My brother went to Cornell 9 years before me. When I left home to attend Cornell, his only advice was, "Take Psych 101 with James Maas." We both loved his course - the candid camera films and all. Looking back at my notes, which I've kept for almost 20 years, I remember so much of what he taught and still find it fascinating!

Prof. van Tienhoven challenged me to be successful. Because of him, I achieved goals I might otherwise have left behind. Thank you for your motivation and inspiration.

My grades in the sciences (physics and math) were never very good, but I always had a fascination with these subjects, especially as they related to astronomy and, later, computers.

On the other hand, L. Pearce Williams' History of Science courses showed how people, events and ideologies all combined into the making of modern science. Williams had an amazing ability to get to the core of complex ideas like DNA or relativity and make them understandable. He truly followed Einstein's belief that "All solutions should be simple, but not too simple."

More than that, however, he had an animated way of lecturing that kept you entertained. And when the lecture was over, you were amazed at how much you had learned.

Professor Scherer goes beyond teaching when it comes to his students. One of the most amicable professors to ever grace Cornell campus, Professor Scherer not only stimulated interest in visual communication and other subject areas he taught, he always took the time to help his students when in need and often went beyond the call of duty when it came to caring about his students. I regarded Professor Scherer as my father at Cornell because of his kind support and will always remember him as being a great part of my positive Cornell experience.

Prof. Silbey (History) was first my major advisor, and then my honors thesis advisor. Under his tutelage I experienced the best that Cornell had to offer academically and intellectually. After spending 1 1/2 years working closely with him and enjoying his advice and counsel, law school was a dull and shabby experience.

My brother Seth (Arts 89) followed and similarly profited from knowing Prof. Silbey. There were many great professors in the History department during 1981-1985, such as Walter LaFeber and L. Pearce Williams, but for me, Prof. Silbey was the prince of them all.