On May 23rd, 2007, Professor Susette Talarico passed away after a long battle with cancer. Dr. Talarico is remembered for her many years of service to the School of Public and International Affairs, the Criminal Justice Studies Program, and to the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. The funeral was held at the UGA Catholic Center on May 26th, 2007.
Dr. Talarico came to the University of Georgia in 1977 and was hired as a faculty member of the Department of Political Science through the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. She distinguished herself as the Albert Berry Saye Professor of American Government and Constitutional Law as well as Director of the Criminal Justice Studies Program. Dr. Talarico served as Director of the CJ Program from 1983 to 2006. Through her leadership as Director, she brought the UGA Program to national prominence. In addition to holding Policial Science's Albert Berry Saye Chair, her many accomplishments also included the Franklin College Sandy Beaver Professorship and the University-wide Josiah Meigs Award and Professorship for excellence in teaching. From 1999 through 2004 Professor Talarico served as Editor-in-Chief of Justice System Journal - a publication of the National Center for State Courts. As if these accomplishments are not enough, Professor Talarico was also the award winning author of The Social Contexts of Criminal Sentencing (co-authored with Professor Martha Myers), and was the recipient of the University's 2003 Creative Research Award. She retired in May of 2006.
Dr. Talarico was beloved by her students to whom she devoted many hours over and above what is typically offered by even the most dedicated faculty. We will miss her. On behalf of those who worked with her, and the many students who benefited from her kindness, instruction, and advice, we extend our most heartfelt sympathy to her family.
Contributions in Dr. Talarico's memory may be made to the "Susette Talarico Fund." Checks should be noted "Talarico Fund" and made payable to The ARCH Foundation - Please send memorial contributions to: