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Faculty TributesThe following remembrances are a sampling of tributes received this spring.
Doug AmbroseHistoryIt took about ten minutes of sitting in Professor Ambrose's history class for me to realize the experience was going to be special. Professor Ambrose had a passion for knowledge and led the class like a point guard led a fast break offense. Professor Ambrose challenged me to step out of my own narrow perspective, to examine the past without bias and to treat history as a work in progress. It is hard for me to quantify all that I got out of the classes I took with him, but I certainly left his class with a fuller perspective of the world that I still keep with me. — Tom Carroll '99
Professor Ambrose brought an enthusiasm and energy to the classroom (at 9 am M, W, F!) that became contagious. It became difficult not to be interested, curious, and involved in the lesson. He fostered an atmosphere of safe honest intellectual debate about ideas – not merely facts. Above all, Professor Ambrose elicited, demanded and encouraged all to THINK! I reflect on his class often and appreciate his ability to stretch my thought process. Thank you Professor Ambrose! — Paul Bopp '97 Frank AnechiaricoGovernmentFrank was a terrific advisor and an even better teacher. For me, he was at his inspirational best as the leader of our semester in Washington. Not only did he push us to get the most out of our experiences, we worked far harder than friends of mine taking the American University version of a semester in D.C. Frank also went the extra mile; when I wouldn't afford to return home for Thanksgiving, Frank hosted me for a delicious turkey dinner. Thanks for everything, Frank! — Jack McHugh '84 Edwin BarrettEnglishHe was a fine man with a good sense of humor. One of his jokes I only got years later. We did a staged reading of "Measure for Measure," and he cast me in the role of Elbow, a constable. I was happy to be in the play - the constant repetition in rehearsal was a way for me to learn it better. I did not honestly give much thought to my part. It wasn't until 25 years later, when I taught the play myself, that I realized why Professor Barrett had given me that particular role: Elbow uses fancy words that he mispronounces and doesn't know the meaning of. In other words, the perfect part for me. — Hamilton Beck '74
Three years after graduation, at the US Army base in St. Nazaire, France, I knew that I did not want to return to law school at the end of my active service, but that I did want to become an English teacher. The person I wrote to for advice was Ed Barrett, the English professor to whom I felt most close while studying on The Hill. His advice and encouragement got me started on the road to a satisfying academic career, and I will be forever grateful to him for his friendship to me while I was a student, and his help to me at a crucial juncture in my life. — Stuart Selby '53
Ed Barrett gave me the gift of Shakespeare. With generosity, joy, insight and infectious enthusiasm, he taught me to understand and love perhaps the most extraordinary writer and one of the most rewarding minds of western civilization. It is because of him I am a Shakespearean actor and have been privileged to walk with the gods. — Joel Swetow '73
I last saw Ed Barrett after the Commencement ceremony in 1983. He was walking the Kirkland side, perhaps on his way somewhere but, I suspect, making himself available for farewells. When he saw my cane he said "You're an old man now. Best of luck old boy." I have never met a more gracious man nor a more inspired reader of poetry. — Jim Morey '83
In my senior year at Hamilton I had a change of heart and wanted to change my major from Biology to English. I approached Ed Barrett and very seriously said, "Mr Barrett, I am thinking of changing my major". Ed looked at me, got the identity crisis brewing in the teapot, laughed that wonderful, infectious laugh of his and said: "Oh dear, how terrible for your parents!" I laughed, too, and took 7 English courses that year to make up the requirements for the major. It was a great year, I managed to get into medical school and will remain forever grateful to Ed for his friendship and acceptance of me. — Thrassos S. Calligas '72
A fine gentleman and an excellent teacher. — Bruce McGrath '59 Russell BlackwoodReligious StudiesRussell Blackwood taught me how to think. Also, despite having studied ancient Greek at school in Athens, Russell introduced me to the wonder of ancient Greek philosophers and their thinking. His contributions still affect me to this day. — Stavros Michaelides '71 Professor Blackwood was my mentor, and I considered him a friend. He retired the year I graduated, and I was so proud to be part of a ceremony that honored him. He always said I reminded him of his daughter; that I was capable of doing anything if I just put my mind to it (evidently it was this aspect of my personality that reminded him of his daughter). He knew so often I did not give things my best effort, but he always believed in me. I took a philosophy class my freshman year, never intending it to be my major, and Professor Blackwood was the professor. I remember he asked us, "How do you know the difference between Bob Marley and a baked potato?" He was always asking questions that seemed to make no sense but always had a point, if you listened. I also remember writing a prŽcis on "The Metamorphosis" for him, during which I realized how he was trying to show us a different way of seeing the world. And I remember the day I graduated, as we walked out of the fieldhouse, into the sun, with our professors lined on each side, how he stepped out of line, took my hand and hugged me. It was a moment I have never forgotten. If I hadn't taken his class freshman year, if he hadn't encouraged me, I believe I would not have become the person, the lawyer, I am today. He taught me how to see a problem from all sides, an invaluable skill. He is a man to whom I am greatly in debt, and a teacher I will never forget. — Jennifer Taylor '95
Jim BradfieldEconomicsProfessor Bradfield taught me how to write and communicate effectively. These skills are surprisingly rare in the workplace, even among alumni of the country's most prestigious colleges and universities. Hamilton's emphasis on rhetoric and elocution is truly unique. — Francis Blair '98 Tom BradyBiologyDr. Brady was my biology professor and mentor at Hamilton. From 1984 – 1992, Dr. Brady was Stone Professor of Biology at Hamilton and also served as chair of the Biology Department. He was an enthusiastic lecturer and researcher. I worked for him as a research assistant one summer in his lab. He was a great teacher, in and out of class. I went to one of the January abroad trips he organized to Central America. We visited Belize's coral reef and rain forest as well as the Mayan ruins of Guatemala and Mexico. This was a life-changing experience for me. I am grateful to all my Hamilton professors for their contagious enthusiasm for learning, but I would have to say that Tom had the greatest impact on me. Thank you! — Kathy Cristofaro '88
Austin BriggsEnglishAt time in my life when I was still reeling from my mother's death, Professor Briggs, my advisor and teacher, provided an emotional haven as well as an intellectually stimulating - and fun - escape and further deepened my already life-affirming love of literature. He also, perhaps unbeknownst to him, helped transform my inability to see things from anyone else's perspective. In particular, I remember one semester, perhaps during my senior class on D.H. Lawrence and E.M. Forster, during which an "older" local woman audited our class. If memory serves me well, I was arrogant and assumed that someone older and "less educated" had nothing worthwhile to contribute. Professor Briggs gently worked the situation such that neither this woman nor I were as scathed by our encounters as we could have been, and in fact, I learned a lasting lesson. I cannot remember a time that I needed Professor Briggs and found him unavailable; even now, I doubt he knows how he helped a young woman recover from a dark place and ultimately, thrive. To him, I owe a great debt. — Julie Brenner '84
I came to the hill from a public high school that had about as much emphasis on writing skills as it had on kickball skills in gym class. My freshman year I entered Professor Briggs' writing course very raw and promptly received a well deserved D on my first assignment. Professor Briggs took me aside and challenged me to do better, explaining how hard I would need to work to improve to an acceptable level of writing proficiency. From the beginning, Professor Briggs never let a class go by without calling on me and was always available after the class for discussion. I received an A- on my last assignment and I still have index card with that grade and Professor Briggs' comments on it to this day. I consider myself lucky to have studied under Professor Briggs, I enjoyed every moment (even the painful grades) and I am sure many Hamilton Alumni feel the same way. — Tom Carroll '99 Robert BrowningGermanA gifted and devoted teacher. Knew contemporary German Literature better than any of my professors back home in Germany. Masterly command of the German language. Always kind and helpful. — Erich Feldweg '52
Dan ChamblissSociologyDan Chambliss truly inspired me to be an observer of society — as I continue my education, I am reminded of how wonderful Hamilton professors were! I'm a teacher and administrator at a residential treatment center, which specializes in kids that have a significant behavioral and emotional issues — Dan Chambliss taught me to observe the behavior without making any predictions, and to withhold evaluation until all the information is gathered! He was truly wonderful and made my experience on the hill all that much more special. — Heather A. Baer '00 Rouben CholakianFrenchProf. Cholakian of the French Department had noticed that I was not a very serious student but that I may conceivably have a talent for French. He sat me down, talked me into the Junior Year Program and made me promise that, in French, at least, I would accept the responsibility to do my best. I thank him for taking a personal interest and encouraging me to go to France - one of the wisest moves of my life. I became a French major and have used foreign language to great advantage in my life. — Len Cavise '67
Sally CockburnMathematicsProfessor Cockburn is one of the greatest educators that I have had the opportunity to learn from. She inspired me to pursue mathematics as a major at Hamilton and pushed me to my intellectual limits. Taking a multitude of classes under the guidance of Professor Cockburn was a priceless experience and I feel fortunate to have had the privilege to do so. I am now a math educator myself and would not be where I am today without the help of outstanding educators like Professor Cockburn. — Katharine Sullivan '03 Rick DeckerComputer ScienceProfessor Decker in one of the main reasons I am in the IT field today. He brought excitement and flair to every class and was extremely demanding of his students. He constantly challenged us and practically forced us to think outside of the box. More importantly he took the time to get to know all CS majors and could be counted on to show up and spend time with students every Friday afternoon. What made these gatherings special cannot be put into words, but hanging out with him was no different than having a beer with a fellow classmate. This begs the questions, if you can share a few laughs and beers with a professor, how hard can it be to learn from the professor? — Ryan Luciano '99 Jeffrey EatonCollege Chaplain, Religious StudiesI loved being in any class that Jeff Eaton taught because he was never content with simply dispensing knowledge. Jeff had bigger goals for his students; he wanted them to be challenged and pushed regarding their own beliefs and assumptions. He was willing to engage with students on a level that risked disaffection and potential animus if the reward was that a student would grow and learn. His critiques were always spot-on and deeply provacative. And yet, he was also willing to be a friend and supporter — the best of friends and supporters — whenever you were in a bind. I learned after graduation from a different source that Jeff nominated me for the Soper Merrill Prize my senior year. To this day, I consider it one of the highest compliments I have ever received — in part because of the person who made it on my behalf. I have thought of him often over the course of my own twenty-six year teaching career at the secondary level. — Bruce Barton '82 Ted EismeierGovernmentTed showed me that Hamilton is a place that goes beyond the classroom. He and all the professors taught us how to think and learn in a whole new way. A way, that would carry us beyond Hamilton. A way, that would pave our futures so that we would never back down. Hamilton ensures you that you are ready for whatever may be ahead. And that, is a truly great confidence to have. — Alexander Richman '06
Ella GantArtThank you for teaching me to take the time to redefine myself. —Jess Bloom '02 David A. GappBiologyDr. Gapp is one highly motivated teacher who clearly loves what he does. He and his wife, Pearl, helped me learn the scientific method. — Dr. Steven F. Nezhad '92 Dennis GilbertSociologyWhile there are many professors at Hamilton worth thanking for acting as my teachers, counselors and friends, one will forever remain my embodiment of the quintessential Hamilton professor. I would like to thank Dennis Gilbert for broadening my view and enlightening my mind. Thank you, Professor Gilbert, for being a wonderful teacher and advocate. — Len Cavise '67 While there are many professors at Hamilton worth thanking for acting as my teachers, counselors and friends, one will forever remain my embodiment of the quintessential Hamilton professor. I would like to thank Dennis Gilbert for broadening my view and enlightening my mind. Thank you, Professor Gilbert, for being a wonderful teacher and advocate. — Susanne Cook Lovisolo '90
Frank Grant HamlinFrenchThe only French course I took at Hamilton was Intro Lit with Mr. Hamlin, in my sophomore year. He wasn't flamboyant or particularly witty, but he was infectiously enthusiastic and unfailingly kind, and I believe he taught me how to read -- by which I do not mean "how to read French." Most of the poetry I still remember by heart is poetry I learned in Mr. Hamlin's class (we used the excellent anthology POEMES, PIECES, PROSES, which was co-authored by two Hamilton alumni and which I still have). At least once in recent years, while singing the Cajun song "Jole Blon" before (thank goodness) an Anglophone audience, I forgot the real lyrics but was able to get away instead with Ronsard's "Quand vous serez bien vieille" and the opening "Approuvez ma faiblesse" speech from Corneille's "Horace." Trés, très utile! — Steve Edw. Friedman '76
Shelley HaleyClassicsShelley was my Latin Professor for two years and my thesis advisor, and I am proudly a Latin teacher and lover of the Classics. She inspired me with gentle encouragement, humor, and excellence. — Ariane C. McCoy '90 Walter HessBiologyMy four year Biology major under Walter Hess (and Phil Rogers) was hard but interesting work in the classroom and laboratory. I complimented my formal biology education by cleaning up and being "in charge" of the animal quarters. Most of all I recall how Dr. Hess sheparded our small pre-med senior survivors into selecting his choice of medical colleges for our application choice. During our junior year, I remembered his descriptive introduction of the unforgettable Gus Eckstein for a lecture on "My Visit With Pavlov". Dr. Eckstein in 1950 was Professor of Physiology at the University of Cincinnati and had been a close friend of Alexander Woollcott who in the Thirties had recommended Gus for an honorary Hamilton College degree. As an Ohio resident, during my interview visit at the University of Cincinnati Medical School I found Dr. Eckstein in his laboratory with all his birds flying around our heads. Gus was very pleased that I had come 700 miles as the bird flies from Hamilton and remembered him. Thanks to the connection through Dr. Hess, Alexander Woollcott and Gus, I was accepted at Cincinnati and began my 55 year career in medicine. — Don Lynn '50 Franklin HuntClasses at Hamilton enabled me to gain my certification to teach. He was kind to me and became my inspiration to teach. After a wonderful 30 year teaching career, I will always be grateful to him. — Carol Hernandez K'74
Jenny IronsSociologyI have already seen huge returns in the investment I made in an education at Hamilton. That is why I am eager to give back through Annual Fund contributions. Professors like Jenny Irons are the backbone of the school. Her love of teaching and of engaging students is ever evident. I am proud to have been her student. — Ann Horowitz '06
Robin KinnelChemistryAs a young academic in 1967-8, Professor Robin Kinnel taught the best chemistry course (organic chemistry) I have ever taken. In addition, he is a delightful man and he and Anne were very gracious hosts when my wife and I visited Hamilton, after a gap of 40 years, in autumn 2007. Although I went on to further studies and a career in physics back in the UK, Robin Kinnel inspired me to do my very best in a subject that was not my own. I am sure that he has done that for thousands of students since then. — David Crippin '71 John KronikRomance LanguagesJonh Kronik knew how to teach. He was a young, inspiring teacher when I had the good fortune to be under his tutelage. He taught me a love of Spanish literature and a life-long passion for its people and their language. As I teach Spanish, I know that John Kronik is watching – and waiting for my students to respond to me as I did to him. — John McMullan '63 Otto LiedkeGermanHis German classes were my favorite. He was energetic, in touch with his feelings and those of the students, and really cared about what he was teaching and how much we were receiving. Our focus on Kafka's Metamorphosis really inspired me and I know contributed to my writing poetry and a year later starting to paint. — Grif Bates '57
Dr. Liedtke made the study of German, when at the elementary level, a pleasure. He was an animated instructor who involved the students in his classes fully in the learning process. His advanced courses in German literature were taught with insight and sensitivity. He was one of the best professors I had at Hamilton, even though I was a science major. — Charles Paganelli '50 Eugene LewisGovernmentAn inspiring and challenging teacher whom I will never forget. Will also always remember those dinners at his home with Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart for dessert. — Richard A. Kavesh '73
Cheng LiGovernmentAmong the many great professors at Hamitlon that I had class with, Cheng Li stood out as my favorite. He simply inspired you to learn as much as you could because it would help you understand the nature of the world around us. He knew so muich you found yourself to work harder to "get it" like he did. — Gavin Barber '96 Herbert S. LongGreekProfessor Long taught Greek Literature and was my first opportunity to see, hear and learn from a true intellectual. I have never forgotten his classes and lessons he taught about the real benefit of a liberal arts education — Robert R. Taylor '60 Ivan MarkiEnglishHamilton's greatest asset, I am convinced, has always been its extraordinarily devoted faculty. Each alumnus/a must have a fond recollection of one or more professors who went out of their way to inspire, guide, or comfort him/her at a particularly crucial moment. One such teacher of mine was Ivan Marki, "Ivan the Terrible" as some of us called him. If "terrible" means he was demanding and intolerant of sloppy thinking or slipshod writing, well then, yes, he was "terrible". I was awed by his brilliance and command of his subject, which in his case was American literature. Late in my sophomore year, I got up enough nerve to make an appointment to see him in his office. I was at that point an English major, and I wanted to discuss with him how one would go about making a career out of it. I assumed it meant going on for a Ph.D and teaching at a college. Mr. Marki looked at me with his piercing eyes and gently chided me. "Why don't you go out into the world and live a little before you make this decision? All you know so far is school, the academic life. How do you know that there might be something you'd prefer, if you haven't given yourself the chance to try alternatives?" At first I was chagrined. I had done well in his class. I guess I'd hoped that he would open the door of academia and bid me enter. But I soon came to realize that he was absolutely correct. It would be a cop-out to stay in the womb of college life. It was time to go forth, and have new experiences. And so I went to Israel for my junior year, and my life was changed. It turns out that I wound up being a teacher after all, because that is what a rabbi is. I am indebted to Mr. Marki for opening my eyes to a world beyond the campus, beautiful as it may be. — Kenneth S. Cohen '70
I had many outstanding teachers at Hamilton: Gordon, Lindley, Lee, Barrett, Potter, Sallett, Williams, Eismeier. And many more whose faces I can see clearly, but whose names I have forgotten. The most influential, however, was Ivan Marki. My friends called him "Ivan the Harshey" because he was so demanding, but he is without a doubt the best lecturer I ever had, and I've sat in tons of lectures. He is one of the main reason I got a Ph.D. in English. He had a passion for poetry and American literature; he taught me the Hamilton special: close textual reading. But he also taught me how to use history and biography to open up a text, and he taught me how to write clear, concise prose, which has served me well in my career. He could also lead class discussion better than anyone I have ever known or seen. To this day, I can still hear him peppering my American lit class with questions about Mark Twain's "The Man Who Corrupted Hadleyville" or Wallace Stevens' "The Emperor of Ice Cream." When he got answers he didn't like, he would shout "Nice try Mr. Babcock. Now stop guessing and read the text!" — F. Granger Babcock '81
Robert MartinGovernmentI remember distinctly the feeling of walking into "Contemporary Political Thought" as a sophomore. There were six of us; five honors senior government majors and an intimidated sophomore. I remember thinking that this was a very bad idea. However, Professor Martin, without even knowing it, made me stay with it and I thrived. Professor Martin possessed that unique quality to captivate, challenge, and maintain complete objectivity. Even to this day I consider him the quintessential "devil's advocate." I never knew at the time, and even to this day, am curious about what he really thought on readings, issues, and current political affairs. I believe that is precisely why he was able to increase my ability to think, write, and speak original thoughts. He is everything I loved about Hamilton. He is possibility. — John P. Garrett '03
Susan MasonEducation Studies ProgramI knew I had found my favorite professor at Hamilton even before my first semester began. I was assigned Professor Susan Mason as my academic advisor before entering Hamilton and from my first meeting with her I was in awe of her enthusiasm for teaching and communications. I had never come in contact with a teacher who was so willing to take the time to listen to me and offer indispensable advice. Professor Mason became my thesis advisor four years later and even after graduation she continued to be an advisor through e-mails and my old class notes in how to effectively teach and communicate — and for that I am forever grateful. — Elizabeth Kennedy '05 John MattinglyMr. Mattingly was one of my most inspiring professors. I took a Plato/Aristotle course which met at his house for 3 hours on Thursday evening. He taught me the value of critical thinking and analysis and showed the eternal relevancy of Greek and Roman thought. His course was always in my back pocket as I innovated throughout my career.— James Coupe '71 Jeremy MedinaHispanic StudiesProf Jeremy Medina represents the epitome of academic integrity, impassioned teaching, and a zealous commitment to the maintaining the value of liberal arts experience. — Timothy Noonan '05 David MillarHistoryThe prospect of heading up the Hill, into the wind and over to an auditorium at Kirkland for an early morning class might have been unappealing given the cold temperatures that occasionally visited the campus. The payoff came in the form of a David Millar lecture on American history delivered with no notes, great passion and an admonition to put our pens down and listen. In addition to generating interest through his lectures in understanding key forces in our country's development, Professor Millar was a great example of the Hamilton faculty's commitment to the development of the individual student. He was readily available to his students for consultation on a project or a well-informed, good-natured discussion on the performance of the Continentals basketball team. Colin MillerChaplainColin Miller was Dean of the Chapel and faculty advisor to the Charlatans. He packed the Chapel every year with his reading of Robert Burns. I was the reviewer for the Spectator and wrote a scathing review of their overambitious production of a Falkner play. I was smug that the review was written in a credible imitation of Brooks Atkinson's most sarcastic style. The following week, I was summoned to Dean Miller's office to discuss the review. I was indignant. I proclaimed that every word I had written was true. He calmly listened to my defense of the review and said that although he disagreed with many of my points, he would never dispute my right to say what I thought was the truth. Instead he had called me to point out that that telling the truth was easy, telling the truth with love was much more difficult and would serve me better in many situations. Appropriately deflated, I have never forgotten that episode. He was so right. — Preston Zucker '60 David MillerNo teacher inspired me more than David B. Miller. His intellect was razor sharp, his knowledge of Church history impeccable, and his manner was always understatated and wholly dignified. Being in one of his classes made me feel as if I were involved in serious scholarship. His humble and warm style provided a sterling model which I have tried to emulate in my own teaching career over the last 26 years at the secondary level.—Bruce Barton '82 George Lyman NesbittEnglishProfessor Nesbitt was my advisor and had arranged a graduate fellowship in English literature for me at a Midwestern University. My father, a devoted attorney who wanted me to follow in his footsteps, jumped in the car and drove up to the hill to meet with Professor Nesbitt and me. My dad asked this wonderful teacher and scholar of Milton, "What's so wonderful about teaching English at the college level?" Without batting an eyelash, Professor Nesbitt replied: "Three things: June, July, and August." Well, I wound up in law school and after a brief period of practice, taught law school for over 35 years now. One course I teach is Law and Literature, and hardly a class goes by when I don't think of Professor Nesbitt. And, he was right. Summers really are wonderful for university professors! — Michael L. Richmond '67 Mr. Nesbitt woke me up to the challenge of diction. His quote from Ezra Pound in a letter to his son - "Is is no damn good!" - has helped me in my poems and stories and novels more than anything else.
— Chuck Kruger '60
John O'NeillEnglishI thank Professor O'Neill for his enthusiastic, humorous and always entertaining teaching of English Literature. His class was a welcome and intellectually stimulating respite to the many three and four hour long laboratories I was required to take as a Premed major. He made me appreciate the value of a liberal arts education by being able to balance the Humanities with the Sciences. — Brian J. Grogan, M.D. '78 David ParisGovernmentProfessor Paris treated me and the rest of my classmates as colleagues -- not necessarily as equals but as individuals who were engaged in a common intellectual pursuit. As my college career was ending, Professor Paris's demands for reasoned and articulated thought were exactly what I needed before moving, as he signed every note, "Forward". — Matt McLaughlin '94 Paul ParkerArt HistoryMy first art history course was the "Janson" survey I took during my Sophomore year from Paul Parker, a very interesting teacher, who stood at the front of the class, jingling the coins in his pocket and talked unendingly and with great articulation and feeling about art works within their cultural and historical contexts. Taking this course partially inspired me to apply for the Hamilton Junior Year in France, and in Paris, the art historical culture broadened my horizons considerably, as did the week-long trip to Spain and the time spent in Biarritz, as well as the summer after the academic year, spent in Amsterdam, Florence, Rome, etc. When I returned to Hamilton for my Senior year, I took several courses from Professor Parker, and the one that was the most important for me was the survey of American Art. It awakened in me feelings that were difficult to define, but I KNEW, somehow, that I wanted to study American Art, and it was from Professor Parker's inspiring course that I then went on to get my M.A. in art history at Indiana University and then my Ph.D. in art history at I.U., researching and writing a seven year and 1,905 page dissertation Critical Catalogue Raisonne on the 19th Century Boston-area artist, William Rimmer (1816-1879). During my Senior year at Hamilton, I did a special project for the College of Reclassifying the Portraits owned by the school, and this was a wonderful learning experience, all given to me initially by Professor Parker, who arranged for me to do research at the Munson-Williams Proctor Institute in Utica, and to ferret out research materials from the College Archives and other sources. In my various careers as graduate student, teaching assistant, and professional art reference and collection development librarian, first at Oberlin College from 1983-1997 and at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art since May of 1998, I owe Professor Parker an inestimable debt: he was an inspired and inspiring teacher; a wonderful watercolorist; and a humane person. As a former museum director, he brought skills and perspective to his teaching, enhanced so well by the incomparable Root collection on campus, that were rare for undergraduates to benefit from, especially at a college that had an art department with only one artist and one art historian, and an art historian without a Ph.D. It seems unlikely that a comparable Art/Art History Department could be formed today with equal pedagogical results, so I feel especially blessed to have had the very good fortune to have studied with Paul Parker in 1964-65 and 1966-67. — Jeffrey Weidman, Ph.D. '67
I want to acknowledge the challenges which Professor Paul Parker provided. He encouraged original, primary research on any topic of serious importance to each of us who was undertaking his (note the year) senior thesis in Art History. As arcane matter was not excluded, my study was on Benedictine monastic architecture in North America. It comes to mind now, since this is the year that the famous monastic church by Pietro Belluschi in Rhode Island is being reconstructed along with the golden wire sculpture by Liphold which spanned its interior. Paul Parker helped develop life-long interests in creativity beyond simply aesthetic appreciation. — Malcolm O'Malley '66
Nancy Sorkin RabinowitzComparative LiteratureProfessor Rabinowitz was one of the most influential women in my life (besides my mother). She taught me how to think, write, and read critically and analytically. She also pushed me to define my own beliefs and to identify myself as a strong feminist. For that, I will be forever grateful. I model my own teaching after Professor Rabinowitz's, and I am very grateful to have had her as a teacher. I am currently working on my dissertation on Victorian writer Mary Elizabeth Braddon, and Professor Rabinowitz's lessons and influence are still with me today as I do my own research. She has provided me with life-long influence. — Alisa Scapatici '90 Doug RaybeckAnthropologyTwo of the most valuable skills I learned at Hamilton were critical thinking and critical reading. They have served me well throughout my career. Without a doubt, Prof. Doug Raybeck's J-term class on "The Incest Taboo" taught me more about how to read critically than any other class. Thanks again, Doug! — Abbie (Williams) Brady, '85
Channing RichardsonPolitical ScienceProf. Richardson opened my eyes to the conflicts of the Middle East and South Africa that have left a mark on my intellect and my work analyzing natural resources and global economics. —Julia Reilly Ryan '86
James RingPhysicsI want to thank Professor Ring for taking pity on me and not flunking me out of my first semester of Physics with Calculus as a Freshman while I was simultaneously taking Calculus for the first time. Until I had learned enough Calculus, I had no idea what those squiggles Dr. Ring was writing on the blackboard meant. — Brian Grogan '78 Henry RutzAnthropologyProf. Henry Rutz's general advice and friendly manner made Hamilton life much better for me. He was a gentle and colorful guiding star. — Chandresh Raithatha '88
Robert SimonPhilosophyIn tribute to Bob Simon, a great philosopher and teacher -- with a common-sense manner and a love of sports. I long gave up on being "as smart as," but maybe someday my golf game could be as good as his! — Linda Anzalone Woolley '75 David ThompsonMen's Swimming CoachI realize you are asking for professors, but Hamilton would be remiss if it did not consider out outstanding coaches as critical players in their students education. Coach Thompson's infectious positive attitude and competitive spirit helped me to surpass my own expectations and realize the depth of my will to excel -- both attributes that have helped me succeed today. Thank you Coach! — Matthew E. Kirby '93 Fred WagnerEnglishEncouraging, supportive, and intellectually stimulating (witty as well). — Fanny Chalfin '77 I was not the most prompt at my assignments, even on a relative basis to my classmates. We had typewriters, not Apple laptops. I took Mr. Wagner's English primer class as a sophmore. I was not accustomed to "what he was looking for" even though I fancied myself a writer of skill. I ran with an assignment, out of breath, from my frat dorm into his classroom and he turned to me in front of every one an said:"hot off the presses Mr. Kass.?" I was mortified but he desks were too small to crawl under. A week later he read my essay to the class and told all my friends that this was the way an essay should be written. He handed it to me. I think that was true the definition of mortification. Since then, I am never late,ever. And I have learned to scrub bathroom tubs (between us) as a function of fatherhood. I am sure Mr. Wagner will remember my aptitude in this area.
– Walter Kass '78
Doug WeldonPsychologyWhen I consider the student-centered mentoring style I embody now it is always with reference to the mentors I had as an undergraduate at Hamilton. Every year I participate in my university's Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) and Ronald McNair Program and each year I think about my undergraduate summer research experience with Professor Weldon. He provided undergraduate summer research mentorship before SROP and McNair were established programs. I no longer do research with rat pups but I learned important lessons that have aided my development as a researcher, mentor, and academic while working with Professor Weldon! —Carla Hunter '94
Professor Weldon embodied (and still does) the full liberal arts educational experience for his students. He provides rich mentorship, including intensely involving his students in the entire scientific research process, despite the then deficient science facilities (that new Science Center - WOW!) at a predominately non-science oriented school (at least then?). He does this without hindering student involvement in other crucial aspects of the fundamentals of liberal arts experience. Although I did not follow a career path in his field (Psychology), I've continually used the tools I obtained at Hamilton (with help from Dr. Weldon and other wonderful faculty members, such as Stuart Hirschfield, Edwin Lee and Al Schoenfeld, to name just 3 more of many) in my professional, and personal, growth. —Andrew Kavee '83
As a neuroscience major I had Prof. Weldon for numerous classes and as my thesis advisor. More than any other professor ar Hamilton, Prof. Weldon helped me develop my writing skills and have confidence in them. Having the ability to write with proficiecy and efficiency has been invaluable throughout both my academic and professional careers. —Corinne Bresee Smith '02 Teaching is about relationships. It is about knowledge, imagination, experience, and making a connection. Professor Weldon challenged me to push past my boundaries to be the best scientist I could be. His teaching abilities, empowering support, and educational vision have left a lasting impression on me.
– Greer Mahoney '05
During my college search, Prof. Weldon gave me a tour of the Hamilton Neuroscience lab and discussed his research with me. When I came to Hamilton as a freshman, I asked Prof. Weldon if I could do a work-study with him. What started as a job washing glassware quickly grew to helping out with a lab section for his upper lever neuro course, and collecting and analyzing data for some of his research projects. He ever invited me to have dinner at his home with neuroscience students. He took me under his wing, and gave me the confidence and experience to now be pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience. His mentoring still means a lot to me today! Thanks, Prof. Weldon — Kateri Spinelli '03 Richard WernerPhilosophyWhile I was in Professor Werner's Ethics Writings class we were discussing whether or not there was such a thing as absolute truths on ethical questions. Professor Werner always seems to be a staunch Circumstantialist when it came to the issue of ethics – right and wrong are determined by the circumstances of a situation and not predetermined a priori truths. The rest of the class seemed to agree with him. I, however, believed in certain absolute truths on the issue of ethics, and I argued that case in class one day, without much support for my classmates. I think Professor Werner may not have been as staunch a Circumstantialist as he presented himself, but just wanted to push me as far as I could go in articulating me argument. I finally equated the existence of absolute truths to the roots of a tree. A tree is shaped my its environment, just as a Circumstantialist would believe our ethics are a part of unique environments that can change and bend in different contexts. I pointed out, though, that the tree had to have roots, and that those roots just were. It seems the strike a chord with Professor Werner and acted as a conclusion of sorts for the class discussion. Later that week, Professor Werner saw me in the mail center. Rather than a casual smile and a wave, he approached me and commended me for my argument in class that week. I was a good student, Dean's List, Cum Laude, etc., but his commendation was one of my most rewarding moments at Hamilton, because it was personal and specific. He was never just going through the motions. He was always truly listening, thinking and contributing in a way that demonstrated a genuine investment in the academic experience of his students. I was never sitting in my dorm thinking of how much I dreaded going to class with Professor Werner. It was always a pleasure to be in his class, and I'm grateful I knew how lucky I was to be where he was teaching each day I had class with him. – Deenah Byramjee '03
Sidney WertimerEconomicsSid Wertimer was my professor (for my economics major), boss (as a freshman advisor at Dunham dorm) and advocate (in successfully recommending me ti Wharton Graduate admission). What a wonderful man, asset to Hamilton and friend. Thank you. —W. Hank Schmidt '64
I have many fond memories of Sid (everyone referred to him as Sid); however, I am most indebted to him for single-handedly starting me along my career path. I was interested in pursuing accounting, and Sid recommended I attend a special, accelerated professional accounting MBA program at Rutgers University. The application process included taking a proprietary entrance exam to screen candidates. The exam was provided to colleges that had applicants, and a set date and time was prescribed for its administration. Unfortunately, prior to sitting for this test, I had already "pulled an all-nighter" and taken two final exams scheduled for earlier that same day. My brain was fried; I flunked the entrance exam, and Sid was informed that my application had been rejected. Not one to be denied, Sid called the dean of the program, with whom he had a rapport, and told him that notwithstanding my test results, it would be a mistake not to accept me. Sid guaranteed that I would be an asset to the program. So, I was accepted; I did Sid proud; and I lived happily ever after as an accounting, tax, and business professional. Thank you, Sid. I owe you big time. —Douglas M. Jerrold '72
He made me learn about "dry" things like accounting and corporate finance fun. My career as an investment advisor started with those classes. —John R. Weaver '62 In my career, I have had an extensive amount of involvement with accounting matters. The only formal accounting course I have taken was with Professor Sidney Wertimer and he taught me well for which I am very grateful. —Stuart D. Baker '57 I confess I never called him Sid, but that was standard for my family. Apropos of the Rutgers anecdote above, I, as many of my classmates came back to the Hill to see Mr. Wertimer for that all important graduate school reference. In my case it was Wharton, others HBS and law schools. Years later I was curious what he wrote about me and was able to access the recommnedation: "Let him in, he'll do fine--Professor Sid Wertimer" Some of my classmates told me he wrote the same for each one of us. I never thought a local Fire Chief would wield such power. —Walter Kass '78 Gary WyckoffGovernmentI remember talking with Professor Wyckoff about the public policy major during the spring of my first year. He really sold the major and started me down the path of policy analysis, one which I continue to follow through my work at City of Seattle. I appreciated his teaching and advising. – Matthew Eng '02 Larry YourteeChemistryMy advisor and one of my favorite professors! He never gave you an answer but would lead you to discover it – whether it was a chemistry problem of life problem. He had such a calm, gentlemanly way about him. He encouraged me to take art, music, poetry, and philosophy and had such a positive influence on me. – Christopher DeCamp '77 Peter ZaasReligious StudiesI worked for the Religious Studies Department for three years at Hamilton and Peter Zaas was my first department contact. He was a serious scholar who was working so hard for tenure at Hamilton at the time. He was understanding of my needs while his own future hung in the balance. Peter always made me feel that my contributions to his work and the work of the department were meaningful and vital. I have so appreciated his work ethic and general decency and humility over these many years since I have graduated from Hamilton. — Bruce Barton '82 |
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