George Michael Moskos ’70

George Michael Moskos ’70, of Swarthmore, Pa., died Jan. 4. Moskos, a professor of French language and literature and James C. Hormel professor in social justice at Swarthmore College, was a dedicated and talented teacher, a scholar eager to explore new intellectual territory, and a champion of justice and equality. He was 62 and is survived by his partner, Blair Gannon, 915 Harvard Ave., Apt. 1100, Swarthmore, PA 19081-2210. Moskos joined Swarthmore College and the modern languages and literatures department in 1975, after earning a B.A. at Davidson and then completing his Ph.D. in French, with a minor in art history, at the University of Wisconsin Madison. He was a specialist in French literature of the 19th century and, in his academic pursuits, often explored themes of identity, gender, and sexuality. Moskos sometimes co-taught with colleagues outside of his discipline and was an active participant in the comparative literature and women’s studies programs. While serving on the benefits committee of Swarthmore College, he was instrumental in moving the college to support same sex partner health benefits until the insurance industry adopted that practice. In 1997, Moskos was appointed to the James C. Hormel professorship in social justice, a chair that recognizes a professor in any academic division whose teaching and scholarship stimulate increased concern for and understanding of social justice issues, including those pertaining to sexual orientation. Moskos was an ardent traveler, a generous and entertaining host, and a collector of tasteful and intriguing mechanical toys, some of which could be seen on the bookshelves of his campus office.