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The College of Liberal Arts community mourns the passing of Frank Fata, a former Professor of Comparative Literature and an Associate Dean in the College of Liberal Arts, who passed away on September 9th, after a courageous battle with cancer. Frank was 85 years old.

In recent weeks, many CLA faculty have shared memories of their friend and colleague. Known across campus for his larger-than-life personality, Frank Fata was, “cheerful and open in his joy at learning and unwavering in his support of the interests of students.” “Students in his classes admired and loved Frank for his teaching style, his empathy and warmth.” Frank came to ɫ��ɫ in 1986 after serving in teaching positions at City College of New York, the University of Michigan, and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Fata obtained his Doctorate in Italian Studies from Johns Hopkins University. Frank taught a wide array of courses, including "The Comic Spirit" and "Medieval Literature." He was appointed Department Chair in 1994 and became an Associate Dean in 1996.

Dr. Fata was recalled by colleagues for his enthusiastic engagement with campus life and his interest in their research. He was also known for a dynamic personality that extended to his participation in theatrical productions, including an all-faculty cast of "Henry IV" and a "Meeting of the Minds" program where professors and administrators performed as historical figures – Frank Performed the role of Niccolo Machiavelli with true relish. His lifelong pursuit of learning was demonstrated by his attending, in his retirement, the German Summer School of New Mexico at age 70, where he was voted "Most Popular Student." RGRLL Professor Jeffrey High remembers that, while at summer school, Frank, “was the belle of the ball, a regular contributor to the student newspaper ... , entertained guests in four languages, played volleyball and whiffle ball, studied, partied, marched singing and wearing a self-made ɫ��ɫ tricorne hat of construction paper in a Fourth of July parade.” Frank will be remembered for his collegiality and leadership.

His legacy includes two scholarships he established for ɫ��ɫ students: the Frank Fata Scholarship for Study Abroad and the Kristen J. Brown Scholarship for German.