Caroline Radesky, assistant teaching professor of history, passed unexpectedly earlier this fall on October 25, 2024. Radesky was a historian that specialized in sexuality, race and gender, who began at Simmons in Spring of 2024.
In an October email sent to faculty and staff by the Office of the President, informing them of Radesky’s passing, President Lynn Perry Wooten wrote that she “cared deeply about her subject matter, showcasing a passion for learning and teaching that epitomizes Simmons’ mission and spirit.”
At only age 14, Radesky volunteered at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum in Pennsylvania, writing in her journal about how much she enjoyed it and her plan to study history as an adult.
Her students recognized this passion in her teaching as well. With Radesky’s classes taught online, Hazel Desio, a senior Psychology and Women and Gender Studies double major who took a class with Radesky in the fall, noted her “extraordinary patience.”
With various systems to assist in online participation, students had a choice based on their comfort level whether to speak out loud or engage alternatively, such as a discussion board. Desio reflected on Radesky’s responses to participation, “every single time one of us spoke and was willing to engage and participate… there would be a genuine expression of validation of how happy she was that we contributed… to the class.”
In the email sent to faculty and staff, Associate Professor of History Stephen Berry reflected “Although only part of our community for a short time, Caroline left a lasting impact on the students who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she had a talent for translating content in an approachable and engaging way.”
Radesky was extremely knowledgeable and recognized in her field of research, with her book project “Feeling Historical: Race, Sexology, and the Making of Queer History, 1890-1920” winning the 2020 Organization of American Historians’ John D’Emilio LGBTQ History Dissertation Award.
Maddie Kiernan is a senior social work major who was enrolled in one of Radesky’s classes in the fall. In an interview with the Voice, Kiernan reflected “she was such a sweet person and beyond that, she was so knowledgeable. I feel like any question anyone asked, she would know the answer right away and also know five books and a movie to point you to.”
Radesky’s family recalled her love of teaching, saying in the email sent out “nothing brightened her face more than talking about what she was working on and how her students were learning.”
Simmons University did not send out a student-wide email regarding Radesky’s passing.
Please note the following student and faculty resources:
Care Team Referral Form: The Simmons University CARE (Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation) Team is an interdisciplinary team of University staff engaged in coordinated communication to provide outreach, engagement, and support for students displaying concerning behavior, or students in distress. If you are concerned about the wellbeing of a student, you can submit a form to the CARE team here.
Simmons Counseling Center: The Counseling Center is open Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 for in-person and telehealth counseling. If you need assistance after hours, you can call Simmons Public Safety at 617-521-1111 to be connected to additional support.
Student Assistance Program (SAP): This program provides professional support and access to free counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students can reach a counseling professional by calling 800-272-7255 or visiting the GuidanceResources® website and entering company ID: simmonssap.
Actively Moving Forward (AMF): Actively Moving Forward is a grief support program for young adults.
988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline: This number will connect callers with a local crisis center for confidential support.
