Nov. 15, 2005 issue
When Eastern Michigan University was starting a philosophy section in
1967, I was contacted by the late Manuel Bilsky to teach here. It was
a great opportunity for me to be able to teach and continue my studies.
I have been here for 38 years since and plan on retiring after the 2006
winter semester.
I really like the idea of the sense of community at EMU, being able to
work directly with the students while still having the advantages of teaching
at a large university.
For me, the most rewarding aspect of my job is not only working with
the students, but also having them use the knowledge that I have given
them as a springboard to improve on what they have already learned.
Seeing your students go on in the field that you love is what teachers
dream about. It's interesting to watch the young students mature and change,
taking the same steps that I took years ago. I'm really happy that a couple
of my best students have actually done some graduate work in philosophy.
My advice to students is to do in life what jumps off the
page at you. Whether it is your major or occupation, do what
you love. Nothing is sadder in life than working for something
you hate.
