Harry C. Rutledge

1932–2006

Dr. Rutledge joined the faculty of the university in 1968 as head of the Classics Department. Stepping down from the headship in 1991, he continued as a faculty member in the department until his retirement in 1996. From 1972 to 1979 he served concurrently as head of the Romance Languages Department. In 1976 he received a Chancellor’s Citation for Extraordinary Service and in 1992 was named macebearer. A specialist in Latin poetry, he distinguished himself by his studies in comparative literature and in the contributions of the classical tradition to modern art and literature. His book The Guernica Bull (1989) is recognized as a significant interpretation of the link between the classical past and the present.

He served as president of a number of professional organizations: the Virgilian Society (1977–79), the Southern Comparative Literature Association (1978–79), the Classical Association of the Middle West and South (1979–80), and the American Classical League (1990–94). In 1994, at the request of the campus Bicentennial Committee, he translated “Rocky Top” into Latin, working with music department colleagues. The UT Concert Choir sang the “classical” version at the kickoff celebration of the bicentennial. His contributions to the intellectual life of the university have been recognized by placement of a plaque in his honor on a faculty study.

Citation Information

The following information is provided for citations.

  • Title Harry C. Rutledge
  • Coverage 1932–2006
  • Author
  • Keywords Harry C. Rutledge
  • Website Name Volopedia
  • Publisher University of Tennessee Libraries
  • URL
  • Access Date July 8, 2025
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update October 16, 2018