Professor Rossen was the guiding light of Electrical Engineering for many years. He was tough but loved by all. We called him 'Papa Joe'. I learned that I could really build things that worked while participating in the Electrical Car Project that Professor Rossen ran for MEng students. Before this project I wasn't sure if I new how to apply any of my electrical engineering training and knowledge. Professor Rossen taught me to go the extra mile to do things 'right'. I'll never forget the summer when I was working for him. He had me set up a motor/generator set in the basement of Phillips Hall to produce a perfect 120VAC supply for the lab where EE student had their first electrical lab class. The reason for this was the fact that the Cornell Cyclotron drew so much current that it would put 'holes' in the sine wave of the AC supply whenever it kicked in. Papa Joe wanted the students to learn to use oscilloscopes with a correct looking AC supply. I don't know of anyone else who would have gone to this much trouble to recreate a better verson of what we all expect to be available at every wall socket!

Professor Christian was my advisor, and showed me what hospitality really was...not the academics, not the systems, not the job titles...but rather the personal caring and concern for other people. Vance hosted Sunday brunches at his home, preparing the meal himself for his student guests. He exemplified hospitality in his treatment of his young charges, and was an outstanding mentor. He was an excellent coach, and listener as well. Vance created the opportunity for me to discuss my evolving notions about what I was learning with others in a thoughtful, open setting. As my interests expanded, he continued to provide an important anchor for me, long after I'd completed the course ciriculum in his area. Equally important, he collaborated with Dean Beck, Dean Paul Gaurnier, Professors Wanderstock, Silk, and others to coach and guide me through four years at Cornell which were marked by rapid change, great controversy, and student unrest. Although I did my share of 'protesting,' this great team of teachers and role models did not lose interest in seeing me get the best possible education. Their personal interest in me has had a lasting impact on who I am and how I live my life. I remember them, and despite the many hundreds (thousands?) of students they dealt with, I know they remember me. I can think of very few other people who have had such a lasting, important impact on my life, and who are themselves such remarkable human beings. These are people that define 'Great Educators'.

Barbara opened doors for my understanding of psychology and biology- how they intertwine and reveal a broader understanding of how we humans function, feel and live. She inspired my senior year research on eating disorders, and allowed me to fuse my love for science with sociology into a successful museum exhibit at the Sciencenter. I will always remember her classes fondly- for a 9:05AM class I was never more awake or intrigued with the subject matter...and I'm not a morning person!

He helped me to understand the complexity of ideas and the unique contribution that our constitutional ideas have made to the world. His depth of scholarship and the remarkable clarity of his lectures were inspiring. His lectures were always filled with new insights that kept us talking with each other for hours after each. He has been an inspiration to generations of students and his productivity is a continuing amazement.

His smiling,calm,gentle,laidback manner--backed with mastery of his subject--gained my total respect.