In Memoriam: Professor Hilary Ballon

It is with the greatest sorrow and regret that we note the passing, on June 16, of Hilary Ballon, University Professor, Professor of Urban Studies and Architecture, and Deputy Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi. Her absence is profoundly felt, and her caring and generous nature will be long remembered alongside her distinguished teaching and scholarship.

Professor Ballon joined NYU in 2007 as part of the team that developed the Abu Dhabi campus. As a noted architectural historian, her body of work included insightful explorations of urban planning and development. Her research excellence was exemplified by her study of the Manhattan street grid dating to 1811, the subject of a fascinating exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York in 2011 that she curated and edited, as well as many other projects at the intersection of architecture, politics, and social life.

Her recent research focused on New York City and included explorations of the Guggenheim Museum and the contributions of Robert Moses. Her radiance and eloquence extended to the classroom, where she offered wisdom, kindness, and encouragement as a dedicated teacher to urban planning students at NYU Wagner. She was thoroughly engaged and valued as a member of the Wagner faculty and an enduring contributor to our city.

We extend our sincere condolences to her husband, Orin Kramer, and her children, Sophie and Charles, and her many other loved ones, friends, and colleagues. We will all miss her very much.