Fairfield University announced today the sad news that John Orman, chairman of the Department of Politics, died suddenly over the weekend at the age of 60.
Full disclosure: I graduated from Fairfield University but never knew Professor Orman. But I interviewed him several times over the past few years while covering politics for The Advocate.
And Orman occasionally made headlines as a thorn in the side of U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, the self-described “independent Democrat” from Stamford.
Orman hijacked the Connecticut for Lieberman Party the Senator used to turn his loss of the 2006 Democratic Primary to Ned Lamont into a general election victory and then abandoned.
As a reporter I’ll miss Orman. He was always a good source of information and his stunts raised valid questions about the election process.
As a former Fairfield student, I wish I’d taken one of his courses. They must have been memorable. As his obituary reads: “He urged his students to participate in politics and not simply be observers. He led by example.”
So Rest In Peace John Orman. Connecticut politics just got less interesting.
John Orman Trivia!
John for many years was the Public Address Announcer for the Lady Stags. John was always a gentleman.
Comment by Tom Kelly — July 7th, 2009 @ 10:56 am
He was an AWESOME teacher…one of the reasons I probably added poli as a major. AWESOME supporter of athletics…great guy.
Comment by Riannon Thomas — July 7th, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
Not only was John a wonderful father, teacher, activist, and human being…he was the reason I attended Fairfield University, which is a gift I will be forever grateful for. In 25 years of knowing John, from my childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, he never disappointed with his wit, and never failed to inspire with his energy, exuberance, unmitigated support and great cheer. I have no words to describe how my family and I will miss him.
Comment by January LaVoy — July 7th, 2009 @ 11:32 pm
I am a 1985 Fairfield grad who majored in Political Science. Dr. Orman was not only a great teacher, but his extracurricular activities were extremely entertaining. He used to act as the DJ and host a Rock and Roll trivia show in the campus pub from time-to-time, and his knowledge of classic rock was only exceeded by his knowledge of politics. He will be missed on so many differe4nt levels.
Comment by Philip Dunn — July 8th, 2009 @ 10:42 am