Hugo taught at Knox College and the University of Oklahoma before joining the faculty of ����vlog in 1966. He taught Latin American and Spanish Literature for the next 29 years until his retirement in 1995.����

A first generation Mexican-American raised in South Chicago, Hugo earned his bachelor of arts degree in Spanish from the University of Chicago, and his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Northwestern University.����

In addition to teaching, Hugo was passionate about writing. During his tenure at Lawrence, he published “The Last Laugh and Other Stories,” a collection of short stories about life in the Mexican-American community of South Chicago, a selection from which was published in Chicago magazine. In retirement, Hugo continued to write, publishing two novels, “Enamored Dust,” and “The Brothers Duran of Mexican South Chicago.” He published a new edition of his short stories titled “Steeling Chicago: South Side Stories.”����

Throughout his life, Hugo was committed to education and social justice. He adored teaching and though he expected much of his students, he was always encouraging and supportive of them. One of his former students, Barbara Lawton ’87, a current member of the Lawrence Board of Trustees and former Wisconsin Lt. Governor (2003-11), described the impact Hugo made on her academic journey.����

“I was convinced that if Hugo would take the time to publish his brilliant method of teaching the complexities and nuances of the Spanish language, it would become the gold standard,” she said. “But he was leading students to see how language revealed culture, and then to learn how to read and write anew in the study of Latin American literature. And then the conversation continued at regular tertulias (salons) hosted in his home, building a vibrant community of Spanish speakers. I came to Lawrence to test my intellectual mettle, and Hugo pushed me, and all his students, to discover themselves as scholars. The quintessential Lawrence difference. He gave us his all.”����

Another former student, Peter Kelly ’87, echoed Lawton’s sentiments about finding challenge and inspiration in equal measures in Hugo’s classes.����

“Hugo was obsessive in his drive to have students not simply read and follow plot, but also to live within the words on the page,” Peter said. “He never let general observations on characters or narrative go unchallenged, always exhorting the student to justify based on text. He would bring his whole body to bear, patiently quieting his voice while deepening his gaze as he strained to place the student back into the pages of the story or novel while guiding the reader to find the author’s precise word choice or phrasing that substantiated the general observation. It could be a tiring and painful exercise, but it was clear that Hugo gave energy in equal measure to the student. He was indefatigable in the classroom, usually patient, always demanding, and relentlessly supportive.”��

Frances Siekman Romero ’73 was part of a study group travelling with Hugo to Guanajuato, Mexico, for an experience that would end up changing the course of her life.����

“Professor Martinez encouraged me to be open, to adapt, and to fully embrace a new culture—even when it meant stepping far outside my comfort zone and learning to accept whatever was placed before me,” Frances said. “Little did I know, I would embrace the culture a little too well—and never leave. It was in Guanajuato where I met my husband, the father of my children, and where the foundation of my family began. That journey has brought us 10 children and 10 grandchildren, and in 2000, I became First Lady of Guanajuato when my husband, Juan Carlos Romero, became governor. Professor Hugo Martinez did more than teach—he opened doors, broadened perspectives, and created opportunities that continue to ripple across generations. His legacy lives on in my life and my family because of the experiences that began with him. I am forever in his debt.”��

Luis Alberto Villaseñor G. ’79 met Hugo in Guanajuato, Mexico, where the professor served as director of ����vlog’s off-campus program for Spanish students. He learned about Lawrence from students in the program and dreamed of one day attending himself. Thanks to what he described as a combination of providence and generosity, Luis was able to enroll at Lawrence, where he earned his B.A. in Mathematics.����

“Despite my focus on mathematics, I had always intended to take a class with Professor Martínez—or as my mother affectionately called him when she first met him in Guanajuato, Señor Mister Martínez,” Luis said. “His course on the great Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes was among the finest I took in my entire academic career. Professor Martínez was an exceptional lecturer—passionate, deeply knowledgeable in Spanish literature, and uniquely gifted at guiding students to fully appreciate what is often considered the greatest novel ever written, Don Quixote. His lectures transported us to the age of knights and chivalry, making us feel as though we ourselves were setting out to battle windmills or falling in love with the imagined beauty of Dulcinea. In the classroom, he would vividly bring to life the sardonic humor and earthy wisdom of Sancho Panza, while also conveying the timeless reflections of Don Quixote as he instructed his loyal squire in the deeper meanings of life. While deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Martinez, we are profoundly grateful for the privilege of having known him.”����

For Juan Hernandez, a visit by Hugo to his parent’s Instituto Guanajuato for Arts and Languages would shape the course of Juan’s life.����

“A gifted teacher and writer, Dr. Martinez inspired in me a deep appreciation for language and literature,” Juan said. “During that visit, he spoke about an assistantship scholarship for students from the University of Guanajuato to work with the Spanish faculty and their students. I immediately applied, and within a few months, at only age 17, I was on my way to Lawrence. The Martha Siekman family in Appleton welcomed me as one of their own, supporting not only me but many students over the years, as generous donors to Lawrence. Guided by extraordinary mentors, I completed my B.A. at age 19, becoming one of the youngest graduates in the University’s history. I was not an “A” student, but I was a student who understood the value of those mentors, especially Professor Martínez. Years later, I earned my Ph.D. in Spanish and English Letters – a path that began with his encouragement. I will never forget the support I received from Dr. Martínez.”����

Outside the classroom, Hugo worked for social justice in all its forms. He was most proud of his family’s role as resident family for the Appleton chapter of the ABC (A Better Chance) program for two academic years in 1970-71 and 1971-72. In this role, he and his wife, Mary-Alice, provided guardian care, moral support, a positive learning environment, and home-cooked meals for 10 young men who attended Appleton area high schools. A highlight of his time at Lawrence was the great honor of hosting acclaimed poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou at his home when she came to Appleton in 1976 to receive an honorary degree from Lawrence.��

In retirement, Hugo moved to Colorado and then New Mexico before settling in Madison, Wisconsin to be near his children. Fiercely independent to the end, he was an accomplished cook who enjoyed reading, classical music, fine food, good wine, and most of all, the company of those he loved.����

Though he is deeply missed, his spirit lives on through his stories, and through the memories of all those who cherish him. He is survived by his loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.��

The family requests that gifts in Hugo’s memory be made to the Lawrence Fund. ��

Fares holds a Ph.D. in Latin American literature from the University of Pittsburgh; a master’s degree in foreign languages and literature from West Virginia University; a master’s in visual arts, painting, and printmaking from West Virginia University; and a J.D. law��degree from Universidad de Buenos Aires.

We caught up with Fares to talk about interests in and out of the classroom.

In the classroom

Inside info:��What’s one thing you want every student coming into your classes to know about you?

This is my 22nd year at Lawrence, and I love my work. I would like students to know that I am here to help them be successful in any way that I can in the classroom and outside of it. I see their time in the classroom as one part of their education. Playing sports, living in an educational-residential environment, traveling while studying abroad, to name just a few activities, are also part of their education, and I love it when they take advantage of what Lawrence has to offer.

Getting energized:��What work have you done or will you be doing at Lawrence that gets you the most excited?

Teaching and learning get me energized. I love to share what I bring to the classroom, and I also learn so much from my students. For me, it is a privilege to be part of their lives, and their energy and enthusiasm provide me with incentives to try to be better at what I do. In terms of learning, I also enjoy traveling and doing research, which I then bring back to my courses.

Going places:��Is there an example of somewhere your career has taken you (either a physical space or something more intellectual, emotional, or spiritual) that took you by surprise?

In 2008, I had the chance to teach for the Semester at Sea program, which took me and my family on a semester-long voyage in a ship around the world. In 2011, I taught again on a summer voyage throughout the Mediterranean. To have had these experiences as part of my career continues to impact me by how they opened my eyes to so many different and diverse cultures and peoples.��

Out of the classroom

This or that:��If you weren’t teaching for a living, what would you be doing?

I have been creating art for as long as I can remember. If I weren’t teaching, I would spend more time painting, drawing, and making prints. My work is represented by Marzén Gallery/Integrated Art Works, in Madison, and can be seen .

Right at home:��Whether for work, relaxation, or reflection, what’s your favorite spot on campus?

I love to sit and read in the Pusey Room in the Warch Campus Center. I have always enjoyed the vistas from the windows, the quiet space, the light. For me, it is an ideal place to just be.

One book, one recording, one film:��Name one of each that speaks to your soul? Or you would recommend to a friend? Or both?

A book I read as a teenager and have been re-reading ever since is the novel Pedro Páramo by the Mexican writer Juan Rulfo. Each time I read it, it acquires a different resonance, as happens with most good literature, according to what is going on at the time in my life. Its ghostly characters, their search for (dead) family members, the dream world they inhabit, their strong criticism to social and religious mores, make it a fascinating work of fiction.

I enjoy sci-fi movies since they portray alternative realities, allowing us to consider our world from different perspectives. Two of my favorite films are Blade Runner andthe sequel, Blade Runner 2049. The films inquiry into what is human and what is not, through the expedient of the replicants, and how to tell one from the other, is a topic that has become much more discussed given the prevalence of A.I. today.

I’m also a podcast fan, and I recommend The Moth. The stories are interesting and engaging.

“The film festival was born in 2012, so this is its 10th anniversary,” Tapia: said.��“To celebrate this milestone, we are bringing special guest Dr. Javier Guerrero from Princeton University, a leading scholar in Latin American and Film Studies.”

Guerrero will give a talk about famous Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar (4:30 p.m. Oct. 14) before the screening of his latest film,��Parallel Mothers. Guerrero is the author of many important books about Latin American cinema and literature, and he was the 2017 winner of the Latin American Studies Association’s Sylvia Molloy Award.

“Dr. Guerrero was a Postdoctoral Fellow at ����vlog in 2011-2012 and he was one of the original organizers of the film festival, so this is a very special homecoming and anniversary for all of us,” Tapia said.

The five films featured this year represent different Spanish-speaking countries: Argentina, México, Spain, Costa Rica, and Peru. The movies have won numerous international awards and almost all are from 2021.

Below is the lineup for this year’s LULASFF (you can find additional information by clicking on the film titles in the event’s web page,��):

Free admission to Warch Cinema. All films are rated “R” (Restricted) or “NR” (Not rated for US audiences). Viewer discretion is advised.

Thursday, October 13

5 p.m.: THE WEASELS’ TALE / El cuento de las comadrejas�� (Argentina, 2019)

8 p.m.: PRAYERS FOR THE STOLEN / Noche de fuego�� (Mexico, 2021)

Friday, October 14

4:30 p.m.: “Almodóvar: A Critical Take.” Javier Guerrero (Princeton University)

5:30 p.m.: PARALLEL MOTHERS / Madres paralelas (Spain, 2021)

Saturday, October 15

5 p.m.: CLARA SOLA (Costa Rica, 2021)

8 p.m.: THE GOOD BOSS / El buen patrón�� (Spain, 2021)

Sunday, October 16

2 p.m.: A��WORLD FOR JULIUS / Un mundo para Julius (Peru, 2021)