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UC Berkeley classics professor Anthony Bulloch dies

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JUNE 02, 2014

Anthony Bulloch, a UC Berkeley classics professor and assistant dean in the Office of Undergraduate Advising in the College of Letters and Science, died May 26, leaving behind a legacy of helping students.

Colleagues and former students remember Bulloch as a wise storyteller and contributor to the field of classics. During his 38 years on campus, he was known for his work in undergraduate advising and scholarship in Greek mythology.

Born in London, England, in 1942, Bulloch attended King’s College at Cambridge University, where he received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in classics. After his studies, he moved to California in 1976, when he joined UC Berkeley as a lecturer.

UC Berkeley senior Rachel Feldman, who is double-majoring in English and classical civilizations, remembered taking a course taught by Bulloch about ancient religions. She described his enthusiasm for the pursuit of knowledge as what made the discipline more relatable and approachable for students.

“His passion for classics really came through in a strong way,” Feldman said. “I know a lot of students who changed their major to classics after taking his class.”

Bulloch taught courses on Greek myths and Greek religion. UC Berkeley sophomore Gregory Chin said his classes were well liked because of his knack for teaching by telling stories. Chin recalled taking Bulloch’s Greek mythology class in his freshman year.

“It was almost like he personally knew the mythological characters in his stories … It was really refreshing for me,” Chin said. “You could tell he really loved the subject.”

Bulloch was also known for being a strong voice in advocating students.

“He had such a compassionate presence,” said College of Letters and Science adviser Paige Lee, who worked closely with Bulloch.

Lee called Bulloch “sensitive, compassionate and very student-centered.” As assistant dean in the Office of Undergraduate Advising, he helped students who faced personal tragedies and academic struggles.

Lee said Bulloch’s passion for student advocacy traces back to his undergraduate days at King’s College in the 1960s. Lee recalled the many stories Bulloch told her of his involvement in student activism, when he would use his body as a shield to block gates during protests and attend court trials to show support for his fellow students.

“That was just the kind of man he was,” Lee said. “Even I knew I could go to him.”

In the classics community, Bulloch is remembered for his contributions to the study of Hellenistic literature. His major publications include “Callimachus: The Fifth Hymn: The Bath of Pallas,” published in a series of Greek and Latin commentaries, and a chapter on Hellenistic poetry in the “Cambridge History of Classical Literature.” According to a news release from the department of classics, he was also working on a textbook about classical mythology at the time of his death.

Bulloch is survived by his wife, Linda Colman, and two children, Tanya and Alex Bulloch.

A public memorial service will be held on campus in the fall semester.

Contact Abby Madan at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @abby_madan.
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JUNE 04, 2014