Merrill H. Goldwyn

Dr. Merrill Harvey Goldwyn of Cambridge, MA on Friday, November 2, 2012. Dr. Goldwyn was 81 years old at the time of his death. Dr. Goldwyn received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and a PhD in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University. Dr. Goldwyn was an English professor at Worcester State University for 30 years, retiring in 1998. Dr. Goldwyn challenged his students to consider human rights issues with literature that incorporated issues of social justice. Dr. Goldwyn was first inspired to bring human rights to the university after meeting former political prisoners at an Amnesty International event in the early 1980’s. Soon after, he established the Center for the Study of Human Rights. In November of 2008, Worcester State University announced the establishment of the Merrill Goldwyn Fund to commemorate the man who spread the message of social justice and helped create the Center for the Study of Human Rights. During his tenure at Worcester State University, Dr. Goldwyn was the recipient of several awards, including recognition for his teaching from the Massachusetts Teachers Association and National Education Association. Dr. Goldwyn was a longtime member of the Cambridge community and was a supporter of the local arts and, in particular, classical music. He remained an active member of the human rights community into his retirement, and particularly enjoyed travelling the world.

He is survived by his brother Seymour Goldwyn, a nephew, Steven Goldwyn and nieces, Jill Goldwyn and Wendy Goldwyn Batteau. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Betty Goldwyn, brother, Arthur Goldwyn and nephew, Kenneth Goldwyn.

Services at Temple Beth Shalom of Cambridge, 8 Tremont Street, Cambridge, MA on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 12:00 Noon. Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 41 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA. There will be a pre-service gathering for family and friends at the Temple at 10:45am. Additional details regarding the service can be found by contacting Levine Chapel. Contributions in Dr. Goldwyn’s memory may be made to either: The Merrill Goldwyn Center for the Study of Human Rights Fund(checks payable to The Worcester State Foundation)Office of University Advancement, Worcester State University, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602, 508-929-8033 or Hebrew Senior Life, Religious and Chaplaincy Services (checks payable to Hebrew Senior Life) Development Office, 1200 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02131, 617-971-5791.

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