Professor had a passion for Italy
The professor worked to promote Italian film studies program and a foreign exchange program.
Published Oct. 19, 2004
With his passion for Italy and Italian culture, it was fitting that Glenn Palen Pierce spent his final days in Milan, Italy.
Dr. Pierce, professor of Italian, died suddenly in his sleep on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, at his Milan residence. He was 64.
Dr. Pierce had worked at MU since 1985.
Adam Plues, Dr. Pierce's nephew, said Dr. Pierce had a deep enthusiasm for Italy and planned to retire there.
"He fell in love with Italy and that's what made him want to teach Italian," Plues said. "He had his own apartment out in Italy, and his full intentions were to retire out there."
At the time of his death, Dr. Pierce was in Italy on leave from the university, working on his fifth book. He was also setting up arrangements for exchange students from the University of Bergamo in Italy.
Carol Lazzaro-Weis, chairwoman of the Department of Romance Languages, said Dr. Pierce was a close friend and colleague for 25 years. She described him as an intellectual who loved life.
"He was admired for his love of the field of Italian studies, his keen interest in intellectual issues and his love of life," Lazzaro-Weis said.
Lazzaro-Weis said Dr. Pierce was active in building the Italian and film studies programs at MU, and that he encouraged student participation in study abroad programs.
"From what I hear, he was a top professor," Plues said. "He was a sharp guy, very witty, and very fun. He was very outgoing, had a good sense of style."
Dr. Pierce was born Sept. 10, 1940, in San Diego, Calif. He received his undergraduate degree at Georgetown University and his doctoral degree from the University of California-Los Angeles.
Dr. Pierce is survived by one sister, Linda Pierce Plues of San Diego" and his two nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Jesse Wrench Auditorium in Memorial Union. A reception will follow.
