Glenn Wiltsey, professor emeritus, dies

Glenn Wiltsey, the founder and first chairman of the Department of Political Science, died August 25 at Highland Hospital after a short illness. He was 95.

Wiltsey, a native of Hemingford, Neb., headed the department from 1945 until 1962. The new department was carved out of the Department of History and modeled itself on the style of Ivy League colleges of the day, with good teaching and close relationships with students.

Under Wiltsey's direction, the department developed an honors program of special seminars for outstanding students, among other academic initiatives. He also laid the groundwork for the graduate program in political science.

"Teaching was his devotion," said his son, Robert, who has a doctorate in psychology from the University. "He cared about students, and said they kept him young." Among Wiltsey's specialties were courses in constitutional law. A number of Rochester lawyers were his students.

Wiltsey earned his bachelor's degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University, his master's from the University of Nebraska, and his doctorate from the University of Chicago. He taught political science courses at Nebraska, and was also professor of political science and chairman of the Social Science Division at Central YMCA College in Chicago (now Roosevelt University) before coming to Rochester.

He and his wife, Leyla, got to know Rochester students well through seminars held at their home on Mt. Hope Avenue. Local political figures often joined the groups there, and ate and talked for hours. Leyla Wiltsey died in 1991.

Wiltsey retired in 1968 after 23 years at the University. During his time as professor emeritus, he also taught selected courses.

He was an active member of the New York State Political Science Association, past president of the Rochester school board, past president of the Rochester/Monroe County Humane Society, a member of the local chapter of the American Arbitration Association, and a member of the Rochester Board of Zoning Appeals.

He is survived by his son, Robert Wiltsey of Raleigh, N.C. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.