Pina Swenson was my "mother" at Cornell. Through four years, six classes and two independent studies, Pina helped me truly appreciate my Italian roots. She even encouraged me to study my family's Neapolitan dialect - what fun!! I think of Pina often and some of my fondest Cornell memories are of my times spent with her.

When I first started at Cornell I had planned to take Spanish but somehow wound up in Italian classes. It was one of the best decisions I made. Pina was my professor for two of the three Italian courses I took. From the first day and throughout my 4 years, she was an inspiration, a mentor and a friend. She was an important part of my invaluable experience at Cornell that I hope others have had the opportunity to be part of.

Dr. Rockcastle was my advisor for four years and was my teacher for several classes. His enthusiasm for science and science teaching were infectious. The concepts he taught about the "physical environment" stayed with me through a 34 year career as a junior high science teacher. I used his ideas, his humor and his enthusiasm on a daily basis.

On one occasion he subbed for Dr. Fischer in Field and Natural History. The field trip for that week was to examine the life in and along a nearby stream. He warned us to wear old shoes. When we arrived at the location he sat down on the bank, took his shoes and socks off and replaced his shoes. Then, he was off, walking up the middle of the stream pointing out by name and function in the habitat every visible living thing in the area. That image of him walking up the stream stuck with me and helped to guide my classroom presentation throughout my career.

Professor Warren was the son of the man for whom the ag campus's Warren Hall was named. He was beloved by the students, who flocked to his course and who certainly got their money's worth from his wisdom, and his analytical mind. When a student I'd go home for the summer and lace my conversation with "Prof. Warren says" when I was sharing what I'd learned in his class. He had a knack for explaining terms with which some of his varied-background students might not be familiar. One day's discussion was about the marketing of veal calves, the youngest of which were known in the trade as "bob" calves. Aware that some of the students were baffled by the term, Professor Warren explained it thusly: "A bob calf is one that leaves home at a tender age." He went on to suggest what happened to much of the veal. He said, "if, in almost any restaurant in southeastern New York, you order a 'chicken sandwich" the chances are you'll be eating some bob veal."

I have fond memories of attending Professor Conway's lectures as a clueless freshman. His enthusiasm for teaching came across loud and clear. His animated and highly interactive lectures were some of the most attended classes in College of Engineering. He would patiently explain a concept over and over using different examples until he was satisfied that we had grasped the material. Moreover, he was very support of students and readily adjusted his office hours to accommodate our busy schedules. He aspired me to learn for the sake of learning. It is truly a privilege to have studied under such a tremendous teacher.