It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our visiting professor, John G. Blair, who died after an illness on March 25, 2025, at the age of 91.

    Professor Blair was born on December 3, 1934, in New York, USA. Throughout his distinguished career, he dedicated himself to the study of literature and culture, teaching at universities in the United States, Switzerland, Ireland, and other countries. He maintained a long-standing academic partnership with both the Irish Studies Center and the American Studies Center at BFSU, and served as a visiting professor at our university for many years.

    Professor Blair’s research spanned Irish studies, American studies, and comparative studies of Chinese and Western civilizations. His book, Modular America: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on the Emergence of an American Way, was awarded the Ralph Henry Gabriel Prize by the American Studies Association. Together with Dr. Jerusha McCormack, he co-authored Comparing Civilizations: China and the West, which has provided a significant framework and perspective for comparative studies between Chinese and Western civilizations, exerting a profound academic influence.

    Professor Blair was not only an outstanding scholar but also a passionate educator. During his tenure at our university, he taught the course “Comparing Civilizations: China and the West” to graduate students, helping them to understand the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western cultures from a civilizational perspective. His teaching philosophy emphasized mutual understanding and cultural dialogue, making important contributions to the promotion of cross-cultural exchange between China and the West.

    We mourn the loss of Professor Blair and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and students. His scholarship, dedication, and spirit will be long remembered.