William Harman

Profile Updated: April 4, 2021
William Harman
Residing In Pittsburgh, PA USA
Spouse/Partner Dr. Lilan Laishley
Occupation Retired Religious Studies Prof
Children Ben and Elizabeth
William Harman

Yearbook

Yes! Attending Reunion
School Story

After graduation I spent two years in India and returned to enroll in a Ph.D. program in Indian studies at the University of Chicago, going back to India several times for field work. Married three times, divorced once. Taught 25 years at DePauw U., 14 at the U. of Tennessee. Several periods of residence in France these past 7 years. Retired in 2013 and moved to Pittsburgh with my wife, a Pitt Ph.D. and a well known astrologer. Most fun: taking groups of students and faculty to India for several study programs. Least fun: dealing with mini-minded administrators. In retrospect, retirement has given me a chance to contemplate successes and mistakes. Balanced out, I have some regrets but also many things to celebrate. We are enjoying this stage in our lives, wondering from time to time how we managed to be so fortunate. Oberlin contacts have been a big part of that.

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Jul 10, 2023 at 8:31 AM
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Mar 26, 2023 at 11:38 AM
William Harman has left an In Memory comment for his Profile.
May 15, 2021 at 8:26 PM

How could it be possible that Mark is no longer living?  He seemed always to be the source of so much life at Oberlin. He sang, often with his guitar, joyously, posivitely, generously in groups that assembled for political movements and in groups involved in events of joy and companionship. He entertained so many of us at French house where he did the evening announcements. He loved puns and visited them upon us mercilessly. He was always committed to social justice. After he graduated he ended up commiting himself to the religious world in Africa, braving the dangers of the Kimbanguinist branch of Christianity. He did much else with the World Council of Churches, always fearlessly but always lovingly. It was impossible not to like Mark. He wanted the best for all with whom he came into contact. If he made any enemies, I would be surprised. He was that unusual combination of a man with firmly held convictions and a man who could respect (though not agree with) all points of view. The world needs more people like Mark, and it is diminished by his untimely passing.

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Apr 04, 2021 at 3:46 PM
William Harman has left an In Memory comment for his Profile.
Dec 17, 2020 at 2:28 PM

Gideon  was for me a commanding presence, in equal parts intimidating and inspiring.  I spent time with him in French house where he showed an impressive command of the language. And I recall that he was always surrounded by women who seemed attracted to him because of his respect, kindness and sense of purpose. He knew what he was about and demonstrated amazing talents in directing (I believe) a German language play on campus. We weren't really friends, but I admired how thoughtful he was, never without a well-considered opinion about language, literature, living arrangements at Oberlin...you name it. His was an effortlessly imposing presence.  He lived life at 140%, and I marveled at where he got all his energies and his talent. He was a driving force on the French House soccer team and offered explicit directions to those of us who knew little about the game. I remember once asking myself, ''How does he know all this stuff?'' He enriched my life at Oberlin as a  model for what a classmate could be and do but I recall keeping him at some distance the way you would keep a revered teacher or guru at a respectful distance. To say that he was awesome is no exaggeration.

William Harman has a birthday today.
Jul 24, 2020 at 4:33 AM
William Harman has a birthday today.
Jul 24, 2019 at 4:33 AM
William Harman posted a message.
Jul 26, 2018 at 9:18 PM

Paul,

Thanks for the birthday wishes: spent the day celebrating with my twin brother dining on wild board, turtle, and rattlesnake. Quite an experience. Hope you are well.
Bill

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Jul 25, 2018 at 9:59 AM

Posted on: Jul 24, 2018 at 4:34 AM

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May 09, 2018 at 6:22 PM
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May 11, 2018 at 5:14 PM

Posted on: Mar 20, 2018 at 12:29 PM

Kermit,

Ça sera un plaisir de te voir en Mai. J'espère que tu n'a pas oublié ton français et les jours que nous avons passés à la maison française. Il est evident que tu as bien appris le suedois après notre séjour à Oberlin. En fin, tu as fait un tas de choses depuis notres années à Oberlin. Je me tiens à me renseigner encore plus sur le sujet de la Suède, ou je n'ai que passé 3 semaines à la poursuite d'une femme qui, enfin, m'échappait. Mais ça fait 30 ans, à peu près. On se rejoint en Mai!

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Nov 29, 2017 at 9:40 AM
William Harman has a birthday today.
Jul 24, 2017 at 4:33 AM
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Jul 10, 2017 at 6:46 PM