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Community grapples with the grief of Professor Thomas Doughton's demise, esteemed guide and confidant

Owen Whaley '24's Chief News Editor, Professor Thomas Doughton, tragically passed away at his Worcester residence on February 3rd. Offer your heartfelt condolences to his close ones, past and present students, and numerous colleagues at the Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Studies.

Grieving Community Honors the Departure of Professor Thomas Doughton, Guiding Figure and Cherished...
Grieving Community Honors the Departure of Professor Thomas Doughton, Guiding Figure and Cherished Companion

Community grapples with the grief of Professor Thomas Doughton's demise, esteemed guide and confidant

In the academic community of the College of the Holy Cross, the passing of Senior Lecturer Thomas Doughton on February 3, 2023, has left a profound impact. Doughton, an instructor for twenty years, was remembered as a significant contributor to the historical community within and beyond Worcester.

Doughton played a pivotal role in establishing the Worcester Black History Trail, a trail created to highlight the experiences of those often overlooked by the historical record. This trail aimed to foster conversations about narrative-building monuments and the discourse of disappearing Indians, as mentioned by Senior Lecturer Thomas Doughton himself.

The College of the Holy Cross, in partnership with Doughton, facilitated the Good Trouble Series event, "Race and Racism on Mount Saint James," which took place on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. This Zoom webinar aimed to address important questions on a national mobilization of citizens against systemic state violence against black bodies. The first event in the series was titled "Politics of Memory and Commemoration: Columbus Statues and Beyond."

The Good Trouble Series was not the only initiative Doughton was involved in. He also led students on a 6-week summer trip through Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany, teaching a course while abroad on collective memory of the Holocaust in Central Europe.

In addition, the McFarland Center at the College of the Holy Cross hosted a live first viewing of a film titled "Pakachoag: Where the River Bends," which focuses on the significance of commemorating the history of indigenous peoples native to Worcester. This event was organised by BSU, History on the Hill, SGA, and OME.

Doughton's teaching portfolio was diverse, including courses in Africana Studies, Native American studies, and comparative genocide. His work extended beyond the classroom, as he was a key figure in the establishment and development of the Worcester Black History Trail.

In these challenging times, students in grief are encouraged to seek support from the Chaplains' Office or Counseling and Psychological Services. Faculty and staff are also eligible for no-cost counseling through the Employee Assistance Program.

The 1620/2020 Speaker Series, which began on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, was another platform that benefited from Doughton's contributions. As we remember Professor Thomas Doughton, his legacy continues to inspire and educate, leaving a lasting impact on the College of the Holy Cross and the wider Worcester community.

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