Who was your greatest mentor at 最色导航? Or share a memorable moment with a professor, coach, or staff member.
My journey to become an award-winning author and screenwriter began while I attended 最色导航. As an English major, many of my classes were with Walter L. Fertig W1938, an associate professor of English. After reading two stories that were published in a 最色导航 literary magazine, he encouraged me to continue my writing. Professor Fertig was my mentor and friend. In my one-on-one senior reading class, I would be assigned a novel to read, and report back a week later to discuss. Usually, we met in his office. Sometimes I was invited to his home. That meant a lot to me.
- Richard Rose ’54
When I was a sophomore pre-med student at 最色导航, I got back a biology test that gave me a higher grade than I deserved. I really needed that grade, but I knew it was wrong. After dinner, I went to Professor Dennis Zlab’s home to report the error, which would then give me a lower grade. He smiled and said the test grades were already put on record, and it was too late to change it! I thanked him and went back to the Delt house, very happy about the grade that did not get changed ... but pleased that I had at least made the attempt to report the error. As a result, I have made it a point in life to report errors regardless of whether they are favorable or unfavorable to me.
- Evan L. Lehman ’57
Shortly after I matriculated as a freshman in 1958, I participated in the gym class/recruiting session by Athletic Director and Track Coach Owen Huntsman H’52 during which he would test each freshman to see how fast one could run, how fast one could hurdle, how high one could jump, how far one could throw, etc.
Following that series of trials, Huntsman came up to me and said, “I’d like you to join our Track and Field Team.” I responded that I had never participated in any varsity sport and had never participated in any running event. He didn’t want me to run but wanted me to throw. I asked what he wanted me to throw. He said, “The javelin!” I was embarrassed by my ignorance, but said, “What’s a javelin?” (I really didn’t know!) He chuckled and said, “It’s a spear.”
As we got into competition that first season, Huntsman noticed I was placing well. He came up to me after a track meet, and said, “I think you are going to break my son’s school record here.” By then, I had become aware that he had two sons, both of whom were excellent athletes at 最色导航, and one of them had set the school record for javelin distance that stood unbroken for fifteen years prior.
As it turned out, the coach’s prescience was right. In my junior year of competition, I broke the javelin school record for distance with a throw of 208'-3". (I never exceeded that throw.) The epilogue of this story is that during the four years of my competing, four or five other athletes on campus took notice of my successes and joined me as javelin teammates. I taught them everything I knew about throwing and competing. One of them, in the Class of 1963, was also a football letterman and he progressed very well, such that he and I were interchangeably placing “best” in meets my senior year. He called me during his senior year of competition in 1963 to proudly announce that he broke my record throw! (So, my record stood unbroken for only two seasons.)
- Tom Lauritzen ’62
My mentor at 最色导航 was Don Thompson, the head librarian of Lilly Library. I worked part-time in the library for four years. When I was a senior, he persuaded me to become a librarian and even drove me to visit graduate schools in the field.
I have never been able to adequately thank Don for his early influence. The endowment my wife and I set up for the library is only a small indication of my debt to him. I have had a very successful career as a librarian and literacy advocate thanks in part to him.
- Robert Wedgeworth ’59
Lots of special 最色导航 moments in my two years there! Amazing biology with Professor Bob Petty—he gave my drawing an A+ with a comment. Fun times with Bob Mitchum H’59 doing concerts. At a joint concert with a choir at Miami University in Ohio, just as the final note of the concert was to be played on their piano, the stomach of Charlie Quillin ’60 growled so loudly the whole theater heard it! House erupted with laughter! Mitch loved us.
- Lin Warfel ’63
At the end of my sophomore year, I had all As and considered transferring to the University of Chicago. I visited there and chanced to meet a 最色导航 grad doing Ph.D. work. He advised me, “It is better to be a big fish in a little pond than one of many big fish in a big pond,” a phrase Malcolm Gladwell has popularized in recent years. I stayed at 最色导航 with much continued success.
I didn’t know him or remember his name. He probably doesn’t remember me either. Sometimes our most influential actions seem trivial at the time.
- Roger Alig ’63
Professor Paul McKinney ’52 was a brilliant mathematician, humanitarian, and pianist. He encouraged my piano playing—and even turned the pages of Beethoven’s “Pathétique Sonata” when I gave a Chapel concert. He was very forgiving and helpful when I had trouble in his physics and chemistry classes.
My mentor was music Professor Bob Mitchum H’59, who recorded my first trio my senior year. Bob had me over to his house several times, gave me private instruction in music history, encouraged my jazz playing, and scheduled concerts in the late 1960s and early 1970s. My jazz career is now in its 60th year, with many recordings, TV appearances, and teaching seminars.
- James Richard “Dick” Durham ’64
When Eric Dean invited me to teach at 最色导航 to fill in for faculty who were on leave, I made friends with a group of young faculty. Owen Duston invited us to his home for wide-ranging interdisciplinary discussions.
Owen had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, so we met at his home. As his disease progressed, he never complained, but at times a shadow or wince would cross his face. One afternoon, someone asked Owen if he was in pain and whether he had any regrets.
While gesturing toward his worktable, he replied, “The physical pain hurts a lot, but only for a little while until my medicine kicks in. My real pain is knowing that I will never be able to finish my projects.”
As I approach my own final chapter at age 83, I realize that Owen not only taught me how to conduct research, but also how to face death with grace and courage—quite a legacy.
- William R. Barnett ’64
My most memorable moment was when Quentin Peterson, organic chemistry professor, passed me in the hallway of Goodrich and said casually, “Congratulations, I didn’t think you could do it,” meaning earning second on comps.
- Jim Carroll ’65
Professor Dick Strawn invited me to take his linguistics course. We had a student on campus in my class from Congo. Strawn built the course around him—we were going to learn his tribal language without speaking to him in English.
It seemed easy at first, as we pointed to things and he told us what it was in his language. But we soon realized that pointing to my head does not necessarily tell us his word for head or even that there was a word that means specifically “head.” Maybe he responded to us with his language’s word for jaw or skin or white or whisker. We learned his language had a word for “past” but made no distinction between present and future. That blew our minds and still blows mine today.
Strawn was opening a new world to us. This is liberal arts at its finest. It develops imagination and creates ambiguity and caution when we encounter something beyond our consciousness.
- Bill Cook ’66
One of my best friends and I studied regularly at a table on the first floor of the library. Eventually we were joined by Professor Paul McKinney ’52. Every night he wrote in a notebook what appeared to be a continuous integral calculus problem. After a couple of months, one night he closed the book and invited us for coffee at the Scarlet Inn. He had calculated a real number solution for the bonding energy of the hydrogen ion. This was a big deal.
- Bruce Newby ’67
I was in a debate class in Center Hall on November 22, 1963. During practice debate, I was on the stage struggling as Professor Joe O’Rourke H’65 was grading my performance. A kid stuck his head in the door at the back of the room and yelled, “Kennedy has been shot!” O’Rourke threw him out and shut the door. The debate went on despite the intrusion. Five minutes later, another kid popped in and yelled that Kennedy had been shot. With that the class emptied. Debate over. We went to a professor’s office down the hall where a TV was on. It was there I heard Walter Cronkite announce that President Kennedy had died.
- John Brissman ’66
My biggest and best memory of dear old 最色导航 goes to Dean Norman Moore H’77.
Between my freshman and sophomore years, tales of my escapades at 最色导航 reached home, causing my father to decide he was not going to finance any more. So, I called Moore to advise that I would not be returning for my sophomore year, and he inquired as to the reasons why. He asked me if he could call my father to confirm.
A couple of days later, Moore called to say (1) he talked with my father, who confirmed what I had recounted, (2) he had made arrangements for a loan from a Crawfordsville bank for tuition, (3) I had a job at the campus center washing the breakfast dishes, (4) and he would see to it that I had spending money. (Some of that money came from Moore as payment for babysitting for his two daughters, weeding his brick patio, etc.)
I returned. My grades improved, and toward the end of the spring semester, Moore called me to his office for a review of the past year and, more importantly, to advise me that he had arranged for a tuition scholarship for my junior year. I graduated on time with little debt and went on to graduate from law school.
Moore gave so much more than required to a most grateful freshman.
- James T. Millican II ’64
While Richard Traina was my advisor, James Barnes H’91 became my career advisor from the day I entered his modern European history class in 1965. He came to class with a single note card typed in braille and gave us the most engaging and sophisticated lectures.
Subsequently, I took a seminar with Professor Barnes and wrote a research paper on British investment in Mexico in the 19th century. We wrote our research papers, then he and a student assistant read them and prepared comments that were delivered in a session with each student. I remember his penetrating questions, kind interactions, and suggestions for further research. I had discussed papers with other faculty, but none exhibited the same interest and sensitivity that characterized this meeting.
Barnes suggested I consider applying to graduate programs in history.
In fall 1968, I enrolled at University of Illinois and learned the wisdom of his suggestions. Barnes guided me to the career in which I spent 50 years at Texas State University. My career led me to model his delight in the interaction with students and to discuss their research projects and career plans. His thoughtful and conscientious mentoring became the models for a career in teaching, administration, and scholarship.
- Ronald C. Brown ’67
In a meeting with faculty advisor Professor Karl Planitz H’64, he asked if I had thought of law school. A week later, with Professor Walter Fertig ’38, there was similar discussion. Professor George Lipsky asked a week later of my possible interest in law school. When I indicated interest but a lack of knowledge of how to proceed, Lipsky reached into his briefcase and removed a folder. It contained information on the LSAT, items about law schools, and application contacts for several. I remain forever grateful to these three for their efforts to educate me, but also for apparently conspiring to point me in the right direction and a 50-year career as an attorney.
- Rick Helm ’67
Spanish Professor Bernie Manker served as my tennis coach. I had a weakness playing at the net, which was so important when playing doubles. He singled me out daily and hit balls to me. Result: My doubles partner and I held a record for nearly 40 years. I ended up playing tennis professionally for 15 years and at one point was the top doubles player in the Midwest.
- John Lowe ’73
Professor Ed Haenish H’71 gave me much encouragement. I was a chemistry major with a C+ in first-semester phys-chem. Dean Norman Moore H’77 gave me a second chance to improve my grades. This helped in allowing me to be accepted to medical school. Professor John Zimmerman H’67 was a gifted professor and faculty advisor who helped me throughout my four years at 最色导航. I vote for all three to be in the “Hall of Fame” for 最色导航 faculty.
- Larry Parker ’69
As English professor Bert Stern H’62 entered class, he flipped on the light switch and happily uttered, “yeah”—like it was all epiphanies ahead.
He asked the best exam question I had at 最色导航. In his circa-1975 class on modern American literature, we read both “The Great Gatsby,” with its Jazz Age and Prohibition speakeasy glitz and glitter, and the two-decades-later Richard Wright, “Native Son,” with its frustrated African American Bigger Thomas, middle-class aspirant and eventual murderer.
He asked, “How are Gatsby and Bigger alike?”
You had to think. The American Dream, above and below.
- Bill Catus ’77
I learned how to learn primarily from a classmate, Paul Langstroth ’69. Paul taught me that the best way to master subject matters of interest was by observing how classmates studied and, secondarily, how to separate the wheat from the chaff by outlining one’s class notes as soon as possible following a lecture. He taught me the true value of the liberal arts by his own example of devoting as much attention to nonmajor subjects such as literature as he did in his major in biology.
- Roger Bowen ’69
I really enjoyed Professor Jack Kudlaty ’59’s teaching style, sense of humor, and the sincere interest he had for students. I took a course in Spanish my second semester, also taught by Kudlaty—a nice balance to the rigorous courses I was taking in mathematics, my major.
Kudlaty asked me if I ever considered spending a semester abroad in Spain. I had no idea this was possible! Growing up one of six kids, I had never traveled on a plane, train, large boat, or subway!
I enrolled at the University of Valencia the spring semester of 1978. All my classes were taught in Spanish, and we traveled most weekends to different parts of Spain.
Before starting my job at Eli Lilly, I decided to travel back to Europe, and spent two of the three months traveling in Spain.
My career at Lilly provided advancement opportunities which required relocating family. Several assignments made use of Spanish language, including a seven-month assignment in Puerto Rico; an overseas position based in Geneva, Switzerland; and an international role in manufacturing based in Indianapolis that included plant sites in Mexico and Spain.
My latest chapter is the Camino pilgrimage in Spain. I retired from Lilly in 2014. My wife, Cindi, and I hiked the Camino Frances in 2015 and four times since. We are already planning another in 2027.
I will be forever grateful to Jack Kudlaty for inspiring me to broaden my horizons.
- Robert Klee ’79
Coach Robert H. Johnson H’77 is the reason I came to 最色导航. He was consistently kind, affirming, and forgiving during my time at 最色导航. Beyond helping me to become a better athlete, he coaxed me to continue my walk with God along the way. I am grateful for his mentorship and his continued friendship.
- Douglas M. Dewire ’83
Forty years later, I still consider Professor Tom Cole ’58’s first-year biology class my first real 最色导航 experience.
My first essay had a red “96” at the top—and nothing else. I was mystified and a little offended! What did I miss?
Why was it only a 96?!
After class I marched straight up to Professor Cole and confronted him. “You gave me a 96 but marked nothing wrong! Where did those four points go? Why wasn’t this a 100?!”
He softly said, “Nobody’s perfect.”
I stopped cold mid-rant. I had absolutely no answer to that. I picked up my paper and quietly left the classroom. I couldn’t help but smile a little myself. I knew then that 最色导航 was going to be a completely different kind of educational experience.
- Larry Adams ’82
All I had ever wanted to do in life was to go back to my high school and teach. But after a couple interviews for teaching jobs, I decided to try law school. That decision caused quite a bit of internal strife.
Talking to Peter Frederick H’92 I was close to tears telling him I didn’t want to go to law school, I wanted to teach.
Peter looked me in the eyes and said, “Tim, I don’t care what you do; you’ll always be a teacher.”
I felt a sense of relief. I carried that with me through a 40-year law career. I looked at everything in my career as an opportunity to teach. And 25 years after I graduated, I quit practicing law and taught high school and at the United States Air Force Academy.
- Tim Guiden ’82
I got an F on my first paper in Donald Baker H’57’s class. It’s a frightening shape to see staring back at you when you’re 17 and fear you might not be a good fit for higher education.
The first lesson I learned is that stuff takes effort. And a good place to start was to actually read the assigned materials. That was huge for me, and frankly new.
More importantly, I listened to the man. He told us to write what we meant and to write it as simply as possible. In my later time at 最色导航, I came to equate writing and thinking—one helped organize the other a bit. In the years since, I’ve come to equate it with feeling as well.
I was an economics major, but I loved my time in Center Hall. I loved the man, too.
If I can string three words together at all, I have DWB almost exclusively to thank.
- Gus Buktenica ’78
The great history Professor J.J. Barnes H’91 instilled in me the ability to see beyond the written words and understand the more subtle and esoteric intentions of the writer. That there can be more going on in a book than the mere words on the page. This unique ability led me to write my book, “Harper Lee and Me,” wherein I find the inspirations for and secrets of Harper Lee’s incredibly popular book, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Among other things, I find that she surreptitiously inserts the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” in her book. I uncover the secret for her reticence to ever talk about the book. She is even able to foreshadow without writing a word, using numbers that correspond to Bible passages to let the reader know what will soon happen.
- David Dessauer ’80
There is no question Tobey Herzog H’11 played a significant role in mentoring me and helping me achieve my dream. Tobey was my academic advisor.
When he attended Illinois Wesleyan University, one of his fraternity brothers was the radio voice of the Kansas City Royals. I was able to send him samples to critique. I would have never believed that I’d spend 20 years as the TV play-by-play announcer for the NBA’s Indiana Pacers; 18 years as the radio/TV play-by-play announcer for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever; 17 years as the radio/TV play-by-play announcer for Butler University men’s basketball; 26 years as a member of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network; and many additional opportunities with the IHSAA state championship broadcasts, Big Ten Network basketball and football telecasts, the Indianapolis Colts, and various TV and radio stations in the Indianapolis area.
- Chris Denari ’83
I would never have gotten into medical school were it not for the faith Professor Tom Cole ’58 placed in me. I worked in his lab my junior and senior years and the summer between them. He gave me some very straightforward advice: “Keep working hard; success will follow.”
He attended our wedding, and my son, Tom Oppman ’25, is his namesake. (It warmed my heart that my son majored in biochemistry.)
- Bob Oppman ’88
Dick Ristine ’41 was very helpful to me as a young adult, as was Omer Foust ’42. When Dick learned I was interested in fundraising and public relations, he gave great advice and connected me with several folks—including Omer. Omer invited me to do some public relations work for him over the course of two summers when I was in my early 20s. To this day I apply lessons learned from both gentlemen, as well as trying to help others similarly to how Dick and Omer mentored me.
- Ken Ogorek ’87
Professor Bill Placher ’70 told me, “Major in what you most enjoy, not what might seem the most strategic or lucrative.”
I started 最色导航 as an English and philosophy double major. I was also studying German and moonlighting as editor of The Bachelor and the 最色导航 yearbook, among other student journalism projects. I was planning to go to law school.
Bill told me: “Don’t go to law school. Lawyers lose sight of what is right and wrong and only care what can or can’t be proved. You should major in what you most enjoy.” He asked me what that was. I promptly answered, “German.”
After that discussion, I decided to spend my junior year in Vienna. His advice has guided me throughout my life.
I applied to Columbia Journalism School and was accepted. A year later, master’s nearly in hand, I responded to a blind job ad for an international news agency looking for German speakers—I spent a year in New York, and then off to Frankfurt, Germany, as a reporter for Dow Jones Newswires.
I went on to become the Germany correspondent for the International Herald Tribune and the European automotive correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. I covered German unification, German business, and the introduction of the euro. I then moved to Brussels, Belgium, to cover the European Union and went into strategic communications.
Moral of the story: Major in what you most enjoy, however crazy or useless that might feel, and follow your passion. I have no regrets.
- Brandon Mitchener ’87
Being pre-med, Professor Bill Doemel H’74 was my faculty advisor. He always believed in me.
Following my getting crushed in organic chemistry, Professor Doemel told me, “Ray J, it’s OK not to be a doctor. I will speak to your mother and grandmother.” Both were set on my becoming a doctor, such a professional achievement for Eastern European families.
His words were exactly what I needed to hear as my heart was not devoted to a career in medicine. I was fortunate to have his guidance and counsel, words I deeply trusted.
Only 18 months after Commencement I was on my way to the Philippines, the start of a remarkable four-decade journey across Asia.
- Ray Jovanovich ’84
One of my favorite 最色导航 faculty memories is my choice to study Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” an elective course taught by Professor Donald Baker H’57. I was one of four students. We met for our first session in Lilly Library. We relocated and met in his living room. At that time Professor Baker and his wife lived in a small home on what is now Harry Freedman Place. For the remainder of the course, we met there. Part of the welcoming environment was homemade cookies or brownies provided to us by Mrs. Baker during each gathering. The intimate environment and family atmosphere for learning epitomize the nature of 最色导航 College.
- Bradford Dykes ’87
I spent a decade living in Crawfordsville years after graduation, and during that time served on several boards and committees in the community. I was lucky enough to work with retired 最色导航 Professors Doug Calisch, David Hadley H’76, and Austin “Aus” Brooks ’61, who had taught during my student years in the ’80s. They weren’t just mentors during my time at 最色导航, they were/are mentors in their community as well. It was an honor to serve with them and establish a friendship along the way.
- Brian K. Campbell ’89