In Memoriam: Former Dean of the Faculty Richard Hatch
Hatch, who taught chemistry at Muhlenberg for nearly 40 years and served in campus leadership roles, died on October 28.Monday, December 23, 2024 09:23 AM
Hatch’s headshots from The Ciarla yearbook, in 1963 (left) and 2001 (right)Richard Hatch, an emeritus professor of chemistry who taught at Muhlenberg from 1962 until his retirement in 2001, died on October 28. Hatch served as dean of the faculty from 1993 until 1996. He demonstrated a deep respect for college policies that governed faculty and a strong commitment to his work, to the institution, and to his colleagues and students.
Hatch, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a Ph.D. from the University of New Hampshire, was chair of the chemistry department from 1984 to 1992. He also served on numerous faculty committees focusing on academic policies, faculty matters, and student life.
Hatch’s true passion was for teaching. He had a deep commitment to student learning and mentorship. He was beloved by students and, in 1973, he received The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award, presented annually to a faculty member in recognition of outstanding teaching and for stimulating the intellectual development of students at Muhlenberg College.
Colleagues who arrived at Muhlenberg after he did remember him as a mentor, whether as chair of the chemistry department, dean of the faculty or as a participant serving on faculty committees in the governance of the college. He was warm and had a great sense of humor. He developed friendships with colleagues across Muhlenberg, some organized around a shared love of birding that continued well beyond his retirement.
Survivors include his wife, Deborah Hatch; his brother, Ellis Hatch; two children (Anne Hatch Ferraro and Eric Hatch); five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Find a more complete obituary here.
