Art Hove, administrator and campus historian, dies at 80

Between the longevity of his time on campus and his knack for being present at key moments, Art Hove played a role in seven decades of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s history.

Hove died on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at Capitol Lakes Health Center in Madison. He was 80. The cause was primary lateral sclerosis, a rare neuromuscular disorder.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, Dec. 27 at 2:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, in Madison. A reception will follow.

Hove earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from the university, beginning his career as editor of the Wisconsin Alumnus (precursor to On Wisconsin magazine). He was hired to assist UW President Fred Harvey Harrington in 1967 and assisted chancellors, vice presidents and provosts until his retirement in 1996.

He also served as director of the Office of Public Information from 1970-1989, and served as a lecturer for courses in the School of Business, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and Department of Art.

Because of his longevity and love of the university, Hove gained recognition as a chronicler of university history. He published several books, including “The University of Wisconsin: A Pictorial History”; “The First Fifteen Years: 1984-1999” about the University Research Park; and “Progressive Printmakers: Wisconsin Artists and the Print Renaissance” (co-authored with Warrington Colescott).

Well after his official retirement, his contributions continued. Most recently, in 2012, he edited and contributed to a book commemorating the Year of the Arts, celebrating the history of the arts on the UW–Madison campus.

Hove married his wife, Norma, in 1960. She survives him, as do their sons: James (Chikako) of Maibara, Japan; William (Stephanie, with grandchildren Henry and Olivia) of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; and Thomas (Hye-Jin) of Seoul, South Korea.

Memorials may be made to Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, P.O. Box 55056, Madison, Wisconsin 53705 or to Agrace Hospice Care, 4395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison 53711.

A full obituary profile will follow.