Memories of Professor Emeritus Ralph Esposito

Above: Photo courtesy of the Helena Independent Record. The IR featured a story on Ralph’s retrospective show, “Full Circle,” in October 2018. Read about him here: Helena Art Walk showcases a lifetime of work in 100 pieces by Carroll professor.

Memories of Ralph Esposito

I'm so sad to hear about Ralph’s passing. He was a talented and intelligent man. His love for the arts was so much of his life. We had many long discussions about it. Those were times I will cherish, and revisit in my memory. Vaya con dios, mí amigo. ~ Chuck Driscoll (Former Theatre professor)

When Ralph was our dept. chair, he bought us the vacuum cleaners and clothes steamers ( that we still use)when we had nothing in  the budget. A kind and creative soul. ~ Nancy Harper (Former Theatre professor)

Ralph was a passionate artist, educator, and warrior for the arts. He was also a good friend. I hope there are plenty of long, sunny motorcycle rides for him on the other side. ~ Sean Driscoll, Class of 2006

Such a kind man. Ralph was the first art teacher who made me believe I could be “artistic” along with “creative” that I had the ability to make visual art. ~Janet (Novotny) Daly, Class of 2003

He was a true gem of a person to us all in the arts at Carroll. ~ Bonnie Hall, Class of 2003

He was an excellent professor. ~ Brian Browitt, Class of 2008

Never took a class with him but he was always kind to me, this is very sad indeed. ~ Kenneth Scott 

So sad. He was such an amazing professor. So glad I got to take classes from him. 💜💜💜 Sending all the love to his family. ~ Lacey Cassidy 

Ralph was one of my favorites. Everyone needs a mentor who pushes them, believes in them, challenges them, has fun, is serious, AND can let them be. He was all those things and more. Such an enormous loss. ~ Whitney (Fisher) Dorr, Class of 2008

Ralph was a talented artist.  For many years, the reading room he created in front of the Corette Library was the most recognizable visual image of Carroll College.  It's where the dignitaries would be photographed. Ralph lived with his convictions on his sleeve and that’s more than many of us can say.  I appreciated his forthright insights and analysis. ~ Jeremy Johnson, Ph.D., Chair & Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations

Ralph's commitment to the role of the arts in the education of every student at Carroll College was inspiring. He remains a part of my earliest memories of Carroll, and with his passing the world is a little less colorful. ~ Jeanette Fregulia, Ph.D., Chair & Associate Professor, Department of History

I was always impressed with Ralph's ability to bring out the best in his students. I didn't know him long but he definitely made an impression. I will fondly remember him every time I look at this picture of one of his contributions to Carroll. ~ Misti Nettleton, Campus Computing and Information Technology

He helped me find the best tools and even gave me some of his own. Allowed me to work late at night in the classroom. And ultimately came to me one day and told me to transfer, and I went to the school of the Art Institute of Chicago. I would have never been brave enough to make that decision on my own. He was that type of person who knew when to step in. I’m forever grateful.

We met for coffee after I graduated and he had been following all of my work. Still a supportive person after years. I couldn’t believe it. This man was harsh when needed, a father figure to those far from home, and an amazing artist.

I’m so sad to hear that he’s gone. He was a great man. He will be missed. ~ Sarah Landstrom, Attended Carroll 2012-14