The emeritus professor of political science, a member of the Haverford faculty since 1966, died March 23. He was 76.
Sidney Waldman, emeritus professor of political science and treasured member of the Haverford community, died March 23, 2016. He was 76.
Waldman was born in Chicago and attended Oberlin College, where he graduated with a B.A. in government. He pursued his doctoral studies in political science at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In addition to being an outstanding graduate student, he was an active community member, speaking out against injustices and single-handedly launching a campaign that resulted in the desegregation of Chapel Hill’s barber shops. Waldman was a visiting fellow in the Department of Political Sociology at the University of Warsaw, Poland, through a National Student Association Exchange Program during the Cold War. In 1966, after earning his Ph.D., he joined Haverford College as an assistant professor in political science. He was promoted to full professor in 1986.
Waldman’s scholarly interests were diverse and interdisciplinary, delving into areas of non-violence, applications of psychology to the study of politics, studies of the former Soviet Union, the politics of arms control, political theory, US Congress, the U.S. presidency, and American government. He published several books, including The Foundations of Political Action: An Exchange Theory of Politics, Congress and Democracy, and America and the Limits of the Politics of Selfishness, in addition to numerous articles and book reviews.
He was a beloved professor and mentor to many students, and his passion for his work and genuine enthusiasm were contagious. His classes were described as "invariably lively, energetic, controversial, fascinating and inspiring." He provoked students "to discuss every side of an issue, forcing them to think critically about the topics." He also cared deeply about his students; he was always willing to help them, learn more about them as individuals, and encourage them to pursue their intellectual and personal interests.
In retirement, Waldman continued his intellectual work, and wrote two self published books, The God in Us and What is God in Us? as he pursued reading and thinking about religion and philosophy. He was led to this area by his concerns about why the American people are not more compassionate in the way that they vote. (He also made a video on his experience of the divine.)
"As a scholar, teacher, colleague, and friend, Sid profoundly touched so many of us over the course of his long and distinguished career at Haverford," said Associate Professor Steve McGovern, Waldman's colleague in the political science department. "But somehow it is the simple, day-to-day encounters with him that linger in our memories. We all can picture meeting Sid on campus, perhaps on Founders Green or in the corridors of the Hall Building, where he would unfailingly pause to greet us with a warm smile, a good-natured laugh, a sincere inquiry about our families, a genuine expression of concern, or a desire to engage in an intellectual exchange–often accompanied by his head tilting forward with a couple of fingers pressed to his brow, deep in concentration. His very presence on campus enriched our lives and made Haverford a kinder and more joyful place for all of us."
There will be a memorial service to celebrate Waldman's life at the Haverford Friends Meeting House on Saturday, April 30 at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in Zubrow Commons in the Koshland Integrated Natural Sciences Center at Haverford College.
