Patrick Easto looks back at the carnival life of his childhood as an exaggerated reflection of normal society, as well as a world in itself. His mother was an exotic dancer; his father organized shows. At that time in his life, Easto probably never would have thought he'd spend his career as a professor in a classroom. But that's exactly what he did.
Easto, an Eastern Michigan University emeritus professor, taught sociology classes for 34 years. As a result of his work in the classroom and the field, he was recently honored with a special citation from the Michigan Sociological Association (MSA) for distinguished service. A plaque was presented Oct. 16 at the association's annual meeting in Mount Pleasant. Easto, who retired Sept. 1 due to illness, was unable to personally accept the plaque.
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"Easto was very crucial and instrumental in establishing the Michigan Sociological Association some 30 years ago," said Alan Hill, MSA executive officer. "Only one other person has received a special citation."
"As a department chair, he valued people first. His work with colleagues across the state in the field of sociology helped to place EMU at the center of the discipline," said Linda Pritchard, dean of EMU's College of Arts and Sciences. "For Pat, Eastern Michigan University was more than his alma mater — it was the touchstone for his life."
"Pat was one of the most popular teachers EMU ever had," said EMU professor and colleague Jay Weinstein, interim head of the sociology, anthropology and criminology department. "Easto taught research methods, but used his show business personality to warm up a class and make the topic more interesting."
Easto's research included the American jury system and the cost effectiveness of hospitals that case-manage HIV-AIDS patients. He also wrote about the carnival life for academics and non-academics, said Weinstein.
As an undergraduate adviser for five years, Easto saw just about every student in the department, said Weinstein.
"He was well-loved. Everyone was his friend and no one was ever mad at him," Weinstein said.
Easto, of Detroit, grew up in Flat Rock, and received a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University, a master's degree from Wayne State University and a doctorate from Syracuse University.
