Professor Emeritus Hugo Martinez-Serros died on Feb. 26, leaving behind family and generations of students who remember his influence at Lawrence University.
Martinez-Serros taught Latin American and Spanish Literature at Lawrence University from 1966 until his retirement in 1995. He previously taught at Knox College and the University of Oklahoma. Born to a Mexican-American family in South Chicago, he earned degrees from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University before joining Lawrence’s faculty.
Throughout his career, Martinez-Serros was known for both his scholarship and dedication to teaching. Barbara Lawton, a former student who is now a member of the Lawrence Board of Trustees, said, “I was convinced that if Hugo would take the time to publish his brilliant method of teaching the complexities and nuances of the Spanish language, it would become the gold standard. But he was leading students to see how language revealed culture… building a vibrant community of Spanish speakers.”
Peter Kelly, another former student, said Martinez-Serros challenged students deeply: “Hugo was obsessive in his drive to have students not simply read and follow plot, but also to live within the words on the page… He was indefatigable in the classroom, usually patient, always demanding, and relentlessly supportive.” Frances Siekman Romero recalled traveling with him to Guanajuato as life-changing: “Professor Martinez encouraged me to be open… His legacy lives on in my life and my family because of experiences that began with him.”
Martinez-Serros directed off-campus programs for Spanish students in Mexico. Luis Alberto Villaseñor G., who met him there before attending Lawrence himself, said: “His course on Miguel de Cervantes was among the finest I took… Professor Martínez was an exceptional lecturer—passionate [and] deeply knowledgeable.” Juan Hernandez described how an encounter with Martinez-Serros led him from Guanajuato to Lawrence: “A gifted teacher and writer… I will never forget the support I received from Dr. Martínez.”
Beyond academics, he supported social justice efforts such as serving as resident family for Appleton’s A Better Chance program alongside his wife Mary-Alice. He hosted poet Maya Angelou during her visit for an honorary degree ceremony at Lawrence.
Lawrence University enrolls about 1,500 students with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio according to its official website. The university offers undergraduate programs through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as well as its Conservatory of Music according to its official website. It has been recognized by U.S. News as Wisconsin’s top small private university according to its official website.
The campus supports NCAA Division III athletics across multiple sports according to its official website, features facilities like Ormsby Lake for recreation according to its official website, promotes diversity through service opportunities according to its official website, and counts notable alumni such as Audra McDonald among graduates according to its official website.
Martinez-Serros spent retirement years in Colorado, New Mexico, then Madison near family before passing away at age 95. His survivors include children and grandchildren; memorial gifts may be made via The Lawrence Fund.
