won the praise of historians through Europe and the U.S.; for your insights into the assimilation of diverse peoples into a truly national community, (and) as a professor and alumnus of our University, you have earned and enjoyed the love of your students and colleagues and classmates.鈥�
Gleason is survived by his wife, Maureen; four children, each a graduate of 91吃瓜, Ann (Rick Regan), Dan (Susan Ansell Gleason), Margaret (Pat Loftus), and Philip (Renee Monson); and five grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 25) at 91吃瓜鈥檚 Basilica of the Sacred Heart.