In Memory of Dr. Edmond Chibeau, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Edmond Chibeau, professor emeritus in the Communication Department, passed away on Jan. 23, 2023. Remembrances from his life and more than 25 years teaching at Eastern will be posted on this page. 

In his tenure at Eastern, Dr. Chibeau taught History of Communication, Scriptwriting and presentations and Introduction to Mass Communication, Social Media Strategies among many other Communication classes. Dr. Chibeau retired from Eastern in May  2022.

Upon his retirement, Dr. Chibeau said: "In 25 years at Eastern's Communication department I believe I have learned as much from my students as I have taught. Education is in your head the way your fist is in your hand; if you don't use it then it is not there. The most important thing you can learn in college is how to think for yourself. I hope I have made some small contribution to my students and to the school as a whole."

"The most important thing you can learn in college is how to think for yourself." -- Edmond Chibeau

Dr. Chibeau was a great dramatic storyteller, listened intently to the stories of his students and fellow faculty and loved walks along Horsebarn Hill near UCONN's Storrs campus. 

An avid poet and script writer, Dr. Chibeau displayed a show of 52 of his theatrical scripts in 2014 at the Windsor Art Center. The show on conceptual art, scripts and performance art was titled “Performance Scripts: The Babbletive and Scribbletive Arts by Edmond Chibeau.”

An avid theater enthusiast, Dr. Chibeau blogged monthly theatre reviews of the shows he had attended from 2006-2020. One of his final reviews was of a performance of one act plays in Willimantic. Of "Kindling," he wrote: "Kindling by Rebecca Steigelfest is the most poetic of the pieces offered in this evening of one acts. It also seemed to be the most personal-confessional.  If I have the quote right Steigelfest  says 'My throat is sore with words I haven’t spoken.' "

Dr. Chibeau also enjoyed performing some of his scripts and poetry as a longtime member of Thread City Poets. He performed his Monologue in Her Voice via YouTube in early 2021. 

Funeral arrangements and a full obituary will also be posted as soon as it is available.

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Please leave your stories about Dr. Edmond Chibeau's life at this link and they will be posted on this page. 

https://easternct.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3afdd1pY3LiAMeO

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This is very sad news. Edmond touched many of his students’ lives, encouraging them to develop and fulfill their creative potential. Some may not know that before his academic career, he was quite active in experimental performance. I had the opportunity to “stage” many of his short performance pieces from a published collection, “ONE,” several years back: most interesting was how open they were to interpretation, by me, the students, and the spectators. Freedom of expression, creativity and thought were key to his own work and pedagogy. We in Theatre also valued the thought-provoking reviews of our shows on his blog, which provided much validation to our efforts considering we are not covered by the local or regional press.  I will miss his friendship and always-stimulating conversations. My deepest sympathy to Amy and Chloe.

- David Pellegrini

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Edmond truly cared about his students’ development and was a generous mentor. I had the pleasure of collaborating with Edmond on many theatrical projects throughout the decades. We had bonded early on upon discovering our mutual overlapping experiences working at La Mama which forged our commitment to new works. Each year, he provided original plays written by his scriptwriting students for my students to direct in what was coined Short Stuff. One of our most satisfying projects together was The Norwich Nine which played at Eastern before touring. Some of our projects never came to production but the creative exploration together was meaningful and satisfying nevertheless. Edmond was a good man and a unique artist who made a positive difference.

My sincere condolences to Amy and Chloe and all his loved ones,

-- Ellen Faith Brodie

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 During my senior year at ECSU, Edmond Chibeau was a major influence on me, both in terms of how I approach playwriting, and how I approach producing live theatre, in general. Not only was he one of my first playwriting mentors, but through his knowledge and his example, I first learned about the history of experimental theatre and the original Off-Off-Broadway movement of the 60s, which continues to inspire me as an artist in New York today. Some of my first short plays in NYC were developed in his classes, and even after I graduated, he continued to support me by appearing on my old podcast & voting for my play in the Broadway World Off-Broadway Awards. I will always be thankful for the role he played in my own life, and I offer my deepest condolences to Amy, Chloe, and the rest of Edmond's family. 

-- Anthony J. Piccione, ECSU Class of 2016, NYC-based playwright, producer & teaching artist

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I returned to college in my 50's and had one more communications class I had to take and it was his Scriptwriting Class. I had never done any kind of scriptwriting before. He took me under his wing and encouraged me to write. I entered a contest sponsored by Eversource, and won! Over 10,000 elementary school kids in CT saw my play Earth Day Every Day in 2017 thanks to Dr. Chibeau and his faith in me. He was there on graduation day in 2016 and announced my name as I walked across the stage. I will hold this memory forever. You touched so many lives Dr. Chibeau. Rest easy, my friend.

-- Debbie Stauffer, ECSU Class of 2016

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Edmond Chibeau was a unique combination between charming gentleman scholar and Beatnik poet. As a new faculty member to campus, I was grateful that he would take the time to talk to me about our shared interest -- theater and plays -- and our conversations were always genuine and upbeat. He knew so much about the theater! I once had the pleasure to see him perform his poetic monologues at Real Art Ways, and his performance was funny, funky, and clever. He genuinely cared about people and took the time to have real conversations. Edmund always seemed delighted to be teaching at Eastern and his personality truly imbued our campus with creativity and kindness. May his spirit continue.

-- Miriam Chirico

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Dr. Chibeau was such a unique and memorable professor, I had scriptwriting with him in 2015 and it was one of my favorite classes of undergrad. My deepest condolences to the Chibeau family through this time.

-- Elana Sadlon

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Today I am truly saddened to say one of my favorite teachers I’ve ever had passed away. I was very lucky to have a handful of professors at Eastern that really believed in me and supported my dreams, and Chibeau was one of those professors. He believed in me as a writer and as a person so deeply, and I will forever be grateful to him for his support. Over the last 8 years since I graduated he would periodically check in with me, which more often times than not consisted of a quirky message that I had to decipher like something of a secret code that he thought I was perhaps smart enough to crack. When I did things like moved to LA to pursue television writing or became a semi-finalist in the Austin Film Festival, I always made sure to send Chibeau an email letting him know my great news. And he was always so happy for me. He knew I could do it, even when I doubted myself. In class, he always made us laugh and kept us on our toes with his quips and observations that came outta left field. He stretched our imaginations and challenged us with different writing assignments. I quite literally would not be the writer I am today without having taken his classes. He is part of the reason I loved attending Eastern so much. And I hope he knows how much his support truly changed my life.

-- Emily Haggett, class of 2015

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We spoke with Edmond in the clock tower parking lot when he was returning his last library book. It was a goodbye that I wouldn't accept at the time. How could such a sensitive poet be leaving? Edmond was a driving force behind the poetry reading in the Julia de Burgos Park, a strong voice on Christine's radio program, a devoted father and husband. 
Our condolences to Amy and Chloe. May his memory be a blessing for us all.  Life and memory are precious. 

-- Debbie and David Stoloff 

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During my time at Eastern, I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to major in. I had recently switched my major to Communication when I enrolled in Dr. Chibeau’s Scriptwriting class. Immediately, I was blown away by his passion for the craft and how well versed he was. He would always remind us how he was Chimamanda Adiche’s advisor and how proud he was of her. His motivating attitude and kind words made me look forward to class and turning my work in. He became the reason I wanted to be screenwriter. Even outside of class, he was a pure & kind soul. He will definitely be missed but I’m glad to have been able to learn from him while he was here. 

-- Hason Peart, Eastern CT State U - Class of 2021 

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Like the rest of you, I am saddened by the news of Edmond's death.  As others have said, he was a great friend of the theatre department including our students.  At a more personal level, he was most supportive of my work on campus as well.  Most memorably for me, however, was his generosity and kindness in his response to a creative writing piece I had written and shared with him shortly before my retirement.  Creative writing was a far cry from my other professional endeavors; I was quite nervous about what he might think. He took my request seriously, however, and, a few days later, I got a lengthy response filled with suggestions.  It was quite thorough.  Each and everyone of his comments was presented in the most thoughtful, supportive, and kindest way imaginable.  His response was a masterwork in how, in the best of all possible worlds, one might respond to a student's efforts.  I was encouraged, as I am sure many of his students were encouraged, to keep at it and to keep writing.

It was no small wonder that he was beloved by so many of our students.

Rest in peace, Edmond

-- Chase Rozelle, Emeritus

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With sadness, I learned of the passing of Edmond Chibeau.  As so many others have said, he was a gentle and generous man.  I first met him when we worked together on the play, "Norwich Nine;" where I did research for the project.  Whenever we met thereafter he always had time, a smile and kind words. I can only imagine what a wonderful professor and person he was with his students and friends.   They certainly are part of his wonderful legacy. 

-- Barbara Tucker, Connecticut Studies, Emeritus

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To all of my ECSU friends and to Edmond's family, I am so heartbroken to hear this sad news. Edmond will be fondly remembered by so many.

-- Bill Yousman 

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I am devastated by the loss of our colleague and friend, Edmond Chibeau. Until the pandemic, he and I were Starbucks buddies who continually kept one another from getting any work done on weekends with our lengthy and meandering conversations. Edmond was a true Renaissance man—a philosopher, a poet, a keen political and social observer, a playwright, a performer, a professor par excellence, and a kind, dear friend. Our university has lost a great one! Heartfelt condolences to Amy and Chloe.   

-- Jeffrey Trawick-Smith, Professor Emeritus

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It is with deep sadness and heavy heart to learn about the passing of Edmond Chibeau, a great colleague. He was always supportive on my work and a vocal advocates for the arts . His sweet, gentle, and warm personality will always be in my heart and memories.

May his soul rest in peace. 

Dr. Edmond Chibeau was my very first adviser, and through the years he insisted on following along and knowing my life, even after college. He always took a huge interest in his students, and as an international student, I truly felt welcome in his office or just talking about random weird things in the hallway. He was definitely special. My condolences to his family.

-- Charlie Ranger / Sibbesen

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 Dr. Chibeau taught the very first course I ever took at Eastern—Mass Communication—and what an example he was! An intriguing and sophisticated man whose lecture could delve in any direction. Over the years I took several of his courses, including Script Writing, which was an absolute standout among my entire college education, and I also got to know him as the easygoing advisor of the Campus Lantern. I will remember Dr. Chibeau as a kind and worldly man whose mark deeply imprinted my very positive Eastern experience.

-- Mike Rouleau, '11

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I considered Edmond a friend.. We shared a love of writing snd learning. He kindly introduced me at one of my book launches. As a colleague at ECSU, he always stopped to chat, and I frequently ran into him at Starbucks, his go-to writing place. It is a rare person who continually reinvents himself creatively but Edmond was such a person. He pushed the boundaries, experimenting with new ways to express himself. I am glad to have known him. My heartfelt condolences to Amy and Chloe.

-- Lisa C. Taylor

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Dr. Chibeau changed the way I write infinitesimally for the better. He inspired me to share my work with others, and not keep my stories quiet. In everything I feared, he helped build over that. He changed so many of our lives, and everyone always left his class with a smile. May his memory live on eons beyond him, as his legacy will in us.

-- Karla Pacheco

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So very saddened to hear of Dr. Edmond Chibeau’s passing. We were in a poetry group together and often read together in the park… even last June. He was always so encouraging of my poetry writing & even offered to help edit my plays when I began writing scripts. Such creative energy there - he will surely be missed! My sincere sympathy to his wife and daughter. 

-- MW Murphy

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For the last 18 years or so, on quiet Thursday nights around 6:30pm or so, I typically head for campus to watch over the Eastern Television newscast. 

I almost always go to my office to grab a seltzer before I head for the tv studio.  And before he got sick and before the pandemic, 999 times out of a 1000, Edmond was in his office.  Usually, he was hanging out with Martin Seymour.  Piles of takeout wrappers surrounded by stacks of papers, folders, books, and all other manner of academic debris sort of engulfed the two of them.   

I always stopped (unless I was late)...and the three of us would start talking about whatever was in the news, the state of the department, or of the university, or of the world, or some other esoteric thing - Marshall McLuhan, the pros and cons of woodstoves; Derrida, the pros and cons of lawn tractors; Edward Said, the pros and cons of wall-to-wall carpet; Frederic Jameson; the pros and cons of political parties; Theodor Adorno; and on and on -- and when hardly pressed...Edmond loved football so we would talk about that...he used to play football).   

Martin and Edmond were New Yorkers (Edmond grew up there) and so they shared that experience with me...and they would tell me endless stories about the city. (one that comes to mind is that when Edmond was a kid he used to hang outside of jazz clubs in NYC just so that he could hear the music).   

Edmond loved offbeat anything -- theatre, music, poetry, fiction, playwriting, journalism, fashion, video, television, radio, film, political cartoons, free speech, sound, light, noise, theory (esp. communication and rhetorical theory), philosophy, criticism, and the human condition. He had a great beret, a Ph.D. and a beat-up leather briefcase. 

Edmond was late for everything.  Sometimes, he would forget he had class and the students would simply go over to the union (or the library) and grab him.  No big deal.  Class starts when the professor arrives.    

I have so many impressions.  One of my favorites is when the Mansfield public schools were closed for whatever reason, Edmond would bring Chloe to school.  She would sit in the back of the classroom, usually reading or coloring while Dad taught class. Faculty meetings and retreats; I don't know how many search committee meetings (where Edmond would throw the weirdest curveball questions, "What does the ND filter do on a camera?"  "What do you think about post-capitalism?"), Jaime and Sophia's wedding; the Storrs Starbucks; the excitement of a new Campus Lantern issue; the absolutely crazy speeches he would give to parents/students at our annual awards gathering, and Thursday nights.  

Soon...I'll head to the Communication Building for Eastern Television news.  I'll head to my office to grab a seltzer.  Edmond and Martin won't be there.  I can't tell you how hard that is for me.  I miss Edmond. I miss Martin.  I'll be fine.  I'll head downstairs to the studio and the students will need me for one thing or another. 

I do imagine a faculty office in the sky...full of takeout wrappers, piles of books, papers, folders, scripts, and other dusty academic debris engulfing Edmond and Martin...where the conversation continues.  

I had the honor to write and deliver Edmond's retirement speech last Spring.  I've attached it (unedited and with performance notes...sorry)...if anyone would like to read it.  

I am in touch with Amy.  I've taken the liberty to forward all of your emails to her (she is very much appreciative of the memories and tributes). Also...she said, "I welcome all reminiscences, no matter how vague."  If you want to email her directly, she is Eye4dance@aol.com ...   

One thing Amy said: “In lieu of flowers" -- memorials can go to Playwrights Horizons who believed in his talent enough to present his work at Lincoln Center so many years ago. 

https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/support-us/ways-to-give/ 

 Thanks for reading...  I hope all of you are well.   I have to head to the studio now.

 -- Andrew Utterback, Communication professor

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 I have been crying a little, pasting tributes to this site and crying a little more while thinking what I would write as a tribute to Edmond all week. 

When I first came to Eastern in February 2019 as the secretary in Communication and Education, I was a recovering journalist and editor wondering what my next chapter might be. Edmond was thrilled to "have a real, live journalist working in the Communication department," even though I was just freelancing occassionally at that point. Tis' true, he often whisked in to the office wearing his beret with papers askew under his arm a few minutes before class was to start. 

When he returned from class, he would slow down to ask me to read whatever draft I was working on for my former news service, and he would give this critique or that idea. Edmond was a great friend and intent, devoted listener. We exchanged wacky stories from my time living in China or his New York upbringing. His boisterous storytelling style was a joy to listen to as well. 

At our last meeting in July, my husband, son and I were playing mini golf on the square in Mansfield when I looked up to see Edmond walking through the square. I called to him and introduced him to my son and my husband. We showed him phone photos of some of our recent New England travels, and he and my husband talked of philosophical subjects within Sociology. 

Then, after hugging goodbye, Edmond walked toward his favorite writing spot and place of imagination mining -- Starbucks. I was always sad to see him go. 

-- Amanda Irwin, Administrative Assistant to the Provost

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 I was fortunate to work with Dr. Chibeau over several semesters, both virtually and through phone calls. The first time I heard his voice, I couldn't help but think it was perfect for television or radio. It was soothing and relaxing, truly one of a kind. However, as I got to know him better through our meetings, I discovered that he was not only unique in his voice, but also as a person - like the molecular structure of a snowflake, each interaction with him was one of a kind.

Despite only meeting for 45 minutes at a time, I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to experience Dr. Chibeau's uniqueness. My only regret is that we never had the chance to meet in person. He will always be remembered as that special voice in my mind, even as I write this I can hear it. You will be missed, Dr. Edmond Chibeau.

-- Anonymous

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I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Chibeau as he was one of my greatest inspirations during my time at Eastern. After switching my major to Communication, uncertain if I had made the right decision, I found myself sitting in Dr. Chibeau’s Scriptwriting class where I instantly knew that this is where I belonged. At the time, I was apprehensive of sharing my writing with others, but Dr. Chibeau created a safe atmosphere in his class where I felt compelled to do so. One day when I arrived to class, he started handing out copies of the latest Campus Lantern issue. To my surprise, he had published my script that I had written for his class on the front page of the paper. After that, I had made it my mission to take every course offered by Dr. Chibeau and join him at the Campus Lantern. He was truly one of the reasons that helped me get to where I am today. I am forever grateful to Dr. Chibeau for believing in me and for his support even after I graduated. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.

-- Marissa Starkel, '20

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Edmond and I worked together when he took his PHD at Northwestern University. He was a wonderful colleague. Peace and blessings to Edmond, his family, and all of us.

-- James Schwoch, Northwestern University

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Edmond was one of the first people I met at ECSU. Our interests and backgrounds were similar and we became fast friends. We'd meet for lunch or coffee, co-teach a few classes together when our schedules merged, and run into each other once in awhile at Mansfield Library. He was a true friend, colleague, and mentor. More so, he was a deeply kind and generous man. He would leave inspiring and uplifting messages in response to my posts on Facebook. He wrote me a wonderful recommendation letter. He was just a great soul in every way and my deepest condolences to his lovely wife and daughter - and all of us who are honored to have known him. We are all immeasurably better for it.

-- Matthew J. Gallagher

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Dr. Chibeau challenged me to be a better writer and not settle for mediocrity or the easy route. I have and will always thank him for that.

-- Brian Labrecque

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Edmond was a frequent customer in CIT and I met him roughly 20 years ago. I enjoyed his friendship over the years, discussing literature, theatre, the creative process, all things he was so eloquently able to discuss. I suspect that is what made him a good teacher, it's one thing to do something well, but being able to reflect on it, identify the process, and then communicate it to others is another skill entirely. Personally, he was very giving with his time, routinely watching my children's Shakespeare productions and other creative projects I engage in, and giving critical but supportive feedback. He was an excellent role model and I'll miss him.

-- Mike Palumbo

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Dr. Chibeau was an absolute treasure both during my time at ECSU and away. Not only was he my advisor, but also one of my favorite professors. His scriptwriting class gave me so much joy and experience that I jumped at the chance to take a second version of it the very next semester! He was an incredibly kind soul who always believed in my writing capabilities and helped me however he could. In one of the last email correspondenses I had with him, he let me know I could always use him as a reference when I asked if he was willing to be one for a job I was applying for. I wish I could have chatted with him a final time before he passed, but he will always hold a place in my heart. May he rest in peace.

--- Kaitlyn Rasmussen

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It was very sad to hear about the death of Dr. Chibeau. He was a man with unmatched passion, energy and truly cared about the effect he had on his students. He was my first ever college professor and had a strong impact on me. He was knowledgeable, inspiring and had this crazy way of teaching that kept you on the edge of the seat,, laughing and engaged. He definitely made you think in a unique and different way. I was lucky enough not to just have Dr. Chibeau as a professor. I worked with him in the communications office as a student worker for the 4 years I attended Eastern. He sure kept my job interesting! You never knew what he was going to say or what task he was going to have you do. I always remember having very thoughtful, intellectual and deep conversations with him about really anything and everything He didn’t just preach, he listened and never took anyone opinion for granted. He didn’t want to just teach he wanted to learn and he knew he could learn from anyone. I don’t think any student that took his class could forget him and know i never will. There is no way to measure the impact and influence he has made to all his students and legacy he leaves behind at eastern. Thank you Dr. Chibeau for all the great memories and hope to celebrate the life you lived and the all the lives you changed for best.

-- Austin Darley

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This news makes me so sad. This man was one of the most memorable professors ever! He was so funny and supportive, and his classes were always engaging. He made me believe I was smart and had contributions to make in this world. He encouraged me to write after a close friend died and I don’t know if I would have made it through the grief without his encouragement and endless feedback. What a gift he gave all his students just by caring and encouraging us through a hopeful but scary time in our lives. RIP Dr Chibeau! You will not be forgotten.

-- Wendy Evans

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Dr. Chibeau was a great faculty advisor, Campus Lantern advisor, teacher and friend. He always offered great advice. I last saw him at his art show at the Windsor Art Center many years after I graduated from Eastern.

--- Corey Sipe

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Dr. Chibeau was simply put, inspired and inspiring! He got “jazzed” about everything, even doing little dances of joy like a child, and it was contagious. As a student, he encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and set me up with an Independent Study project at The Curbstone Press, an experience that was beyond rewarding. I am forever grateful to have known this extraordinary man and teacher. Sending love to his family and all who were privileged to know him at ECSU.

--- Sandy (Heller) Potter

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Although I only had Dr. Chibeau for one semester and it was virtual, he was a wonderful professor. His passion and dedication to the field are unmatched. He was such an asset to the Communication Department at Eastern, he will certainly be missed!

--- Eden Fritz Aguiar

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Dr.  Chibeau was my advisor when I was at Eastern, and he was so generous with his time. He always made himself available for his students and gave solid advice. He will be greatly missed. 

--- Lauren

Dr. Chibeau was also active in the My Windham Project, seen in this video at 3:35 minutes. 

A student interview with Dr. Chibeau nine years ago.