Memorial service to be held Feb. 24

Longtime University of Vermont Economics professor Ross Thomson passed away on Thursday, Feb. 12.  

Thomson joined the university in 1991 as chair of the Department of Economics. Previously, he held appointments at Oberlin College, Yale University and the New School for Social Research. He received his doctorate from Yale University.

Thomson served the university in numerous leadership roles including chair of the Economics Department, director of the Integrated Social Science Program, which he founded, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and secretary and vice-president of United Academics. Recently, he served on the Strategic Planning Committee in the College of Arts and Sciences and on the Cost Pool Methodology Committee for Incentive-Based Budgeting.

Thomson also was a passionate and highly accomplished researcher who studied the progress of mechanization and the development of capitalist economies. His most recent book, Structures of Change in the Mechanical Age, was highly praised and is much admired by his peers. 

“Professor Thomson was that rare member of the academy who made a significant contribution in all three areas that matter to an institution like ours: teaching, research and service,” said Tom Sullivan, UVM president. “In his nearly 25 years at UVM, he has truly helped shape the course of the university. He will be dearly missed.”

“Ross brought penetrating insight, prodigious energy and a good sense of humor to every class session, every meeting and every presentation,” said Economics Department chair Sara Solnick. “Whenever he raised his hand to ask a question, we knew it would get to the heart of the matter. We are all deeply saddened to lose such a great friend and colleague.”

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Ira Allen Chapel, with a reception to follow. A scholarship for Integrated Social Science Program students is being created in Thomson's name. Donations can be made to the fund via the University of Vermont Foundation website. To donate, choose "other" and add "Economics Fund - Ross Thomson" as the description.

PUBLISHED

02-15-2015
University Communications