 Carl Solberg
No one impacted my life more than History Professor Carl Solberg. As
a lecturer, Solberg was incredibly dynamic. He rarely used notes and was
always excited about whatever topic he brought to his podium He had the
unusual ability to make something like the history of the Argentine tariffs
very compelling.
I still have vivid memories of a graduate colloquium he taught during
fall quarter, 1971. Students had to conduct detailed research into some
aspect of Argentine history and then discuss it while dealing with questions
and criticism from their peers. It was a tough assignment and Solberg relished
every moment, directing the whole production masterfully while giving each
of us an unbelievable introduction to the world of history in the making.
Solberg was also a product of his times. Casual in dress, handsome and
always in superb physical condition, one always detected enthusiasm as well
as confidence. He drove a battered Volkswagen for many years and lived in
modest apartments. Solberg was a bicycle enthusiast who loved the outdoors
and was captivated by the beauty of the Northwest. I recall occasional complaints
but in general he was satisfied with his role; in l970 he told me that he
"had a good life--I make $14,000 a year." On the other hand, he
was not reluctant to criticize the Vietnam War and for a time embraced the
humane aspects of Marxism, particularly the regime of Chilean President
Salvador Allende.
His personal life was wild and he did as much as possible to conceal
it. He favored the sorts of nightclubs and taverns that had no windows.
Although I was something of a bon vivant in those days, he left me in my
tracks. Going into Seattle for a night on the town with him was real eye-opener.
It broke my heart when he died of AIDS in 1985. In severe pain, he was
placed on several drugs, including morphine, until finally slipping away.
Throughout a UW career that began in l966, he was extraordinarily enthusiastic
about teaching and research and for that alone he was a respected colleague
whose promotions received unanimous endorsement from the history department.
Solberg's students twice nominated him for the University's Distinguished
Teaching Award. It is a shame he never won that coveted prize because he
certainly deserved it.
Professor Douglas W. Richmond, '68, '71, '76
Dept. of History
University of Texas, Arlington
Photo courtesy Dept. of History. | 