Sam Rich wasn't afraid to speak his mind, and most would say that was one of the best things about him.
The former University of Utah professor of political science and founder of the Hinckley Institute of Politics International Relations program — known for his strong, outspoken opinion and keen mind — died on Christmas Day at 91 but left behind a significant gift to the school, including his own legacy.
"He was always a professor, even in his everyday interactions with people and family and friends," said Rochelle McConkie, a student assistant at the Hinckley Institute assigned to write a biography about Rich and his contributions to the school and to the Salt Lake community.
"He lived a very full life," she said, adding that during recent conversations and interviews, it was apparent that he loved his students and thoroughly enjoyed his 31 years of teaching at the U. and abroad.
As a member of the Alta Club's "Damned Old Democrats" group, which met every Friday to talk about politics, Rich would often ignite the conversation, leading to further dialogue concerning his all-time passion — international affairs and foreign policy. Throughout his experiences, Rich strived to increase recognition of the U. on a global level, according to Hinckley Institute Director Kirk Jowers, who deemed Rich a "good friend."
"His goal was always to bring international ideas and understanding to Utah and also to take Utah's ideas international," he said. "His thoughts and his musings weren't just for the academics."
Rich served as the U.S. vice consul to Spain during World War II, and received the Ford Fellowship, which led to the creation of the International Relations degree program at the U. During his long teaching career, he held visiting professorships at schools in various countries and served as President John F. Kennedy's appointee as professor of foreign affairs at the National War College in Washington, D.C. He was a local expert on foreign policy and contributed to a number of textbooks on the subject.
"He spoke his mind but was always respectful of people's differences," McConkie said. "He was a magnanimous person. He always cared about others and wanted his money to help other people."
Active in community affairs, Rich was a past chairman of the Art Barn on Finch Lane, member of the board of trustees at St. Mark's School and served as president of the Salt Lake Committee on Foreign Relations, the Inter-American Council of Utah and the Utah United Nations Association. He also was a past director of UNESCO and on the board at the Jewish Community Center's McGillis School.
Rich was a generous donor to other programs at the U., as well as to KUED, Pioneer Memorial Theatre, the Huntsman Cancer Institute and many other organizations.
The U. publication about Rich will be housed at the university library as part of university history and available to the public but is especially intended to let students who benefit from the Sam Rich program at the U. understand "who this great man is that made it all possible," Jowers said. "He has had such a philanthropic and impactful effect on the life of the university, we don't want his life to be lost to the next generation of students."
A graveside service was held Wednesday, followed by a celebration at the Alta Club for family and friends of Rich, of whom there were many, McConkie said.
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