9-23-25: Passing of Professor Emeritus Frederik Rusch

TO: John Jay College Community
FROM: Keisha Pottinger-Moore, Director of Human Resources Operations
DATE: September 23, 2025
RE:  Passing of Professor Emeritus Frederik Rusch

It is with sadness that I share the news that Dr. Frederik Rusch, retired Professor Emeritus in the English Department at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the City University of New York passed away on August 28, 2025. Dr. Rusch was a member of the John Jay community for more than 40 years.

Professor Rusch was an engaging and devoted teacher and a warm, supportive colleague whose hearty laughter could often be heard in the English Department hallways. He was also an accomplished poet and scholar, whose research and publications focused on Jean Toomer, a poet and novelist associated with the Harlem Renaissance. In his teaching and in his personal life Professor Rusch was committed to fairness, intellectual integrity, and social justice.

Dr. Rusch is survived by his wife, Judith; his daughters, Karla and Arin; and three grandchildren.

A memorial celebration of his life is planned for a later date.