Professor Dorothy Betz, who taught at Georgetown University since 1972, has passed away. Prof. Betz was an expert on nineteenth century French Romantic poetry who was widely published and active on the Faculty Senate. Her husband, Paul Betz, also taught at Georgetown in the English Department until retiring last year.

“Dr. Betz was also known as a conscientious and hard-working teacher of the French language,” Sonia Jacobson, an assistant for academic affairs in the Provost’s office, wrote in an e-mail to the student body. “Always dedicated to her students, to the quality of instruction at Georgetown, and to the founding principles of the University, she was a steadfast member of the Department’s Curriculum Committee and the executive committee of Phi Beta Kappa”

Jacobson said that Prof. Betz died unexpectedly on Tuesday.

A memorial Mass will take place for Prof. Betz on Tuesday, April 20 at 12:10 p.m. in Dahlgren Chapel. In case of inclement weather the reception will be held in McShain Lounge.