July 10, 2001

Contact: Todd Cohen, University Relations, (785) 864-8858

Statements regarding the death of Professor John C. Wright

Editors note: John C. Wright , a former KU professor, was killed in a two-car accident Monday, July 9 near Brainerd, Minn. Wright and his wife, Aletha Huston, were pioneering researchers on the effects of television on children. They retired from KU in 1996. She survives.

Provost David E. Shulenburger:

"John Wright was a distinguished member of the KU community for many years. His friends and colleagues here are stunned and saddened by news of his death. We grieve, as well, for Professor Aletha Huston, who was John's partner in every respect, and whose loss is so great."

Kathleen McCluskey-Fawcett, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:

"It was a shock to hear of John's untimely death. He was always to full of life, and in many ways, larger than life. I have known John since I was 21 years old and he took a chance on a not very impressive student and admitted me to graduate school under his mentorship. For me, as with countless other students, he left an indelible mark."