Colgate mourns the loss of Huntington Terrell, professor of philosophy, emeritus

Back to All Stories

Hamilton, NY — Huntington Terrell, professor of philosophy, emeritus at Colgate, died on Saturday, December 29. A native of West Hartford Connecticut, he came to Colgate first as an undergraduate, but his roots already ran deep ‘ his father, brother, and uncle all earned Colgate degrees. Although he enrolled in the class of ’46, he graduated in only two years and two months, under the wartime accelerated program, in 1944. He returned to teach at Colgate in 1951 after receiving M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Harvard University. He retired from the philosophy and religion department 47 years later, in 1998.

Throughout his career, Hunt Terrell argued articulately about the importance of addressing issues of social justice and human values, ethics, and morality in the liberal arts curriculum. This commitment also was reflected in his long-term involvement in the peace studies program and with Bunche House. He served as the acting director of peace studies in 1984-85. He also received the Alumni Corporation Distinguished Teaching Award and the Sidney J. and Florence Felten French Teaching Award.

Huntington Terrell is survived by his wife, Carolyn, three children, Bruce, Nathan, and Cynthia, and five grandchildren. A memorial service is being planned for the spring.