Dear Laurentian Community,
I write today to share the sad news that Professor Emeritus of History Jonathan Rossie died on November 29 at the age of 89. Jonathan was a beloved member of our faculty for 32 years, during which he inspired generations of students and left an enduring legacy at St. Lawrence University.
Jonathan joined the St. Lawrence history department in 1965, following teaching positions at Butler University and earning his M.A. and Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Over the course of his tenure at St. Lawrence, he served as Chair of the Department of History and held the esteemed title of Elizabeth Margaret Vilas Professor of History. Jonathan helped establish the University’s Canadian Studies program and served as Senior Fellow in Canadian Studies for the Canadian Embassy in the United States from 1982-1983. A scholar of early American history, Jonathan was the author of The Politics of Command in the American Revolution and The Road to Ogdensburg. His work was recognized for its depth and originality, and he was widely respected in the academic community.
What set Jonathan apart was his remarkable ability to bring history to life for his students. Through a narrative approach to teaching, he transformed the events of the American Revolution into compelling, relatable stories that resonated deeply with those in his classroom. His innovative methods anticipated the creative storytelling style later popularized by productions like Hamilton, engaging students in the complex debates, relationships, and decisions that shaped the founding of our nation. For Jonathan, history was not merely a study of the past but a vital tool for preparing active, informed citizens and leaders. He retired in 1997.
Jonathan is survived by his wife, Ann “Kelli” Hanson; his children, Jennifer ’85, Jonathan Jr. ’88, and James ’96; his brother Christopher; and his grandchildren, Madeleine, Caleb, and Peter. His family, friends, colleagues, and former students will remember him as a passionate educator, a dedicated scholar, and a kind mentor.
Please join us in celebrating Jonathan’s life by sharing your memories of him on the St. Lawrence University website. You can read the remembrances of others here.
Sincerely,
Kate Morris