In Memoriam: Richard Gripp
The longtime political science professor is warmly remembered by colleagues and students.
It all began in the fall of 1958, George Bergstrom said.
鈥淚t鈥� being the lifelong friendship he shared with Richard Gripp, professor emeritus in the San Diego State Department of Political Science. Gripp died of prostate cancer on Oct. 6. He was 88.
As a freshman at San Diego State, Bergstrom was one of Gripp鈥檚 first students during the first semester he taught at San Diego State. Bergstrom eventually became Gripp鈥檚 colleague when he joined the department himself in 1983. Their decades-long connection is because of Gripp's character, Bergstrom said.
鈥淗e is one of the top and most outstanding professors and human beings I have met in my entire life,鈥� Bergstrom said. 鈥淗e was a man of very distinct integrity, professionalism and very much a human being with a wonderful wit and a very fine sense of humor.鈥�
Aura of learning
As a student, Bergstrom recalled the intensity of learning about politics and government in the McCarthy era when some Americans were accused of being disloyal, subversive or treasonous against the United States because of their possibly left-leaning beliefs.
鈥淥ne of the main things as a student was that this was back in the McCarthy period,鈥� Bergstrom recalled of his time as an undergrad.
鈥淭hings were very touchy to discuss politically and a lot of people were hesitant 鈥� even students 鈥� and yet always in Dick Gripp鈥檚 class, we had excellent discussions because he created an excellent aura of learning that people felt free to look into issues and to take stands on them.鈥�
鈥淗e was a man of very distinct integrity, professionalism and very much a human being with a wonderful wit and a very fine sense of humor.鈥�
Humor and wit
Gripp is widely remembered by colleagues for his humor and wit in addition to his excellence as chair of the department.
鈥淚 think of Dick in two ways 鈥� the consummate colleague and a possessor of the most wonderful dry, sardonic wit,鈥� said Lou Terrell, professor emeritus in political science. 鈥淗is humor was sneaky fast.
鈥淥ver the years, I cherished his friendship, and as chair, I learned to respect his advice and judgment. He was a wise man. Dick will be missed.鈥�
Judicious leader
Henry L. Janssen, professor emeritus in political science, regarded Gripp as a judicious leader during difficult times.
鈥淒ick served as chair at a time when we really did not have a department, but more like self-interested individuals,鈥� Janssen recalled. 鈥淚t was a job similar to herding cats. He came through with the respect of the department 鈥� a major accomplishment.鈥�
Gripp is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen; his son, Jim, and his daughter, Joyce; and four grandchildren.
