Members of the university community came together three different times this summer to share memories and celebrate the accomplishments of three influential faculty members who died.

    Kenneth Hovey, born October 17, 1945, taught literature courses including Milton, Edgar Allan Poe, and Bible as Literature. He died May 25 at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital.

     "Never ceasing to grow, [Hovey] frequently asked questions of his colleagues-often challenging us-but he offered deep knowledge in return," Dr. Mark Allen said, a professor for the English department.

     Allen was friends with Hovey for many years and recalls how Hovey was always learning. Hovey studied a wide range of literature including 16th through 19th century American and British literature. He also studied the Bible not only in English but also Hebrew, Greek and Latin.

    "It's impossible for me to encapsulate in a few words how deep and broad Ken's learning was, but those who were his students and colleagues know what I am talking about," Allen said. "I knew Ken for 22 years, and I never quite got over being a little intimidated by his knowledge and his dedication to pursuing truth."

   Michael Kelly leaves the legacy at UTSA as the first director, and then later dean, of the UTSA libraries. Kelly worked hard to make the libraries and the research facility what it is today.

   "We all take for granted the UTSA library to a certain extent, but we should also all remember that it was Mike's leadership and personal commitment that made possible its considerable development," Allen said.

     "Mike was the first to acknowledge how far the library had to go to become a major research library, but he created the basic collection, developed it during the first several generations of university administration, and set in place the infrastructure for any future growth of the library.

     In this way, Mike may well be the single most influential person in the first thirty or so years of UTSA," Allen said.

     Kelly's work for the libraries will be remembered the most. He began his career at UTSA first teaching in the English department and later developing the libraries. He was the only permanent dean of libraries.

   "Dr. Kelly was one of the most highly respected librarians in the State of Texas," Rosalie Ambrosino, UTSA provost and vice president for academic affairs, said in UTSA Today. "His work made the UTSA libraries possible, and he has been an important university citizen on a number of levels."

    Kelly died in his home on May 17.

    For 31 years Ron Miller taught philosophy at UTSA. Miller was a writer for many years, his first article being published in the Royal Institute of Philosophy when he was in graduate school. He later published other articles in the journals "Mind," "Free Inquiry" and "Secular Nation."

    Miller is not remembered only for his academic accomplishments but also his personal impact on the faculty.

   "His comfort and counsel was constantly sought out not only by members of the philosophy division for some 30 years, but by the English and classics faculty that composed the remainder of the Department," UTSA professor of philosophy Michael Almeida and Purdue University professor Mark Bernstein said in their obituary for the American Philosophical Association.

   "Even in a department filled with good and kind people, Ron stood out. He was as giving with his time and knowledge as anyone could possibly be; his magnanimity was unexceptionably expressed in a modest and self-deprecating manner."

      They remember that during the past 30 years how a small group would gather on the first Friday of the month for a game of low-stakes poker. For Miller it was not about the game but the time with friends.

   "He was fond of saying that, at the end of the day, we would all break about even," Almeida said. "He meant it monetarily, of course, but losing him as an integral part of my life will have no compensation."

   Miller died August 5.

     Funds have been established in memory of Hovey and Kelly. Donations can be made in Hovey's name to The Memorial Book Fund, UTSA Libraries, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, Texas 78249-1644.

   Donations for Kelly can be sent to the Mike Kelly Library Staff Development Fund, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Office of Development, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249.