Obituary of George Makdisi (1920-2002)

George Makdisi, 82, of Upper Providence, died September 6 at his residence. 

Born in Detroit, Michigan Mr. Makdisiwas the son of the late Abraham G. and Sophie Chater Makdisi. 

Mr. Makdisi recieved a B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1947, a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University in 1948, a M.A. from Georgetown University in 1950 and Docteur es-lettres from University of Paris, Sorbonne in 1964. 

Mr. Makdisi was Professor Emeritus, University of Pa from 1990-2002, formerly a Professor at University of Pa. 1973-1990, formerly a Professor at Harvard 1963-1973, formerly an associate professor at harvard 1961- 1963, formerly a lecturer at Harvard University 1959-1961, formerly an associate professor at university of Michigan 1957-1959, formerly an assistant professor at the University of Michigan 1953-1957. 

His research Fellowships included: Guggenheim Fellow 1957-1958, Guggenheim Fellow 1967-1968, Ford Foundation, Fulbright Hays, Chaire d'Etat at the College de France, Paris (1969). 

He served as President of American association of Teachers of Arabic 1963-66, Middle East Studies association of North American 1976-77, American Oriental Society 1987-88. Honorary Degree Doctor of Human Letters- Honoris Causa from Georgetown University. The Giorgio Levi Della Vida Award for Excellence in islamic Studies, 1993. 

A veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S. Army. His hobbies included walking, gardening, travel and languages. Professor Makdisi was one of the most famous scholars in Islamic Studies in the world. In his specialty in Medieval education, he discovered the origin of the scholastic method. His writings span half a century with over 75 articles and 12 books that changed the field in a revolutionary way. 

In particular, his trilogy on The Rise of Colleges and The Rise of Humanism and Ibn ' Aqil have become so well read that they are now being translated into other languages. 

Professor Makdisi just finished his seven- volume edition of the Wadish of Ibn 'Aqil in April of 2002. 

He is survived by his wife Nicole R. Guillemette Makdisi, sons John Makdisi of weston, Fl., Thomas Makdisi of Richmond,Tx., daughters Catherine Viscusi of Chapel Hill, N.C., Theresa Walsh of Indianapolis, In., Ann Mazur of edgewater Park, N.J., Jeanne makdisi of Philadelphia, Pa. sister; Mary Fayad of Grosse Pointe Farms, Mi.; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. Interment Private.

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