 |
|
ARCHIVE
|
|
The professor who changed your world
Everyone has one. The one who inspired you to think, not just react; to challenge your assumptions; to write and rewrite your paper; to see yourself in a new light.
Post a comment with your memories of SMU teachers past and present, and let us know who inspired you.
Post a comment with your memories of SMU teachers past and present, and let us know who inspired you.
The professor that made an impact on my college experience was Dr. Crista DeLuzio, Assistant Professor of History. I took an introductory history class at the beginning of college and she was an outstanding professor. Her door was always open to students and she definitely made the class a memorable one. Thank you, Dr. DeLuzio.
Hands down... it was Alessandra Comini!!
She's was the best teacher, ever. Kind, challenging, affirming, fun, wierd, wonderful, disarming.
The things she taught me make me feel like I really know something...
Keith Weber, '81, '88
I had the privilege of working very closely with Dr. Mike Lattman (chemistry) during my time at SMU. I really appeciated the positive balance he showed between his professional responsibilities and his love for his family. He had the ability to make everyone who worked with him feel valued. He gave me tremendous opportunities and responsibility that helped me get a great graduate scholarship. While I no longer work in the chemistry field, those early opportunities opened the doors to my current work.
HAL WILLIAMS - best professor that i ever had... wonderful.. inspiring!!!
Professor David Matula in Computer Science department changed everyone's world who took any class from him. He is truely exceptional.
Bill Ford unleashed our creativity.
Mr. Ford challenged us all in his creative development class, but what to this day stands out in my mind, is how he was able to unleash our creativity and then teach us to focus it on finding the answer a specific problem.
For me it was Dr. Mary Jackman. She was my first-year rhetoric prof, and she both exposed me to new ways of thinking and better ways of writing.
My favorite professor at SMU is Kobylka! He is the most brilliant person I've met and he always treated his students fairly. He challenged us all to think. His was the one class that I was excited to go to every single time. He truly cares about his students. He is the one professor that I kept up with after college. LOVE YA JFK!!
Dr Ubelaker was an inspirational teacher and gave me guidance and freedom to excel on my own. He loves his job and it really shows.
Michael Barry was that professor for me. He was my marketing professor. I have spent the last 30 years in marketing and I can thank Dr. Barry for "lighting that fire."
Warren Zeller
BBA 1979
While he was not a professor per se, my life was changed through the care, compassion, and intellectual challenge of Rev. Robert O. Cooper. Bob was the associate chaplain and touched all who knew him in special ways. He made me think about justice, peace, and integrity. When I left SMU, I went to seminary but later learned that the ministry was not my "true calling." I returned to computer science, which was my major at SMU, and went to work for a defense contractor. For the 20 years I worked there, I was able to keep his messages in my mind so that I could act fairly and justly. Now I am a professor at Johns Hopkins and try to convey to my students the importance of personal integrity, honesty, and of doing the right thing.
John Sheppard '83
Double thumbs up to Jim Kindley, who teaches in the PMBA program. His standards dictated that you came thoroughly prepared for class, required that you think through your arguments logically and crunch the numbers to support your opinions--skills I use in the workplace (and encourage in my own staff) EVERY DAY.
Dr. Harold Jesky, my organic chemistry professor, who also taught graduate chemisry courses and supervised my research for my Master of Science degree in Chemistry in 1958. I tranferred to SMU in 1953 as a Junior chemistry major and got my B. S. degree in 1955.
Charlotte Dean
Dr. Dick Hawkins - Dean of Sociology was the best professor I had during my time at SMU. I was a Sociolgy major and he really opened my eyes to so much about our world, people and issues. I am a much more enlightened adult since having many courses taught by Dr. Hawkins.
Joanne Boyce '97
Dr. Michael Adler was the inspiration for me. He instills in his students the confidence to achieve ever higher goals. His teaching style, and genuine concern for his students was a breath of fresh air. He is demanding yet understanding. I attribute my successes in my field of study to his sincere interest in his student's academic success.
Dr. Frank I. Millar, Business School - I had several courses with him in undergraduate - all great - and he always pushed me and urged me to go one step further. He was my advisor in graduate school, and when my thesis almost fell apart, he was there to pick me up and inspire me and challenge me to overcome. One of the most compassionate persons I have ever met.
No contest, Darwin Payne.
Dr. Rita Kirk changed my world. She is a remarkably talented teacher who provided the spark to light my passion for corporate communications and has helped me in my career more than once. She's an asset to SMU, and I am honored to call her a true friend.
Albert Labriola, who was a visiting professor from Duquesne University. He taught some summer intensives in the Master of Liberal Arts program, 1980, at Alaska Pacific, Anchorage, AK. He opened up my world. I would never have known about John Donne, George Herbert, Richard Crashaw and, for that matter, the intricacies of Shakespeare's work. Thank you, Dr. Labriola.
Ilya Mamantov taught Russian language in the mid 60's.
By example, he inspired his students to make a difference in the world for the better.
Through grammar, repetition, music, plays, poetry, dance and song, he showed us how to bridge lingual and cultural gaps -- and how to enjoy the journey.
Prof Taubenfeld, Property. Gentleman, scholar, erudite, punctual. An amazing, amazing professor. I wish that all of my profs had been like him - He was one in a million.
Dan L
SMU Law, '91
Professor Roy Anderson, College of Law, is a professor I want to thank. He was always knowledgeable, respectful, practical, and kind. Even though he couldn't play softball worth a darn, he was always fun to have on the team. If you're reading this Roy, thanks.
Bill Fearer '84
Frank Young was an inspirational Professor of Insurance. He gave us challenges and made the subject of Insurance interesting from an actuarial, sales and administration perspective. Because of him I was in the business for 40 years and rose to the position of Vice President of Underwriting.
Dick Hawkins in sociology really made an impact on me. He not only taught me about sociology (and criminology), he also made me a better writer and student. Thanks to his inspiration, I'm getting my PhD in Criminology now and hope to be a professor as well. Thank you Dr. Hawkins.
Jack Harkey...he made me feel like my family was coming to SMU when he recruited me for the engineering program from El Paso, Texas. I can still remember how he kindly explained to my dad how he would make sure I would get a great engineering education and that SMU would be the best place for me. My dad only had an 8th grade education and Dean Harkey made him like they were the same...both dads who cared about their children's education. Later, I had Dean Harkey for an introduction to engineering course and 20 years later I still have my textbook and look at it still...it had great engineering quotes.
I will never forget Professor Harkey.
Sonia Ytuarte Nasser '89
Alessandra Comini most definately. and also: Mick McGill in the business school.
Dr. Holahan was the best teacher I ever had. He is one of the reasons I went into the teaching field and teach english
Jack Harkey...he made me feel like my family was coming to SMU when he recruited me for the engineering program from El Paso, Texas. I can still remember how he kindly explained to my dad how he would make sure I would get a great engineering education and that SMU would be the best place for me. My dad only had an 8th grade education and Dean Harkey made him feel like an equal...both dads who cared about their children's education. My freshman year, I took a course from Dean Harkey and 20 years later I still have the textbook from that class; it reminds me of him. Professor Harkey was an intelligent, patient and kind man. I will never forget him.
Sonia Ytuarte Nasser '89
I came to SMU as a junior transfer student in 1976 planning to continue a major in biology and become a doctor.
Thanks or no thanks to an amazingly wonderful English faculty and staff, I was derailed from the science track. I can remember, as though it were yesterday, the poetry and limericks of Peggy Blum--the department's secretarial chief, the talent and energy of Marshall Terry, the stern warmth and sincerity of Pascal Covici, the patience and professionalism of Willard Spiegelman, the drama and passion of Bonnie Wheeler, the mountains of manuscripts of Michael Holahan, the open door of Tom Arp--eye of the Rotunda where one could always pop in to chat, the ever-friendly and welcoming Steven Daniels, the advice, humor, wit and cynicism of Kenneth Shields--my advisor and friend-- and the passion for poetry delivered by Dr. Laurence Perrine to my graduate seminar class in his last semester of teaching.
Facing the debilitating tremors of Parkinson's disease, Dr. Perrine's inspiration came not only from his knowledge and love of the beauty of language, but from what became a struggle to recite poetry in such a way that could communicate the "Sound and Sense" of its language. I'm certain that I've missed a few names of those who must have played significant roles in changing my world, but I'm pleased to be able to name so many--and from a single university department.
Mary Shepard Spaeth, '78, '82
Just one professor that changed my world? Probably Peter Noble in Advertising! He was our Ad Team sponsor the year we won 1st Place Nationals. He had his moments, of course, but for the most part he was supportive, he believed in us, and he was the driving force that got us to winning in Miami. Other notables, Alice Kendrick, Patricia Alvey, John Ambrose, and the wonderful James P Goodnight. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are the professors that really made me believe in myself!
Mick McGill, Organizational Behavior, and Serge Kappler, Philosophy of Art, are clear at the top of the list. Each was outstanding in his own way.
Prof McGill was constantly honing in on the essence and the management of human behavior and therefore organizational behavior of groups - what is possible to manage and what is not. A very likeable deconstructionist of organizational and human behavior.
Prof Kappler's Philosophy of Art: Aesthetics of Architecture course at SMU-in-Oxford was the perfect course for an examination of philosophy and of art. Philosophy became 3-dimensional and therefore tangible for discussion - not a bad way to spend each morning in Oxford. I still refer to some of the materials from that course 20 years ago this summer.
One of my biggest influences during my S.M.U. experience was Don Pasquella, the Dean of the Film Dept. (at the time). He was the first person I met at the school and he was my first impression of his department. I instantly liked him and thoroughly enjoyed my classes with him. He coached me, guided me, and mentored me during my education at S.M.U. and came to be not only someone I admired as a professor, but someone I would consider a friend. Don is highly creative, thought-provoking, brilliant, and a genuinely kind and gracious man. It was an honor to study under him, so I wanted to take this opportunity to commend him on how he shaped my education and life. It's been almost exactly 20 years since I first met Don, and I still fondly recall that first visit and my time spent with him during my years at S.M.U. Thank you, Don, for your contribution to my education and growth as a person. My creative spark, innovative approach, and passion for my work that I still possess today are things that you fostered during my time with you at S.M.U. Thank you again!
Mica Matlock
B.A. - 1989
From the Class of 1970 BA and MBA 1972, I had the good fortune of receiving the wisdom, encouragement, and general leadership abilities of the following great professors and coaches: A.R."RED" Barr, George McMillion, Dr. Kenneth Carroll (Religion), Dr. Tom Barry (Marketing), Prof. Lon Tinkel (Literature), Prof. Don Jackson (Finance) and Dr. Cecil Johnson (Int'l. Politics).
I figure to be awfully lucky to have these guys as part of my life, not just my higher education.
How can I possibly choose the most important of the four chemistry profs during the years 1951-1955, when all four of them taught me how to THINK, not just how to memorize stuff? Profs Ogden Baine, Tom Kenner, Harold Jeskey, and John Banewicz were all vitally important to the rest of my life; not to mention that it was Jeskey that got me into the University of Wisconsin to get my Ph.D., which was so important in beginning my employment career.
Bob Powers '55
Dr. Bonnie Wheeler in the English department, who helped me realize that I had a voice. Also Dr. Mark Chancey in my religious studies class--he challenged my thinking, and was supportive and exciting and truly cared about his students. Finally Dr. Householder in the English department, who I didn't peg as having made an impact at the time, and yet these years later, I still can't forget how he engaged us and made learning interactive.
DM '04
Without question, Ellen Pryor was the most inspirational professor to me during my time at SMU. In addition to caring about each and every one of her students, she made it her mission to pass on her immense knowledge for tort law, teaching it with passion and enthusiasm. Professor Ellen Pryor helped me evolve into the attorney and professional who I am today.
Dana Casselli Simon '97, '01
John and Lynn Gartley of the Communications Department really inspired and motivated me. They gave me opportunities I wouldn't have had elsewhere, and they encouraged me. Not to mention we had great fun with the Ohio State - Michigan rivalry!
I'm from Ohio, they're from well...that other state. ;-)
Michael Toay, '89
Max Elizondo's Economics professor...thanks!
That would be Dr. Harold Jesky.
He helped his "boys" get past organic chenistry while we were at SMU and remembered every detail about each of us and our careers for 40 years or more after we graduated.He also supported SMU athletics and was still going to football games into his 90s.
Alas, those professors who most inspired me were not kind, gentle, patient, supportive, etc. Never was my best good enough for long. There are several that I would dearly love to talk to now, to say how well they helped prepare me for the first half of life. Even more treasured are the ones who have helped make the second half rich. My deepest apology goes to Dr. Redus, who attempted to get me interested in religion. Anyone intested in advanced human development, individual and collective? Allen Heacock MD
Linden, Breedan and Halperin! The three greatest professors of all time. Each with a very different point of view on history, and each enlightening and inspiring. Without any one of these three, my education would have been incomplete.
Dr. Lorn Howard is a true professor--- he inspired us, made us work harder than we thought we could, and continues to be a steadfast friend and inspiration to me. Being the only "girl" in the engineering class, he still treated me like "one of the guys," and of course that was back in the olden days of the 70s! Love you always, Jane Farrar Admire,MD '71
"Breathing counts for something, just not in here." The first words from Professor Kobylka's mouth. It was all uphill from there. He was an excellent, witty and challenging teacher!
Stuart Irvin Oost in the Department of History was an absolute tyrant--fortunately! He taught us the seriousness of scholarship and absolutely awed his ancient and medieval undergraduate students (Walter Wink, Charles Scott, and me)into Ph.D. study. Honored be his name.
Dr. Maurice Luker, B.A.'56
Ph.D., Drew Biblical Studies
Jack Harkey was the professor who inspired me the most. He was great and inspiring.
Wm C Parker BSME 1950
Dr. Glenn M. Linden! Just call his office and listen to his voice message and you will have a great understanding of this legend's mindset and personality. As a first year student, I made the make of signing up for an 8 am history class that I had a hard time making. Dr. Linden spotted me in the student center and called me out for not coming to his class. I'll never forget his words "if you come to class now, you MIGHT get a C in my class!" Nearly 20 years later, this man has continued being a mentor and role model to me. I never would have considered getting a Ph.D. had he not encouraged me to pursue any and every dream I had... after I prayed on it and turned it over to God. Thank you Dr. Linden for scaring me into taking the privilege of obtaining a degree more seriously. You are a true testament to all that is RIGHT in higher education!!!!
Dr. Steven Vik is the best. He was a great professor and academic advisor. He helped me get into pharmacy school. Thanks Dr. Vik!
The professor who truly made a difference in my academic life was Professor Larry Scholder. I learned so much about printmaking and art in general from him and I have such fond memories from the printshop in the basement of the Meadows Art School.
Thank you Larry!
I attended Perkins on two separate occasions. All the professors there obviously love their subjects and their passion is infectious.
There was more than one professor who changed my world and in different ways. The first (now retired) was William Babcock. He taught me more about writing than any other professor.
The second is William Abraham. He inspired and encouraged me to pursue ministry full-time and I have inherited his love of theology and John Wesley.
The third is Jaime Clarke-Soles. Her NT classes were a worship experience for me and her love of the NT led me to begin learning Greek on my own.
Mark Stamm's class on prayer has stayed with me and be very useful to me throughout my ministry career.
Dr. John Mears pushed me to research and put together big picture concepts that I still use to this day. John Slocum showed me how to be tough, yet effective in business.
During our years at SMU, we had great professors. My favorite, being a mathematics major, was Dr. Edwin Mouzon. I also was inspired by Dr. Benjamin Petty in religion. The greatest, I never took organic chemistry however, must have been Dr. Harold Jeskey. They all inspired me to continue in graduate school.
Robert D. Rieke
Class of 1966
As an undergraduate, Laurence Perrine, professor of poetry, gave me a love of poetry and a love of language. Dr. John Paul Raquelme encouraged me to take my own writing more seriously.
At Perkins School of Theology, Bill Babcock demystified the writing of Aquinas for me and Zan Holmes convinced me that I had a preaching voice.
I was a nervous wreck on my first day of college in my first biology class. And then Dr. John McCarthy said, "I want this part of the room to stand up," while pointing to about half the lecture hall. When we did, he said to us, "Take a look at these folks, because you won't be seeing them past the first semester." Ugh! What a wake up call! From that point on, Dr. McCarthy inspired me to work hard--and I made A's in his classes! Fortunately for me, I got to know Dr. McCarthy more personally over my next four years, and I still send and receive Christmas cards from him! Thanks for a great education both in and out of the classroom!
Joy Lockwood Berry, O.D.
Dr. Daniel Orlovsky (History) & Dr. Michael Holahan (English), program directors for the SMU-in-Oxford program are by far the most inspirational professors at SMU! They were not only great teachers, they tried to get to know their students and provided many opportunities for them to develop their skills. They also exposed us to culture and challenges. Besides being taught by the best, they also had a funny side, making them the dynamic duo! I still miss them greatly!
There has never been a better profesor or friend than Dr. Kenneth Carroll. Dr. Carroll made th4e subject interesting, challenging and fun.Anyone who took a class under him has never forgotten the expoerience. I appreciate you more each day, Doc!
Tommy Caughran
Class of 1964
You all can stop commenting. Best professor at SMU is Dr. Alice Kendrick.
Hands down. Good person, great teacher, wonderful friend.
By far, my favorite professor at SMU was Marshall Terry. His humor, care and thoughtfulness drew out the best in his students. His subtle push encouraged us newbie writers to discover our own voice and strive to improve with each story. He opened his home, his life and his own books to bring his love of the written word to his students. SMU will be a very different place without him. He's the very best.
Amy Patterson Cardin '81
Dick Hawkins!
Professor Gibson, Rhetoric I and II, was my most influential professor. He always encouraged me to go the extra mile on each writing assignment, especially when meeting with him during office hours at the Learning Center. As one of my first professors at the start of my college career, he will always remain as one who left a mark.
Lindsay Higgins '04
Perkins School of Theology years 56-60 had numbers of professors who challenged and informed me, but the gentle witness of Faith and Love of Dr. Fred Gealy still inspires and comforts me as no other.
Hands down it was Dr. Mike Holdaway and Dr. Claude Albritton - both two of the best Geology has ever seen. They prepared me for graduate school and my career like no others. Thanks for everything.
Wilson "Dub" Crook
Class of 1975
I have a tie. Professor Jeremy Adams in the History Department and Professor Bonnie Wheeler in the English Department. Adams made me fall in love with history and rekindled my love of telling and listening to stories. Wheeler is so challenging. Her passion inside and outside of the classroom really shows her students that she loves what she does. I feel so thankful that I am able to study with them and in a special way they both saved me.
Rick Halperin is without a doubt the professor who inspired me the most - he taught (teaches) what he believes in most - compassion and tolerance. His courses truly made me reconsider the way I thought about political issues and their impact on human rights. Plus, who wouldn't be captivated by that southern drawl????????
"Black Jack" Curry whose high grade (B) went to only one of the 27 accounting majors in his cost accounting class, costing me graduation with Beta Gamma Sigma and turning me off accounting. Roland Porth whose tutelage and advice turned me to law school and tax law, and Law School Adjuncts Herb Kendrick and Ed Copley, who taught me tax procedure and controversy practice. My tax procedure treatise was dedicated to the latter three, and I have enjoyed over 40 years of practice in the tax field thanks to them.
Steve Salch BBA 1965, JD 1968
Though I didn't take his class until my final semester, Dr. Jim Hopkins had a huge impact on my critical thinking and world outlook. His reading list encompassed a broad view of history and his classroom discussions were lively and enlightening. It was my privilege to learn from him.
Rob Johns, B.S, B.A. '81
Dr Eagle made the world of knowledge seem warm and inviting. Still to this day, the unknown is more fun.
The professor who caused me to want to change my world was Dr. Pascal Covici.
Judith Hirsch Hahn
'59
The professor that made the greatest impact on me is now retired. She was Dr. Bassler!!! She was a professor that chanlanged you to do your best. She taught New Testament and Greek at Perkins School of Theology. I can say that I am defintly a better pastor for taking her classes.
How many professors can claim to have 4-5 former students from the mid-70's call them for lunch and fun a couple of times per year? Dr. Cecil H. Smith and Dr. Bijan Mohraz of the Civil Eng. dept. are the two professors who can! Both are great teachers, and Dr. Mohraz is still actively teaching, and Dr. Smith teaches one class and he's 80+! Dr. Smith may have invented "dirt". Great Work! Thanks. Bill Hanks 1975
The Reverend Bob Cooper, Assistant Chaplain, was the most important and appreciated influence in my life at SMU. He was a friend, a mentor, and inspired me intellectually. He was also an incredible role model of how a truly good and ethical person should be. What he taught me continues to guide me as a teacher and as a parent.
Without a doubt, Dennis Simon, Hal Williams, and Glenn Linden. Each of these challenged me to think all the while making class fun and interesting. I could never wait to take their class offerings each semester!
'95, Law '00
Dean Jackson in the B school made me realize the full potential of the stock market. He said, "what goes up must come down" So I invested in real estate. Retired at 35. SMU is Awesome. BBA '71
By far, the professor that "changed my world" the most was Steve Henning. He made accounting fun which I thought would be impossible. He let us value a small company named Razorfish by using the principles learned in his class. Most importantly, he helped me find the career path that was best for me (which ended up having only a little accounting). Steve Henning, you are the best!
Brian Merrill class of 01
Professor Harold Stanley is one who inspired me to think beyond what I saw in print and really evaluate what was being said. I had just entered the Political Science program and he was one of my first professors in that area of study. He left a lasting impression on me. He took the time out to listen, teach and inspire and I am grateful for that.
Prof Linden (history) made me want to learn more about history. He made it fun for us at such a young age to learn about the past, apply to today and look forward as to what it could mean for our future. To this day I am a history buff and owe it all to him.
Dr Barnard wanted our lives to be enriched and our minds to be open. He wanted us to be ready for the world we were entering.
I am honored to say that I didn't have a bad professor in my four years, every single one was valuable.
Bob Harloff,The Nature of Man
OPENED MY EYES AND MIND ON RELIGON,ITS ORIGIN AND MEANING.
IF ONLY THE WHOLE PLANT COULD TAKE THIS COURSE
Prof Jeremy Adams made learning an invaluable and exciting experience. I have never forgotten Medieval History as he taught it and I always enjoyed his intense intellectual curiosity and greatly appreciated his advice and courteousness.
Laurence Curran, '81
Without a doubt, Craig Flournoy. Any journalism student will benefit greatly from his candid advice and his many opinions. He made me a better writer and a more analytical thinker. I am grateful for the classes I had with him and hope that he is still peppering his classroom discussions with all sorts of offensive language. :)
Tom Stone...for Honors Rhetoric and his JFK class "Making History". He made you think in ways that had never occured to you before. He opened up my eyes to so much and initiated my love for academia. For that I am eternally grateful.
Dr. William Stallcup is the professor that I will never forget! For 3 weeks in January 1968 he patiently tutored me in Genetics at times that were convenient for me. I was attending classes at SMU while finishing my last semester at another university. Because of Dr. Stallcup, I became a high school biology teacher. Every year I introduced my Genetics unit with the story of how Dr. Stallcup's patience, support and encouragement changed my life. It is my hope that the legacy of his kindness and dedication has influenced the lives of my students as much as it did mine.
Heidi Sorflaten Stewart '69
Absolutely Dr. Ruth Morgan in the Political Science Dept. I took everything she taught. Although my career is in advertising (which of course is very political) my interest in our political process is strong because of Dr. Morgan's teaching.
Also Dr. Stalcup, great biology teacher, but 8am T/Th class was tough. I remember being invited to his home for Sunday dinner and was so impressed that he took the time to get to know us outside the huge lecture hall.
Joan Tibbets Hudson, '73
Peter Noble - Advertising Campaigns... Throughout an entire semester of long days, nights, weekends and even Spring Break, Prof. Noble was there encouraging us the entire way. As a member of the National Champion AAF NSAC team - we couldn't have done it without him. His techniques, wisdom and real world concepts helped push us on a daily basis from start to finish. The thing is, he instilled this work ethic in all of us. To this day, I recall the tasks of that successful project - and follow his guidance on everyday assignments. Thank You.
Preston Phillips, '04
Arron Sartain in the Business School taught us in 1955 all what would be happening in human resources even before there was such a term. Strong intellect and really a prof for the students.
\
Jerry G. Wilson, 58, 72
Dr. David Switzer.
A week after I arrived to SMU (Perkins)I was shoket (Impacted) for my poor English and the differences of culture. My wife and I were disscusing packing back to Mexico when Dr Switzer Knoked the door of our departament on campus and offer his companion. He teached me to be attempt to the blow of the Holy Spirit to where Thy wants to the need.
Rafael Murillo P. Class 75
Professor William J. Bridge, College of Law. He taught Criminal Law...he scared us, challeged us and cared about us. Thanks Professor.