Longtime North Central professor killed by train

A 34-year veteran instructor of classics at North Central College in Naperville was killed by a train over the weekend.

Andrew Adams, Ph.D., began teaching at North Central College in 1970 and became a full professor of classics in 1991 until his retirement at the end of the 2003-2004 academic year.

He was killed by a train on Friday, according to college officials.

“As a longtime member of the North Central family, a teacher, counselor, neighbor and friend, Andy will be much missed,” said College President Harold R. Wilde in a statement.

His courses included classical mythology, Greek and Roman history and elementary Latin. He was also the co-editor of a high school-level Latin textbook.

“I'm pleased that in May, he was among the stalwarts in the North Central community whom the college honored with a sesquicentennial medal, a statement, along with his status as an emeritus professor, of his significant role here in a career that spanned more than three decades,” Wilde said.

Adams earned a bachelor's degree at Monmouth College and held a master's degree and doctorate from Indiana University.

His survivors include a brother who was a 1952 graduate of North Central College.

Services are pending.