Robert A. Strikwerda, Ph.D.: 1950-2022

12/13/2022

Robert A. Strikwerda, Ph.D., women's and gender studies professor emeritus and political science professor, died Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. He was 72. 

His family described him as “a philosopher, budding artist, urban hiker, proud Dutchman, amateur historian, avid birder, co-founder of the New Community School, and tireless neighborhood advocate who loved bad puns, decent beer, and good books.”

“I considered Dr. Strikwerda a ‘professor for all seasons,’ said Wynne Moskop, professor of political science. “Appointed jointly in Women’s and Gender Studies and Political Science, he introduced ‘Men and Masculinities’ and other interdisciplinary courses that broadened students’ perspectives on gender. He was known as a dedicated mentor to students in both of his departments, especially as the internship coordinator and director of the Global and Local Social Justice program. He also was a generous, insightful colleague and friend.”

Strikwerda earned his undergraduate degree from Calvin College in 1972. In 1982, he received his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. His dissertation was on  "Emile Durkheim's Philosophy of Science.”

Before coming to SLU, Strikwerda taught at Indiana University Kokomo from 1989 to 2009. There he was director of the Honors Program from 1999 to 2009, chair of the Department of Humanities from 1995 to 1999, and for many years director or co-director of the Women's Studies Program. 

He also taught at the University of Notre Dame, Bowling Green State University, the Ohio State University, the University of South Carolina at Aiken, and Purdue University.

Strikwerda arrived at SLU for the fall 2009 semester. At SLU, Strikwerda taught courses on Men and Masculinities, Cultural Methods (Qualitative Methods) and Philosophy of Feminism. He also was the Director of Political Science Internships and Director of the Global and Local Social Justice program. 

He was the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Political Science at SLU from 2013 to 2015. He retired with emeritus status in 2019. 

“I was always deeply impressed with the interest that Robert took in his colleagues' work,” said Ellen Carnaghan, Ph.D., professor of Political Science. “He would show up at every talk or event, ask thoughtful comments, and offer constructive advice. He was an avid learner and an active participant in the intellectual life of the university. More than that, though, he was a kind and generous colleague.”

Throughout his career, he published numerous scholarly articles.

He is survived by his partner, Penny Weiss, Ph.D.,  a women's and gender studies professor at SLU; his children Avian, Brennin, and Linden Weiswerda; other relatives and friends.