Oct. 12, 2004 issue

The best thing about teaching is learning. I like teaching here at Eastern Michigan University because it's a school that was founded for preparing educators. I've been here since 1964 and EMU is a good place to work. Teaching, learning and living are inextricably linked. And I like the connection at EMU.

I like EMU because it has a diverse campus and I've had something to do with expanding diversity. I teach multicultural studies and I try to raise not only the knowledge level of my students, but also the awareness of my students of the value of ethnic, racial, cultural and language studies.

I also like the other elements of being a professor here. For example, I sponsor three student organizations. One of them is an educational honor society, Pi Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, a very prestigious international organization. I also like working with the Undergraduate Symposium for honor students. I see the accomplishments of the really fine students we have here.

This fall is my 50th year as an educator and my 41st year teaching at EMU. I feel extremely blessed and fortunate to be an educator because there was no history of higher education on either side of my family. When and if I decide to retire, I think I would want to be a Fulbright Senior Scholar/Researcher again if I am selected for an appointment through the State Department. It has broadened my horizons immensely.

I profoundly hope EMU will place student learning as its highest priority. I believe we are on the brink of a great future.

 

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