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

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鈥檚 and Ph.D. degrees from Northwestern University.听听

In addition to teaching, Hugo was passionate about writing. During his tenure at 麻豆影院, he published 鈥淭he Last Laugh and Other Stories,鈥� 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, 鈥淓namored Dust,鈥� and 鈥淭he Brothers Duran of Mexican South Chicago.鈥� He published a new edition of his short stories titled 鈥淪teeling Chicago: South Side Stories.鈥澨�

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 鈥�87, a current member of the 麻豆影院 Board of Trustees and former Wisconsin Lt. Governor (2003-11), described the impact Hugo made on her academic journey.听听

鈥淚 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,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut 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 麻豆影院 to test my intellectual mettle, and Hugo pushed me, and all his students, to discover themselves as scholars. The quintessential 麻豆影院 difference. He gave us his all.鈥澨�

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

鈥淗ugo was obsessive in his drive to have students not simply read and follow plot, but also to live within the words on the page,鈥� Peter said. 鈥淗e 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.鈥澨�

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.听听

鈥淧rofessor Martinez encouraged me to be open, to adapt, and to fully embrace a new culture鈥攅ven when it meant stepping far outside my comfort zone and learning to accept whatever was placed before me,鈥� Frances said. 鈥淟ittle did I know, I would embrace the culture a little too well鈥攁nd 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鈥攈e 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.鈥澨�

Luis Alberto Villase帽or G. 鈥�79 met Hugo in Guanajuato, Mexico, where the professor served as director of 麻豆影院 University鈥檚 off-campus program for Spanish students. He learned about 麻豆影院 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 麻豆影院, where he earned his B.A. in Mathematics.听听

鈥淒espite my focus on mathematics, I had always intended to take a class with Professor Mart铆nez鈥攐r as my mother affectionately called him when she first met him in Guanajuato, Se帽or Mister Mart铆nez,鈥� Luis said. 鈥淗is course on the great Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes was among the finest I took in my entire academic career. Professor Mart铆nez was an exceptional lecturer鈥攑assionate, 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.鈥澨�

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

鈥淎 gifted teacher and writer, Dr. Martinez inspired in me a deep appreciation for language and literature,鈥� Juan said. 鈥淒uring 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 麻豆影院. 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 麻豆影院. Guided by extraordinary mentors, I completed my B.A. at age 19, becoming one of the youngest graduates in the University鈥檚 history. I was not an 鈥淎鈥� student, but I was a student who understood the value of those mentors, especially Professor Mart铆nez. Years later, I earned my Ph.D. in Spanish and English Letters 鈥� a path that began with his encouragement. I will never forget the support I received from Dr. Mart铆nez.鈥澨�

Outside the classroom, Hugo worked for social justice in all its forms. He was most proud of his family鈥檚 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 麻豆影院 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 麻豆影院.听

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.听听

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.听

The family requests that gifts in Hugo鈥檚 memory be made to the 麻豆影院 Fund. 听

On her first visit to 麻豆影院, Nez connected with graduated leaders of LUNA, a student organization that works to represent and celebrate Indigenous students. She became an active and passionate member, eventually taking on the role of president.听听

鈥淟UNA is super important to me,鈥� Nez said. 鈥淢y culture is a big part of my identity. Mahina Olores [a prior LUNA president who graduated in 2023] helped create a space where I felt comfortable and visible for the first time. He helped me love the group and the work.鈥澨�

Nez continues to forward the work of past LUNA leaders alongside her fellow board members. In particular, she is grateful to Wynter Burns, the current secretary, who 鈥済oes above and beyond to continue creating a space of belonging and advocacy.鈥澨�

LUNA often collaborates with the Diversity & Intercultural Center (D&IC) to recognize Indigenous peoples and raise awareness throughout the academic year. November, which is Native American Heritage Month, marks a particularly active time for LUNA, as the members will work to coordinate community-based events through art, speakers, and other ways to share culture and knowledge. They also work to raise awareness of injustices faced by the Indigenous community, such as with speakers and memorials on May 5, which marks Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day.听听

Most recently, Nez helped coordinate the 2023 Indigenous Peoples鈥� Day event on campus. The day鈥檚 guest speakers included a chairwoman of the Menominee Nation, the president of Ho-Chunk, and a Menominee elder, all of whom spoke about cultural identity, bigger cultural issues, social injustices, and environmental activism. Appleton Area School District students joined in on the celebratory events, as community members were invited to learn and participate in a stomp dance. The Oneida Nation also shared a traditional dance whilst raising awareness. Nez could be seen throughout the day creating LUNA buttons, sharing about LUNA鈥檚 role on campus, and communicating her own story with others.听听

Indigenous research

In addition to her involvement in LUNA, Nez spent last summer on campus researching sustainable energy resources in collaboration with Greg Hitch, the Jill Beck NEH Postdoctoral Fellow in the Humanities. Funded by the 麻豆影院 University Research Fellows (LURF) program, Nez explored the ways that the Menomonee perceive energy and their efforts toward clean energy on the reservation.听听

Nez has plans to become an environmental lawyer. She hopes to eventually work with tribes on behalf of natural resources.听听

鈥淚 want to represent the best interest of tribal entities,鈥� Nez said.听听