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Courtney Charles Hames loved all things Japanese and, as a student in the Department of African and Asian Languages and Literatures, was pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida when he died in September of 1990. Courtney transferred to UF after obtaining an associate’s degree through the University of Maryland, while living for several years in Okinawa, Japan. He was gregarious and had an inquisitive mind. Life in Okinawa made Courtney very sensitive to the various misunderstandings that arise when different cultures, in his case American, Okinawan and Japanese, come into contact. Courtney’s patience, insight and good humor allowed him to bridge the gap between cultures. While in Okinawa, he became the first foreigner invited to address a local town meeting to celebrate coming of age at 20. At the University of Florida, Courtney continued to study Japanese language, culture and literature. He became a catalyst for intellectual and social activities among those interested in Japan. He was active in the Japan Club, and became its president. He hosted a bi-weekly dinner at his apartment for those who wished to share their experiences of Japan. Courtney had a strong desire to learn, and a refreshing ability to talk with anyone in a candid manner. Upon Courtney’s death, the UF Department of African and Asian Languages and Literatures established, with contributions from Courtney’s family and his many friends, The Courtney Hames Memorial Award, in which the outstanding student of Japanese language for the academic year is each spring awarded a copy of the Japanese dictionary Kojien. | |
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African
and Asian Languages and Literatures
University of Florida • 470 Grinter Hall
PO Box 115565 • Gainesville, FL 32611-5565
ph (352) 392-2422 • fax (352) 392-1443
University of Florida • 470 Grinter Hall
PO Box 115565 • Gainesville, FL 32611-5565
ph (352) 392-2422 • fax (352) 392-1443
