William B. Cohen’s family fled to Finland, where he was born, to escape Nazi Germany. From there, his family moved to Sweden and then, following the war, to Ethiopia, where his father was a physician for the World Health Organization. He spoke German, French, Swedish, Amharic, and some Italian—all, as he liked to say, with an accent.

After his father died, his family moved to California, where he received his university degrees. He came to Indiana University in 1967, where he served, among other positions, as the chair of the Department of History and the director of Graduate Studies. A historian of France and French colonialism, he published many books, and was working on a last book project on the Algerian War in French memory at the time of his accidental death.

Professor Cohen is always remembered for his warmth and wit. He helped an extraordinary number of graduate students pursue successful academic careers, so it is particularly fitting that this fellowship in his name should benefit them.

Thank you for your generous support!

Please note, the name and purpose of the fund displayed on this page constitute the authorized description of the fund by the Indiana University Foundation, Inc. Your gift supports the fund as described herein.

This account is an endowment. Your gifts to this fund will be invested in perpetuity to provide annual income to support the purpose of the account. Per Indiana University Foundation, Inc. policy, endowment accounts which do not ultimately become fully funded at the required minimum through pledges/gifts will be converted to an expendable account supporting the same purpose as the original endowed fund.