Matthew was hired in October 2005 as an academic professional to provide support for the Graduate Program in Digital Media in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC). During his time here he was, himself, a graduate student, finishing a Shakespeare dissertation at Georgia State. His time in LMC was marked by an exponential increase in program activity including the advent of the Ph.D. program, the growth of a one million a year research program, multiple searches for new faculty, multiple visiting scholars, yearly admissions processes involving 100 applications and maddeningly awful software systems, and–in 2010– a move of the entire program to new lab facilities which coincided with a transition to a new program director.
Matthew’s hard work, sweetness of temperament, and earnest concern for the welfare of others was a key factor in the success of the program through all these changes. At the same time as his job became more demanding, his family life was becoming exponentially busier, with his wife Ruth, whom he supported in finishing her own English dissertation, and four beautiful children. We were fortunate to have both Ruth and Matthew teach in the undergraduate program of LMC during these years, Matthew as part of his academic professional appointment, and Ruth for three years as a Brittain Fellow.
During this time the faculty and students of the program often saw the well-behaved, remarkably beautiful McIntyre children sprawled on the floor of Matthew’s office drawing, or sometimes being a little more audible and active in the corridors. Matthew handled all of these responsibilities with the same calm spirit and generous, good-natured dedication, though he often came to work without having slept the night before. Matthew finished his Ph.D. in 2010, and took a job at St. Pius X High School, which he found deeply gratifying. During the transition period when we were looking for his successor, Matthew came in after his school day, working two jobs to keep us all afloat. He did this in his usual uncomplaining manner.
For more than six years, Matthew McIntyre was a beautiful presence in LMC, and he will be remembered that way by everyone who knew him.
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