Edward Wolfe
dward Wolfe has always been known for his strong political convictions and extensive knowledge of literature. His eloquence and passion enable him to quote Shakespeare as easily as promote his party.

Wolfe began his college teaching career in Allentown, Penn., but relocated to teach at Glassboro State in 1959, while pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania.Though he had planned to stay at the College temporarily, Wolfe was pleasantly surprised to find more in the small campus than he had bargained for. “My intentions were to teach there until I completed my doctorate,” he said, “but as it turned out I ended up finding a home at Glassboro.”

Though he taught many courses, Wolfe’s fondness for British Literature was most evident. A sabbatical trip to the British Isles inspired him to launch a study-abroad course. “If you visit a country and bring with you a lot of knowledge and a predisposition to like the people, they will respond magnificently,” he said. Having established generous contacts overseas, Wolfe accompanied his students on 18–21-day tours of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales for 10 years.

His love for learning and teaching explain why he did the opposite of what most people would after his retirement in 1994—he continued teaching. “One of the greatest things about being a professor is that you can retire in increments,” said Wolfe, who taught night classes as a professor emeritus until 2002.

Involved with many organizations, including the Pitman Democratic Party, Wolfe remains active with the University. “After working in a place for 40 years, you grow up there,” he said. A member of the American Federation of Teachers retirees, Wolfe serves on a subcommittee working to charter an elder-learning program at Rowan. “We think it will be a great way to keep people who enjoy learning involved with the University,” he said.

When Wolfe and his wife, June, are not spending time with their three children and six grandchildren, he continues to read. “It’s a constant source of instruction,” he said. “I can’t go for more than a week or so without reading William Butler Yeats or Shakespeare.”

An amateur woodworker (he makes furniture for his home) and a serious gardener with a greenhouse in his yard, Wolfe also works out at the Student Recreation Center three times a week. Between carving chair legs and putting miles on the treadmill, Wolfe finds time to keep in contact with former students and colleagues. “I’m in the area,” he said. “I’m always running into people. It’s nice to stay in touch.”

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Alumni can honor retired faculty by donating to a scholarship fund and other investment. Call Anne Hagan at 856-256-5402 or visit the Rowan University Foundation.