The Loss of Our Esteemed Colleague: Prof. Tim Carmichael

Matteo Salvadore Discussion

Colleagues:

 

I am very sorry to inform you that Dr. Tim Carmichael, Associate Professor of History and Director of African Studies, has died.

As some of you know, Tim had stage 4, terminal pancreatic cancer.  His death was the result of multiple organ failure, following septic shock.  Tim’s spouse and colleague, Dr. Noelle Zeiner-Carmichael, Professor of Classics, was with Tim at the end.

To know Tim was to admire his kindness; his generous spirit; and his great devotion to Noelle, Finn, and Niamh.  An erudite scholar with a command of multiple African languages, Tim testified on many occasions before the Department of Homeland Security on behalf of persecuted individuals seeking political asylum in the United States.  As a teacher and researcher, and in his service to others, Tim was a beloved exemplar of the teacher-scholar model and of collegiality at its best.

There will be a celebration of Tim’s life at Grace Cathedral Church (98 Wentworth Street) on Friday, February 16th at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.  Children are welcome at the service and reception.  It was Tim’s wish that, rather than wearing black, guests wear a meaningful color, such as purple, the color for pancreatic cancer awareness, or some combination of the red, yellow, and green of the Ethiopian flag.

In lieu of flowers, a tribute donation can be made in Tim’s honor to the International Rescue Committee, a non-for-profit organization that provides assistance to asylum seekers, refugees, and those severely impacted by natural disasters or conflicts: https://help.rescue.org/donate/make-tribute-donation. There will also be a basket at the service for anyone who wishes to leave an origami crane for Tim, with or without a message. Additional information about the service will be distributed as information is made available.

 

We will miss Tim terribly.

 

With deepest regret,

Brian

 

Brian McGee

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

College of Charleston

66 George Street

Charleston, SC  29424

o 843.953.5527

f 843.953.5840