WORCESTER, MA – The Clark University community and the city of Worcester are mourning the loss of Dr. Amy Richter, a beloved professor, scholar, and community leader, who passed away on June 2, 2025, after a brief illness. Dr. Richter was the chair of the History Department at Clark University and served as the academic director of the Worcester chapter of The Clemente Course in the Humanities, a program offering free, college-level education to adults facing economic hardship.
Described by colleagues as “stylish, witty, caring, and brilliant,” Richter’s impact at Clark and beyond was profound. A specialist in 19th- and 20th-century American cultural history with a focus on women’s and urban history, she joined Clark University in 2000 and quickly became a pillar of academic excellence and community engagement.
“Everything she did was excellent,” said Laurie Ross, Dean of the College. “She was a deep thinker who always brought new insight.”
A Legacy of Academic Excellence and Student Support
Dr. Richter’s dedication to teaching and mentoring was unmatched. She was honored multiple times during her career at Clark, including being named Outstanding Academic Advisor of the Year, Distinguished Academic Advisor of the Year, and Outstanding Teacher.
“She set a high bar in the classroom but remained endlessly supportive,” recalled History Professor Ousmane Power-Greene. “She was a fierce intellectual and an extraordinarily selfless colleague.”
Richter’s ability to connect with students, challenge them intellectually, and support their growth left a lasting impression. Her office often saw a steady stream of students seeking guidance, mentorship, or simply an engaging conversation.
Leadership in The Clemente Course and Community Initiatives
As the academic director of The Clemente Course in Worcester, Richter provided transformative educational opportunities for underserved adults. Under her leadership, the program flourished—17 students graduated in her first year, with 14 continuing their education or gaining employment.
She also brought new life to the program, relocating graduation ceremonies to the historic American Antiquarian Society and fostering deeper community involvement.
Her passion for service extended beyond the university. In 2023, she received the John W. Lund Community Achievement Award for her work with Clemente and Simon Says Give, a charity co-founded by her son Simon and husband Jim Eber. Together, the family helped thousands of local children with school supplies, birthday parties, and support events.
Scholar, Mentor, Friend
Richter was more than an educator—she was a trusted colleague, lifelong friend, and a true problem solver. She directed the Higgins School of Humanities (now the Alice Coonley Higgins Institute for Arts and Humanities) from 2013 to 2017, curating thought-provoking public events and lectures.
Her scholarly work includes two significant publications:
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Home on the Rails: Women, the Railroad, and the Rise of Public Domesticity (2005)
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At Home in Nineteenth-Century America: A Documentary History (2015)
She earned her Ph.D. in history from NYU in 2000 and a B.A. in urban studies from Columbia University in 1991. Her dissertation won the 2001 Lerner-Scott Prize for Best Doctoral Dissertation in U.S. Women’s History.
Remembering Amy Richter
Her colleagues and friends remember her as someone who made everyone feel valued and inspired. “In a room full of smart people, she was the smartest,” said History Professor Nina Kushner. “But she was never pretentious—she lifted others up through profound kindness.”
Political Science Professor Kristen Williams, a close friend, reflected on their years of shared holidays, family trips, and friendship: “She was the best role model, best colleague, best mentor. She left an indelible mark.”
In 2023, Worcester Magazine named her a Hometown Hero, recognizing her work with Clemente and Simon Says Give. Despite the accolades, Richter remained humble. “It doesn’t seem heroic to do something that is so personally satisfying,” she told the publication.
A Final Tribute
Amy Richter was more than her titles or achievements—she was a champion for education, a dedicated community advocate, and a shining light in every room she entered. Her legacy will continue through the students she taught, the colleagues she supported, and the community she helped uplift.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Eber, and their son, Simon, both of whom shared her passion for service and community. The city of Worcester and the academic world have lost a remarkable woman, but her influence will resonate for generations.