Professor Todd Hernández died Sunday due to unexpected complications with a minor routine surgery. He is survived by his wife, Paola, and two daughters, Camila and Sofia.
Hernández joined Marquette in 2004 as a faculty member before becoming a full-time professor in 2019. He was a professor of Spanish and applied linguistics in addition to being the Language Program Coordinator for Spanish courses 1003 to 2003.
Faculty remember Hernández as a generous person with a kind heart.
“I remember when I first came here in 2014 and I was fresh from grad school when he was here and he was so generous and helped me along the way, very supportive. I only have good things to say about Todd honestly,” Michelle Medeiros, a professor in the Spanish department, said.
In addition to his generosity, Medeiros also said he was dedicated to the education of not only himself but his daughters and his students. He organized research studies and study abroad opportunities to help the students become more immersed and learn more about Spanish culture.
A vigil will be held to honor Hernández in Lalumiere Language Hall Friday at 4 p.m.
This story was written by Izzy Fonfara Drewel. She can be reached at [email protected].
