Comments on: In memory of Charles Hildebrandt

By: Guy Turcotte

Guy Turcotte — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:14:36 +0000

I met Charles Hildebrandt when I went to the [then] tiny Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies tucked away at one end of the college library on the second floor, I think, about 12 years ago to pick his brain on how to teach the Holocaust. With a colleague at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, Mass., I was determined to create a course on the Holocaust and Keene State was the closest place I could find that was involved in Holocaust studies. I walked in cold, not knowing who he was or even what to expect.
He was sitting at the desk, I like to think, waiting for me to finally arrive. Gracious, welcoming, informative, helpful and generous with advice and materials, he launched me on my own path toward an understanding of what can never be fully or perfectly understood, and for that I am forever grateful to him. I invited him to Gardner once to speak to our students, and he came and delivered a most stimulating lecture.
I am sincerely saddened to learn of his death, but I know that his family and his colleagues and all of the students he touched with his gentleness and insights into the Shoah will always hold him close.

By: Walter Carpenter '93

Walter Carpenter '93 — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:56:41 +0000

It is with great sadness that I just now read of Dr. Charles Hildebrandt’s passing. I happened upon the KSC website by accident to look for an address and saw the notice. I was a graduate student of his in the early 90’s and had gone to Keene because of his Holocaust center. I was already well-versed in the history and had lived among survivors, and we used to talk about our experiences and what it was that made us dedicated to preserving its memory of what it was like for the future to understand. I used to work at center to give Chuck a break and he always liked that. Over the years, I thought of him often. He has done a lot for humanity. I hope that his passing was quick and that he did not suffer.

By: Roberta Kessler

Roberta Kessler — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:47:56 +0000

A great man of strength, honor and integrity who served Keene State College well. He leaves a lasting legacy and an example for all of us to follow.

From my years at Keene State, as an employee of 11 years and an alumnus, I still live my life by profound, yet simple words Dr. Hildebrandt delivered in a Commencement address, “To never be a perpetrator, victim or bystander.”

I will continue to hold a place for him in my heart.

By: Randall Gates '83

Randall Gates '83 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:16:33 +0000

I just learned that Chuck died last month. What a loss to the college. I was in Dr. Hildebrandt’s very first Sociology of the Holocaust class and remember how excited my classmates and I were to be in on something brand new and from the beginning. Later, as I served in the United States Army and in Germany, I began sending Chuck books on the Holocaust in German. I remember visiting Dachau outside of Munich and how I felt I knew the place through Chuck’s teachings. I remember when he first started the Museum in the bottom of Fiske Hall. I am so glad it has the permenance that it does and is a very fitting place to hold in the memory of Chuck.

By: Jay Kahn

Jay Kahn — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:14:42 +0000

Chuck was the founder, meaning he built the foundation for greatness. He inspired others to find their passion from which great things could happen–learning, teaching, scholarship, philanthropy. I remember approaching Congressman Swett regarding recognition for Chuck on the 10th anniversary of Holocaust Resources Center. He was so impressed with what Chuck and KSC had accomplished in ten years and read that into the Congressional Record. Why in Keene, because Chuck could show sides of humanity that exist for all of us but seemed so distant from NH. He made us all part of the world and the fate of each other. I am proud of what Chuck accomplished and that he inspired us to continue his work.

By: Art Miller

Art Miller — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:54:44 +0000

Chuck Hildebrandt was my 7th grade homeroom teacher in 1955, when he taught in the Brecksville (Ohio) school system. I have know him since then, since I had the good fortune to become his brother-in-law. As a retired academic myself, I have the greatest respect for Chuck as a teacher and a scholar. I am saddened by his passing.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:31:16 +0000

I am so saddened to hear about Dr. Hildebrandt’s passing. He was very much one of my favorite professors. He opened the window for me to see the world in a different light. I recall all of his classes were favorites of mine due to his presence within the classroom. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

By: In Memory of Charles Hildebrandt « Hbowman98’s Weblog

In Memory of Charles Hildebrandt « Hbowman98’s Weblog — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:24:35 +0000

[...] of Charles Hildebrandt I was sad to learn that the Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies founder Charles Hildebrandt passed away last week. May his legacy carry [...]

By: Jay Croteau

Jay Croteau — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:52:54 +0000

Dr. Hildebrandt was my favorite professor. He opened up a new way of thinking and viewing of the world. I am sorry I did not show a better appreciation of his skill and knowledge when I had the chance. My sympathy to the family on their loss.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:01:25 +0000

I remember being so lost in Dr. Hildebrandt’s intro to soc class and estatic to be in his social problems class as a sophomore. I remember him telling me that intro to soc taught the language and once mastered, it was an amazing subject. He was right and he became my sociology advisor (I had three, one in soc, one in home ec and one in teaching for my individulized major in child development.) I am so glad for his wise words “learn the language”–they helped get me through many intro courses. I recall social problems as being one of my favorite classes at KSC.