University Names Kelleher as Irish History Professor

Saint Patrick is being honored by the University in its own way today with the appointment of John Vincent Kelleher, Jr. as assistant professor of Modern Irish History and Literature.

Under his new appointment, effective July 1, Kelleher will teach Modern Irish History and will join with Harry T. Levin, associate professor of English, in a seminar on the works of James Joyce.

Holds Junior Fellow Post

Now a Junior Fellow, Kelleher has been teaching English 160c, the Irish Renaissance in literature. He is now working on a study of modern Irish literature from the beginning of the Irish Renaissance to the present time.

With the naming of Kelleher to the new chair, the University adds new recognition to the importance of modern Irish literature and history. His appointment will strengthen the teaching of modern Irish literature written in English.

Similar Courses Long Given

Courses have long been given here in earlier Irish literature and in Celtic Irish. These courses, long taught by Fred Norris Robinson, Gurney Professor of English Literature, emeritus, are now given by Kenneth H. Jackson, associate professor of Celtic.

The new 31 year old professor came to Harvard in 1940 as a Junior Fellow. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, he graduated from Dartmouth College in 1939. His appointment to the chair of Modern Irish History and Literature is the second professorship to be announced by the University in a week.