With profound sadness we mourn the passing of Edmund (Mike) Keeley.

Mike Keeley’s legacy is immense, multi-faceted, far-reaching and lasting.  He was the preeminent scholar and translator of modern Greek poetry of our time.  He founded and led Princeton’s Creative Writing program for many years.  As President of the PEN American Center, Mike Keeley was a champion of writers’ rights around the world.  He was America’s most distinguished cultural ambassador to Greece.

Mike Keeley was a founder and pillar of Hellenic Studies at Princeton, ever since we launched our journey in 1979.  Without Mike, we wouldn’t be where we are today.  For all of us in Hellenic Studies who had the privilege to know him, Mike was our teacher, mentor, colleague, comrade in all things Hellenic, fellow traveler all over Greece, and steadfast friend.  Until his last hours, Mike kept asking about Hellenic Studies and our plans for the future.

Princeton University obituary:
https://www.princeton.edu/news/2022/03/11/edmund-keeley-gold-standard-translators-modern-greek-poetry-and-unwavering-advocate

In sorrow for our loss, but also in celebration and gratitude for Mike Keeley’s life, his friendship and his gifts to our Hellenic Studies community.

Faculty, students, alumni, and staff,
Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies