The H-Judaic community is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Guy Stern, a distinguished scholar and former Provost & Professor of Holocaust Studies and German Literature at Wayne State University. Professor Stern’s profound contributions to academia, his unwavering dedication to Holocaust education, and his impact on students, colleagues, and friends around the world will be remembered with immense gratitude.
Professor Guy Stern’s academic journey was marked by a deep commitment to scholarship and a passion for educating others about the Holocaust. Born in Hildesheim, Germany, in 1922, Stern experienced the rise of the Nazi regime firsthand. In 1937, his family fled to the United States, where Stern later enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. His wartime experiences, which included working as an interrogator of German prisoners of war, fueled his commitment to understanding and documenting the atrocities of the Holocaust. After the war, Stern pursued a career in academia, earning his Ph.D. in German literature and going on to become a renowned expert in the field.
Professor Stern’s impact on Wayne State University was profound. Serving as both Provost and Professor of Holocaust Studies and German Literature, he played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape of the university. His dedication to fostering a deep understanding of the Holocaust among students and faculty alike was evident in his teaching, research, and leadership. Under Professor Stern’s guidance, Wayne State University became a hub for Holocaust studies, attracting students and scholars from around the world. His commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and ensuring that future generations would never forget the lessons of history was unwavering.
Beyond his academic achievements, Professor Stern was known for his warmth, compassion, and mentorship. His impact extended far beyond the classroom, as he guided and inspired countless students, leaving an indelible mark on their academic and personal lives. Colleagues and friends remember Professor Stern as a person of integrity, humility, and profound wisdom. His ability to connect with people on a personal level, combined with his intellectual acumen, made him a beloved figure in the academic community and beyond.
Professor Stern’s influence reached far beyond the borders of Wayne State University. His international collaborations, lectures, and publications contributed significantly to the global discourse on Holocaust studies and German literature. Colleagues and scholars from diverse backgrounds respected and admired him for his dedication to truth, justice, and education. As the H-Judaic community mourns the loss of Professor Guy Stern, our hearts go out to his widow, family, and the multitude of students, friends, and colleagues he touched throughout his illustrious career. The legacy of Professor Stern will endure through the countless lives he has enriched and the profound impact he has made on the fields of Holocaust studies and German literature.
In the passing of Professor Guy Stern, the academic community has lost a luminary whose contributions to Holocaust education and German literature will continue to resonate for generations to come. As we remember and celebrate his life, let us carry forward his dedication to truth, justice, and the pursuit of knowledge, ensuring that the lessons of history remain alive in the hearts and minds of those who follow in his footsteps.
