Members of the Shippensburg University community will have the opportunity to remember and honor Professor Robert Lesman at a memorial service Sunday, Oct. 12.
The celebration of life service will begin at 3 p.m. in the Luhrs Performing Arts Center. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon’s service will be a time to come together and share memories of his life.
Lesman, who died Sept. 25, served as a professor and chair of the Global Languages and Cultures Department. He began teaching at Shippensburg University in 2006 and was promoted to professor of Spanish in 2023.
Shippensburg University President Charles Patterson announced the passing of Lesman on Friday, Sept. 26.
“Dr. Lesman led with care in the classroom and the department,” Patterson said in an email that announced his passing. “His teaching and mentorship were recognized with campus awards, including the Teaching Innovations in Pedagogy and Scholarship Award and the Academic Mentorship Award from Athletics.”
Over his lengthy career, Lesman’s research brought Cuban culture and media to greater public spotlight. His book “Translating Cuba: Literature, Music, Film, Politics,” published by Routledge in 2021, joined his numerous articles, talks and media appearances in showing his dedication to his field.
In the classroom, Lesman was a staple of Spanish education at Shippensburg University. He instructed students on the Spanish language, Latin American culture and Latin American literature.
Patterson urged students, faculty and members of the community to come together to mourn his loss and find comfort together.
For those who cannot attend, the memorial will be livestreamed, which can be viewed here.
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