College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom
In memoriam: Albino Carrillo
Albino “Al” Carrillo, an associate professor of English, poet and author, died Oct. 18. He was 58.
A faculty member in the Department of English since 2003, Albino specialized in creative writing and contemporary American poetry, with themes often centered on the American Southwest and Latino history and culture. He published two books of poetry, In the City of Smoking Mirrors and Uranium Day, and had works published in literary journals including The Antioch Review, Puerto Del Sol, Blue Mesa Review, CALIBAN, The South Dakota Review, Columbia: A Journal of Art and Literature, Sou'Wester and World Order.
The anthologies Library Bound: A Saratoga Anthology, The Wind Shifts: New Latino Poetry, and Camino Del Sol: 15 years of Latina and Latino Writing, also include Albino’s writing. He was a nominee for the Pushcart Prize, awarded annually to the best poetry, short fiction, essays and other literary works published in small presses.
“Al was one of my favorite people to talk to,” said Department of English Chair Andy Slade. “He knew so much about so many things – obscure conspiracy theories; science fiction and the strands of science that the fictions speculated from – and was quick to quote obscure R.E.M. lyrics. He also knew poetry – he knew so much poetry. I will miss him immeasurably.”
Slade was far from alone in praising Albino’s depth of knowledge on a multitude of topics, from science fiction to rock music, film, and literature of the 1950s and 1960s. His colleagues also appreciated his thoughtfulness, encouragement and support he offered to faculty, staff and students.
Senior lecturer Linsdey Light’s office was directly across from Albino’s, and she recalled his kindness toward her children when she had to bring them to campus. He told her how much his children, including 2017 UD graduate Kiara Connelly, used to enjoy coming to work with him too.
Professor and University Honors Program Director John McCombe bonded with him over a shared passion for poetry and 1980s and 90s indie rock music. Professor Bryan Bardine recalled when Albino tried to teach him to play bass guitar and a blues concert they attended. Others said he regularly exchanged poems with them by email.
“I worked with Albino to plan at least two or three LitFests,” said Molly Keane-Sexton, principal lecturer in the Department of English. “He was committed to having an active poetry scene in our department and on our campus. He loved both written and spoken word — the poetry slams were always a favorite. He actually was one of the most Catholic people I knew; we discussed faith often. And he loved the Grateful Dead, like I do. He especially loved Jerry Garcia — hopefully he meets him up there at the pearly gates.”
“Whenever he asked his ever-so-cool ‘How’s it goin’?’ he meant that question genuinely and cared enough to listen, really listen, and to offer solidarity and a space to be vulnerable,” said Kirsten Mendoza, assistant professor of English and human rights. “I will miss him heartily.”
He was also beloved among students, who valued his insight as a professor, mentor and friend.
“Al was such a positive presence around the English department,” said Eric Gilliland, a lecturer in the Department of English. “When I was a graduate student in 2011-12, he always made me feel welcome. He even came to my thesis presentation and offered words of encouragement about my work afterwards. Later when I taught courses as an adjunct, Al kept an open door, we would often chat about teaching, writing, science fiction movies and politics. He also encouraged me with my own writing and that meant so much. It was always cool to attend one of his poetry readings. I feel very fortunate to have known Al.”
And Albino made such an impression on Amaria Jones, a student taking his poetry writing class this semester, that she kept a running record of some of his quotes: Among her favorites – "Pigeons are like flying rats." "Am I turning vegan? I don't know." "Where can I find nature in Dayton? It's all over you man, it's all over you." "What are the salad days, man?" "Believe me, I'm a nice guy, man. I'm a dad."
Said Nicky Adams, principal lecturer and coordinator of the writing internship program. “We usually spoke about classes since we were often both heading to class or returning from it, and it was always apparent how much he enjoyed seeing students develop as creative writers. They genuinely loved him, as I could tell from the many office hours conversations he conducted that I couldn’t help but overhear. So many times I heard students utter a version of, ‘I’ve never really enjoyed writing until your class.’
“And, of course, Al’s response was usually something like: ‘That’s really cool. Keep it up – you’re good.’ What a great vibe he created. And so many writers.”
Born in El Paso, Texas, Albino spent his childhood in Gallup and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
He received a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from the University of New Mexico and an MFA in creative writing from Arizona State University. Before coming to UD, Carrillo taught in the English department at the University of Minnesota, and at Union College of New York, where he held a postdoctoral fellowship.
He is survived by wife Caryn Connelly, an associate professor of Spanish at Northern Kentucky University, children Kiara Connelly ’17 and Cruz Carrillo; twin brother Rudy Carrillo, younger sister Ysela Carrillo, and many other family members.