Seamus Deane (9 February 1940 -12 May 2021), Professor of English and the Donald and Marilyn Keough Professor of Irish Studies Emeritus, was one of Ireland’s foremost writers and critics, best-known for his award-winning autobiographical novel Reading in the Dark and the landmark Field Day Anthology of Irish Writing.
When long-time benefactors to Notre Dame Donald and Marilyn Keough gave a generous endowment to the University to establish an Irish Studies program, they also endowed a chair—initially held by Professor Deane—who came from Ireland to Notre Dame in 1993 to join English faculty member Christopher Fox. This was the beginning of Notre Dame's program in Irish studies.
Immediately after Professor Deane's death, the world saw an outpouring of tributes, some of which are collected on the Keough-Naughton Institute site: Seamus Deane, In Memoriam.
Now, in an event directed by faculty fellows Susan Harris and Sara Maurer, the Institute is holding a conference with its focus the impact Professor Deane has made on Irish studies, as seen and experienced by his students. The majority of speakers will be Notre Dame PhDs. Sessions are open to all interested scholars.
On Sunday, 27 March: A keynote by Maud Ellmann, Randy L. and Melvin R. Berlin Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago; to be introduced by Christopher Fox, Professor Emeritus of English and former director of the Institute. We will also begin our roundtables and panels mid-afternoon.
On Monday, 28 March: Beginning at 9 am and extending through 4:30 pm, panel and round tables by Notre Dame faculty members and Notre Dame PhDs who had the opportunity to work with Professor Deane while they were in graduate school.
For the full schedule and registration, please see the Seamus Deane Legacy Conference webpage:
Questions? Please contact Dr. Julian Dean, conference administrator, at jdean6@nd.edu
Originally published at irishstudies.nd.edu.