Latimer, John Francis, 1903-1990.

John Francis Latimer (1903-1990) was a Professor of Classics at The George Washington University. He was born in Clinton, Mississippi in 1903. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1918 and from Mississippi College with an A.B. degree in 1922. He earned an A.M. degree from the University of Chicago in 1926 and a Ph.D. in Classics from Yale University in 1929. After various teaching jobs both at the high school and college level, he came to GW in 1936 and became a Full Professor in 1954, and Professor Emeritus of Classics in 1973. During his tenure at the University he served as chair of the Classics Department from 1936-71, continuing to teach until 1973. He also served as University Marshal from 1953-69. He published over 125 articles on classical subjects and What's Happened to our High Schools, a book on the history of the high school curriculum. He prepared a new, special Bicentennial edition of Glass's A Life of George Washington in Latin Prose. Continuing his military service he attained the rank of Captain in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Dr. Latimer possessed great personal charm and generosity and was a friend and counselor to countless students and friends. The John Francis Latimer Prize in Classics was established in 1973 and is awarded to a graduating senior who has the most outstanding record as a major in the Department of Classics.