Dr. Ramiro Lagos
1922 – 2023
In a world adorned in sepia tones over a century ago, Dr. Ramiro Lagos was born on September 24th, 1922, in the city of Zapatoca, Colombia. His journey, a tapestry woven with threads of trials and triumphs, had a profound impact on those who surrounded him. Colombia recognized and celebrated his work, authoring 27 books of verse and prose in addition to four anthologies of poetry from Latin America and Spain. From Testimonio de las horas grises to the melodies of Cantos de la epopeya de America, Dr. Lagos’s reach hearts across multiple continents.
Yet, beyond the halls of academia, Dr. Lagos embodied a spirit of boundless compassion and unyielding integrity. His warm presence touched the lives of multitudes, connecting with individuals from all walks of life, transcending generational divides and forming meaningful connections effortlessly. His legacy, however, transcends the written word. Dr. Lagos was a pioneer of cross-cultural understanding, guiding students on transformative journeys through Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Madrid, Spain starting in the early 80s and continuing until he was well into his 80s, a testament to the dedication he had for his students.
In 1966, Dr. Lagos found his home at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where his wisdom and generosity illuminated the minds of generations. His writing never ceased, publishing his final poetry book at the age of 99, as an Emeritus Professor. Dr. Ramiro Lagos continues his legacy to encourage, support, promote, and publicize the creation of high-quality poetic works through the annual Ramiro Lagos Poetry Prize, encouraging new generations of poets to grow in their craft.
As we bid farewell to Dr. Ramiro Lagos, may he rest in peace, let us cherish the mark he has left upon our hearts and minds. His life was a testament to the beauty of wisdom and verse, and his memory will forever serve as an enduring source of inspiration for all of us.
