In Memoriam: Neal Riemer (1922-2001)

Neal Riemer died on October 13, 2001. He was a dedicated teacher, scholar and friend whose wisdom, warmth and presence are remembered and missed by all of us privileged to have known him. Neal was a Member of the Board of the Institute for the Study of Genocide and a member of the International Association of Genocide Scholars. He served as Andrew V. Stout Professor of Political Philosophy, Emeritus at Drew University where he taught from 1972-92 and continued teaching courses in the Casperson Graduate School up to this September in his areas of interest: Political Theory, Democratic Theory, and Ethics and Politics. In 1967-68, he received the outstanding Professor Award at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and in 1985 the distinguished Professor Award from the Graduate School of Drew University. 

Neal was not only a dedicated teacher he was also a prolific scholar. Besides numerous articles and edited works, his books include: The Revival of Democratic Theory; The Democratic Experiment; The Future of the Democratic Revolution: Toward a More Prophetic Politics; Karl Marx and Prophetic Politics; James Madison: Creating the American Constitution; Creative Breakthrough in Politics and Let Justice Roll: Prophetic Challenges in Religion, Politics, and Society. In his last work, Protection Against Genocide: Mission Impossible? (Praeger, 2000), 
Neal brought his theory of "creative breakthrough" to issues of genocide prevention. One of the last e-mails I had from Neal last summer was to inform me that his cancer had spread and to comment that he hoped a "creative breakthrough" in cancer research was forthcoming. His legacy of humor, courage and commitment to teaching and scholarship remains. He is survived by his wife Ruby Riemer, a poet and philosopher, with whom he taught courses on ethics and politics; three sons, and five grandchildren. 

Joyce Apsel, President, International Association of Genocide Scholars