In The News

Picture of the German School.

I write to share the sad news that Dr. Jochen H. Richter, faculty member emeritus and longtime director of the German Language School, died on February 10, 2022, in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loving family. 

Under his tenure as director, the German School expanded in size; added its prestigious program for professional musicians, German for Singers; continued to adjust the graduate program’s focus from a literature-based curriculum to a broader one encompassing German studies; and strengthened collaborations with generous donors such as the Max Kade Foundation and the Zernik family. 

“An unassuming and charismatic leader with indefatigable energy and passion for the school and, more importantly, its students, faculty, and staff, Jochen Richter left an indelible impression on everyone who met him,” says Bettina Matthias, current director of the German School. “Generous, humorous, always calm, and approachable, he and his best friend, former Associate Director Karl Obrath, shaped the German School’s academic and social culture for a generation. His humanity and his concern for his friends, colleagues, and students are a legacy to which the German School feels deeply indebted.” 

Jochen Richter was born May 16, 1941, in Kellinghusen, Germany, to the late Hans and Else Richter. He was a graduate of the University of Kiel, Germany, where he received his Philosophicum, and he earned his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in German literature from Syracuse University. He taught for over 45 years as the Mary Biehler Professor of Modern and Classical Languages at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, also known as the Federal Cross of Merit, which is the highest honor that can be presented to individuals for services to the nation. 

He began teaching at the Middlebury German School in the late 1970s and was a beloved professor for over 30 years. In 1997 he became the director of the school, where he served until 2009. Professor Michael Speier was teaching at the German School during this time. “Jochen was respected AND loved by everyone, a rare combination. He possessed a natural authority he did not need to show to the outside world, and it was always flavored with self-mockery and humor. He was caring and empathetic to students and colleagues and of a rare loyalty when difficulties arose. He was sporty and robust but was also—what few knew—a subtle letter writer and connoisseur of poetry (among his friends was the well-known German poet Günther Kunert). Together with Karl Obrath, he formed an almost mythical duo, which made a significant contribution to the fact that I always enjoyed teaching at the German School and came back for years.” 

We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife of 55 years, Karen, and to his children Mark and Kirsten, along with their families, and we share in their grief. A celebration of Jochen Richter’s life and legacy will be held during the 2022 session of Middlebury’s German School

Funeral services will be held privately by the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania, or to the Alzheimer’s Association. To leave condolences, please visit www.CaramenicoFuneralHome.com.  

Best,

Steve Snyder

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Language Schools