Senate Reference No. 03-19

PAUL JEAN PROVOST

28 APRIL 1945 – 24 DECEMBER 2003

Sadly, Dr. Paul Jean Provost died of complications from a pneumonia-induced blood infection at 1:30 PM, December 24, 2003. Paul was a cherished friend and colleague who touched all those around him and who helped make IPFW the campus it is today. Paul was an unforgettable individual, whether it was through his inspiring lectures, his boundless knowledge of Roman trivia and its relevance to our lives, his appreciation of Freud’s significance that would have impressed Freud himself, or his piercingly insightful observations of university life and politics.

Paul came to IPFW in 1974 as the sole anthropologist and, despite being told in no uncertain terms that there would never be an anthropology program, he founded it. He worked tirelessly to make anthropology a visible and important part of campus life, and for that we are grateful.

Paul’s wide-ranging scholarship included field research among Nahua Indians in Mexico, Shipibu Indians in the Peruvian Amazon, Tibetan exiles in India, and Aborigines in Australia. He also had a talent for public relations and brought many prominent figures to campus including leaders of the Native American movement and the brother of the Dalai Lama, as well as many cultural envoys including Tibetan monks and nuns. Paul’s efforts enriched our intellectual lives.

Paul left an indelible mark upon his students. Many of our students who have gone on to careers such as international law, business, and academic anthropology were inspired by Paul’s example of open-mindedness, scholarly curiosity, and love of the unknown. On campus, his mentorship was best manifest by the growth and success of the anthropology club, which has served as a center for student development, as well as an outlet for many thought-provoking speakers.

Paul served as an example to his students and colleagues of tolerance, open-minded curiosity, and intellectual courage. Our campus is diminished by his loss, but his influence will continue to be felt through the program he founded.