MCC Daily Tribune
Passing of the Rev. John S. Walker, Professor Emeritus of History and Political Science
The MCC family is saddened to learn of the passing of the Rev. John S. Walker, professor emeritus of history and political science and an Army veteran, on Dec. 28, 2022.
For more than a quarter-century, the Rev. Walker served the College community as an inspiring educator, religious leader and community activist.
The Rev. Walker joined MCC as an adjunct associate professor of history and political science in 1975 and was promoted to the rank of professor in 1995. During his tenure, he brought not only significant scholarship to the courses he taught and developed, but his experience as a community leader.
He was often praised for his dedication to academia and his extraordinary connection with students and colleagues. He was their teacher, mentor, minister, role model and a friend. He encouraged students to consider their roles as citizens and be inspired to become a leader in their community.
His involvement in the Rochester community serving on boards, lecturing, consulting and teaching provided him with a unique overview of the urban/suburban scene, a dimension of contemporary knowledge he shared with students.
In a letter dated 1998 to a vice president, the department chair said the Rev. Walker “has proved to be an indispensable link connecting MCC with Rochester’s African-American community.”
His service to MCC includes his work as a faculty senator, co-advisor of the Black Students’ Association, and a member of Special Committee for Administrative Affairs, the Strategic Planning Committee, the Grievance Committee, and his department’s Professional Development Committee. He also participated in the hiring of a college administrator and was actively involved in initiatives at the downtown campus, where he divided his time between campuses to teach. In addition, he built links to other local higher education institutions, including with Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and Roberts Wesleyan University.
Upon his retirement in 2001 after 26 years of service, he was accorded the rank of professor emeritus. In his retirement announcement to the dean, the Rev. Walker said, “Personally, this was not an easy decision. I love teaching and I admire and respect my colleagues enormously. I already anticipate missing my students very much.”
The Rev. Walker earned a Master of Divinity for Theological Professions degree from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and a bachelor’s from Morris College in South Carolina. He attended Syracuse University in pursuit of a doctoral degree.
He is survived by his wife, the Rev. Barbara (Lattimore) Walker; children Sybil Miller, Burghardt Walker, Demeter Walker-McGill, Sojourner Williams, N’Djamena Walker, Asjiah Walker, Zion Walker and Ericka Clarke; 13 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A remembrance of the Rev. Walker can be found on the Democrat and Chronicle’s website.
MCC extends condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. We are grateful for his many contributions and service to MCC.
DeAnna Burt-Nanna
Office of the President
01/20/2023