Oakland remembers Peter Binkert
Peter Binkert, former professor and chair of the department of linguistics, died Tuesday, Feb. 10 after fighting a battle with cancer.
Before his venture at OU began, Binkert earned a biological studies degree from Rutgers University and a PhD in linguistics from the University of Michigan.
Starting a career at OU in 1970, Binkert’s work was focused mostly in the linguistics department. As chair of the department, he administered the growth of the program, which has since tremendously developed in size. After 43 years of teaching and 19 years as the linguistics department head, he retired in 2014.
Aside from work in the linguistics department, Binkert created a variety of programs centered around students learning and teaching English as a second language(ESL).
Started in the 1990’s, he formed the ESL program with hopes of teaching students skills in speaking a language unfamiliar to them, according to Rebecca Gaydos, special instructor and ESL coordinator.
Binkert and Gaydos worked at ESL together, starting in 2000. With a program hosting around 20 students 15 years ago, Gaydos continues what Binkert started, now teaching over 200 students.
After a growing success rate of the ESL, Binkert looked into other programs that benefit both students and teachers. He started programs that would help students learn the skills of teaching a different language, where they spoke with non-native speaking children during workshops.
“Binkert saw a need for this specialty way before other people saw it,” Gaydos said. “He developed these programs to help international students.”
The Hispanic Outreach Program, started in 2004, taught students of every age the basics of English as a second language. Every Spring, a graduation is held, where Binkert handed diplomas to students for individual accomplishments. The graduation ceremonies will still continue this coming Spring.
“He kept high standards in the classroom, for his students and for everyone that worked for him,” Gaydos said. “He was an amazing person to work with since he was such a well-rounded guy.”
Outside of education, Blinkert was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed camping, kayaking and the opera; but mostly spending time with his family.
William PeltoI • Jun 8, 2024 at 11:30 AM
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Binkert in the mid 80’s and when he found out I sang in the chorus with Michigan Opera Theatre asked to help him in his vocal studies. We met weekly and worked on his vocal placement and repertoire for a couple years until I moved to Connecticut in late 1986. He was a very charming gentleman and I have thought of him and recently discovered the art songs and opera arias he and I worked on.
Helen Kehr-Alvarez • Apr 25, 2020 at 6:11 AM
I had the privilege to be Mr. Binkert´s grad student and assistant at OU. He was an awesome professor. Too much knowledge on Linguistics. I admired him and when I teach Linguistics in Chile, I cannot avoid remembering the particular way he had to make students think deeply about language; how it works; how sounds come together to form words and sentences in an interesting way. Thank you Mr. Binkert for all your teachings… I really w¡enjoyed your classes even when at the beginning I felt confused… you taught me how to think and analyse language in a different way.
Prof. Rajan George Mannikoikal • Apr 26, 2017 at 1:12 PM
Only today when checked the net to know about Prof.Peter Binkert that I came to know about his
passing away in 2015.
May God Almighty bless his soul.
A few years before his passing away, he sent photocopy of one of his upcoming books on Linguistics. I happened to read some of his books on Linguistics while I was doing my
research work.
Please convey my belated condolences to his family.