University of New Orleans mourns veteran history professor

The University of New Orleans recently mourned the passing of a beloved history professor.

John O'Connor, 78, who served at the university for over 30 years, died from leukemia in February.

Both a professor and researcher, O'Connor spent time studying international relations. He completed a two-year Fullbright program in Paris, during which time he studied foreign affairs and war archives. He also studied treason, especially in relation to Spain and France. O'Connor also spent time in Haiti to better understand the revolutions that took place in the late 1700s.

O'Connor completed his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota and served as an assistant professor of history for the University of Wisconsin.

He enjoyed a wide range of activities, including reading cookbooks and detective stories. He also had a deep appreciation of the arts and enjoyed attending the ballet in New York City, as his daughter was a member of the American Ballet Theatre.