Remembering Fr. Bosch
Rev. William J. Bosch, S.J.
September 28, 1928 - August 26, 2023
Le Moyne College Archivist 1997-2022
Ordained as a Jesuit in 1960, Rev. William J. Bosch served in several roles during his time at Le Moyne, including professor of history, 30-year moderator of International House (IH), and the College's long-time archivist.
Ordination & Scholarship
Father Bosch was ordained as priest June 18, 1960, at Fordham University Church, Bronx, NY. He pursued graduate studies in American History at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 1966. He joined the faculty of Le Moyne College in 1966, and retired from the faculty as Professor of History in 2004, and afterward served as College Archivist until 2022.
His book, Judgement on Nuremburg: American Attitudes toward the Major War Crimes Trials, published by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Press in 1966, with a second edition being reissued by U.N.C. Press in 2011, continues to be a highly respected resource in studies of the Nuremburg Trials.
International House
From 1966 to 1996, Fr. Bosch served as the moderator of International House, a student organization, community, and campus center for reflection, study and service. Its members regularly gathered to promote social justice and peace making through accompaniment and engagement with people and communities in need, locally and nationally. The IH community provided a prophetic witness to the importance of creating a more just society and culture, respecting and taking action to foster peace, locally, nationwide and internationally. Father Bosch, called "Padre" by IH members, challenged and inspired members and the Le Moyne campus community to embrace core Christian values of social justice and the promotion of peace. Under his guidance, International House became not only a place to gather but even more a way of living for its members. IH became a catalyst within the college community encouraging others to live boldly the core value of service to others, via faith, using tools of study and reflection leading to promotion of the dignity of every human person.
College Archives
From 1997-2022, Father Bosch meticulously documented the history of Le Moyne College through his work as the College Archivist. He served as collector and curator, historian, and guide for researchers using the collection. Through his tireless efforts, the legacy of Le Moyne College has been preserved for generations to come.
William J. Bosch, S.J. Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2016, Le Moyne College created the William J. Bosch, S.J. Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize the accomplishments and transformative contributions of an exceptional individual over their years of college service, with Fr. Bosch himself being the first recipient.