Dr. Harold Hild passed away Sunday, Oct. 18, following complications from surgery. Hild was a member of the Northeastern community for nearly 40 years. Hild earned his Master’s degree in English at Northeastern in 1967, and began his teaching career here in 1969. Hild was a founding member and past president of the National Association of Developmental Education and of Northeastern’s English Language Program, as well as co-founder of the College of Arts & Sciences Education Program.
Hild will be remembered for his lasting contributions to Northeastern. As chair of the Department of Speech and Performing arts, Hild steered the growth and change of the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre. As chair of the Faculty Council on Academic Affairs, Hild oversaw NEIU’s writing initiative, which is supported by a $2.8 million Title V grant to strengthen student writing, professional development for teachers and student mentoring. Hild retired from NEIU in 2008 and was honored as Professor Emeritus.