News in Brief: James Castañeda dies at age 75; Alumnus Harry Chavanne dies

By Sarah Rutledge     11/6/08 6:00pm

James Castañeda dies at age 75

Hispanic Studies Professor James Castañeda died last Saturday at age 75. Castañeda had taught at Rice for 47 years and served as Will Rice College master from 1969-'76. When Castañeda was hired in 1961, the Spanish department was part of a conglomerate of language programs. Associate Hispanic Studies Professor Lane Kauffmann said Castañeda saw that the Spanish department needed a doctorate Ph.D. program. In 1971, Castañeda started a masters program in the Department of Hispanic Studies.

"That was always part of Jim's dream, to have a doctoral program in Hispanic Studies," Kauffmann said.

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He said Castañeda had an incredible talent for languages, as the native English speaker spoke French and Spanish fluently.

"He learned Spanish at the university but he spoke it like a native," he said. "He had a Spanish grandfather and was proud of his ancestry. He had interesting qualities, having a Brooklyn street toughness with a sweet disposition."

In an era when many Hispanic Studies programs were often harshly divided between peninsular - Spanish and European colonial influences - and Latin American studies, which were often seen as derivative, Castañeda unified the department, Kauffmann said.

"Teachers of Latin American literature sometimes resented the prestige of Spain in the literature, but . Jim never exercised that kind of arrogance," he said. "He had a welcoming and equitable approach to everyone in the department.That's what kept the peace and kept us unified."

Castañeda's wit gave meetings levity, Kauffmann said.

"He was very quick witted, loved puns and wordplay said. "He was always smiling and laughing in meetings. If he liked you, you were always on the receiving end of his barbs .. I never, in the 32 years I've been here, heard him speak an angry word to anyone."

Castañeda taught Spanish 412: Don Quijote this semester. Kauffmann said for the last few classes this semester, the department's Spanish professors would teach the class as an homage to Castañeda.

"It won't be Jim Castañeda, but we'll do the best we can," he said.

Alumnus Harry Chavanne dies

Rice alumnus and trustee Harry Chavanne (Hanszen '33) died Oct. 24 at age 96.

Chavanne served on the Rice Board of Trustees from 1979-1982.

Chair of the Board of Trustees Jim Crownover (Hanszen '65) said the Rice community will miss Chavanne.

"I knew Harry as a man of great warmth, integrity and dedication to Rice," Crownover said.

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