McKeown Passing

It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Adam McKeown died in a tragic accident last Sunday. Adam received his Ph.D. from the History Department at the University of Chicago, working with Professors Guy Alitto, Prasenjit Duara and Gerald Suttles. He taught at Northeastern University and then moved to Columbia University, where he was tenured.

Adam was a uniquely gifted scholar and a pioneer in the field of global history and the study of the Chinese diaspora. His two monographs, Chinese Migrant Networks and Cultural Change (Chicago 2001) and Melancholy Order (Columbia 2008), are examples of his superb scholarly work. He helped lead the shift toward transnational approaches to historical research and was one of the founders of Columbia’s International and Global History program. Adam left the academy a few years ago, but he remained close to the department. He was a wonderful individual who enjoyed living by his own rules, exploring the world, and raising a lovely daughter.  He will be sorely missed.

Adam is survived by his mother and his daughter, Gina. The family will hold a private service this week. A memorial service will be organized later in the Fall.