Dear DU community members,
It is with great sadness that I write to share the news that John Tiedemann, a Teaching Associate Professor in the University Writing Program, passed away on September 18, 2024.
Professor Tiedemann taught courses in the University Writing program since its founding in the Fall of 2006. His courses included those in academic and civic writing and rhetoric, writing and research, advanced writing seminars, and writing-intensive honors courses. He also co-directed the DU Community Writing Center and served as the Director of the Social Justice Living and Learning Community.
Prior to joining the faculty of DU, Professor Tiedemann was a writing instructor and lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he also earned his M.A. in English Literature in 1996.
Professor Tiedemann is remembered by his colleagues as a brilliant, wise, and enthusiastic thinker whose ideas sparkled. He had a great capacity to help people see things differently and how one might encounter the world with kindness and humor. He was also remembered for his commitment to human rights activism. His work leading the Community Writing Center was a testament his commitment to writing as a form of activism and humanity.
Friends and colleagues are invited to a remembrance event at Matter Bookstore (2114 Market St, Denver, CO 80205) on Thursday, November 7th, from 6pm to 8pm.
To honor John’s legacy, donations can be made to the St. Francis Center, where he worked side-by-side with many writers. Contributions are welcome, and can be made by following the link provided here.
Sincerely,
Jenn Bellamy
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs