Professor Howard Adelman passed away on July 23, 2023. Dr. Adelman was first appointed to the Department of Philosophy at York University in 1966 and remained an active Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar through his many books, articles and public lectures.
His studies in philosophy focused on the work of Hegel, which informed his work about refugees and forced migration, genocide, identity politics, and the practical and policy challenges of settlement, integration and accommodation. He was sought after around the world for his lectures and conference presentations.
Judy Pelham, professor in the Department of Philosophy said, “Howard was one of the few Atkinson colleagues I found it easy and interesting to deal with. A team player as it happens. I also found that Howard was fun to talk to and thought about problems deeply and with a vision of how things will be in the future.”
Dr. Adelman was the founder and director of York’s Centre for Refugee Studies. The Annual CRS Howard Adelman Lectures were inaugurated in 2008 and are one of the major highlights of the Centre’s academic year. The lecture series is intended to honour Dr. Adelman and provide an opportunity for outstanding and accomplished scholars, practitioners and advocates to address a significant issue and concern that impacts directly on refugees and other forced migrants, affecting their human rights and human dignity as people.
“I remember Howard very well. He was Chair of the Atkinson Department of Philosophy when I was hired so he interviewed me. He was a big man, tall and broad with a deep voice. He also had a big heart which imbued his philosophical work and propelled him to endless charitable, social and cultural enterprises. He was a model to us all,” shared Professor Michael Gilbert (retd).
He contributed to Canadian civil society, worked on international refugee challenges, human rights, the politics of multiculturalism and accommodation and the cultural industries. He advised the Government of Canada, the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) and the Africa Union. He was recognized by his Canadian peers through his longstanding appointment as a Massey College Senior Fellow. He was a mentor to many dozens of students and NGO activists over the past four decades.
Dr. Adelman retired from York University in 2003 and received several honorary university and governmental appointments in Canada and abroad, in addition to, numerous awards and grants.
Dr. Adelman will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him. If you would like to share any fond memories or messages, please visit his online obituary.
The Employee Assistance and Family Program (EFAP) is available for individuals who may be feeling overwhelmed by this sad news.