It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Charles Kratz, Dean Emeritus of the Library & Information Fluency. Charles passed away on Saturday following a week-long hospitalization due to illness. He was 74 years old.
Charles served The University of Scranton with distinction during his tenure as Dean of the Library, helping to shape the institution we know today. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Maryland, he joined the University in 1991 as Director and was instrumental in the final completion and opening of Weinberg Memorial Library the following year.
Under his leadership, the Library underwent the transformative renovation of the Reilly Learning Commons, creating a dynamic learning space that continues to serve our students today. Charles also founded the Friends of the Library, establishing a vital bridge between the University and the broader community. In addition to launching the Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award, he played a key role in the expansion of the University’s Special Collections and their dedication as the McHugh Family Special Collections.
His leadership extended well beyond the Library. Charles was integral to the then-Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence’s expansion of support services, the Writing Center, and faculty development programs. He regularly taught writing and remained deeply engaged in the university’s academic life.
Charles retired in December 2019, but his service to the University continued. In 2022, the University dedicated the Library’s Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room in his honor. He continued to serve the Library and the University as a member of the Friends of the Library Advisory Board and as chair of the 2024 Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award.
His dedication to supporting student and faculty research, his commitment to accessible and innovative learning environments, and his vision for the Library’s role in the academic life of the University left a lasting impact on our community. Those of us who had the privilege of serving alongside him understand full well the strong foundation he helped build here.
As University President Fr. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., noted in his message to the campus community, “Charles’ influence on The University of Scranton is woven into our very fabric. Those who had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside him know how much of our progress was supported by his work. His legacy will benefit students, faculty, researchers, and the broader community for generations to come.”
This loss is felt deeply by all who knew Charles and worked alongside him. We join many friends and family members, including Charles’s beloved husband, Bill, in mourning. He was a valued colleague, and his contributions to our library and university will be remembered with gratitude.
A memorial service will be held in the Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18. Refreshments will follow the service.
Charles’s obituary can be read here.