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In Memoriam – Alan Emery

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Alan Emery, associate professor of sociology, died in December. He was 51.

A faculty member since 2002, he taught in a wide range of disciplinary areas, including sociology of urban life, sex and gender, sociological theory and political sociology. Emery received his doctorate and master’s degree in sociology, as well as a B.A. in political science, from UCLA.

“Alan was a gentle soul who was regarded as a good department citizen for shouldering more than a fair share of service,” said Eileen Walsh, chair and associate professor of sociology.

Growing up in South Africa, Emery saw firsthand the effects of apartheid. He applied this experience and subsequent scholarship to help students understand political dynamics. “I try to encourage them to become critical consumers of political information,” he said in 2006.

Emery is survived by his brother, Michael.

The Department of Sociology is planning a campus memorial in February; details will be announced at a later date.