My wife and I came to Adrian in 1946. We both took Dr. Norman McNaughton's class in adolescent psychology. I thought this professor was nuts. So I kept taking his classes. I still have a book in which I wrote some of his greatest quotes: "When you see a man walking down the street take off your hat to him-that is part of God going by." Or, "Never love one person or thing so much that life without them would be meaningless." But the corker is, "Stick a geranium in your hat and be happy."

We grew close. In fact, he and his wife had Jeanne and me over for a roasted lamb dinner at their home. We felt very close to this man and it helped me to develop a respect for life. When I conducted a missions program on campus for the poor, I remember Dr. McNaughton putting in a $20 bill and encouraging me to keep going.

There will never be another Dr. McNaughton. We appreciated him so much. What Dr. McNaughton taught my wife and me 56 years ago has stuck with us! That is what we think of this great man. Thank you for allowing our past to come forward.

-Jeanne and Jordan Detzer '50

Professor Don Kleinsmith

Don Kleinsmith was my advisor as well as my professor for a couple of English classes. In class, I remember how he stressed that proper grammar and spelling is necessary in order to be taken seriously by others. I also remember his emphasis on the idea of "presentation," especially when the first contact is through writing. I can't thank him enough for these lessons, as I am now enrolled in a master of social work program and I am quickly realizing that many fellow students struggle tremendously with issues concerning writing and citing references.

More than lessons in writing, however, I remember Professor Kleinsmith's smiling face, caring attitude and his "aura" of genuinely loving life and people. I returned to Adrian College for Homecoming and I ran into him at the football game. I was impressed and deeply touched when he not only remembered my name but also recalled my "mission" in life and asked how things were turning out for me. I felt as important to him in that one instant as he had been to me in college and in the many years after graduation.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts of such a wonderful person.

-Emily Barr '91

Professor Richard Koch

My favorite AC professor is Dr. Richard Koch. I graduated from Adrian College in 1992, and met Dr. Koch during my freshman year. During my junior year, he encouraged me to be a part of the writing center staff, and it turned out to be an extremely rewarding experience.

No one worked harder than Dr. Koch to ensure that we would be giving a professional experience to every student who walked through our doors in Mahan Hall. For our training and ensuing meetings, he would bring juice, cookies, etc. ("treats" he called them), and while he did things with a great deal of professionalism, there was an equal amount of humor and genuine interest in us as individuals. His approach has been an enormous influence on me.

Because of my experiences working on his staff, taking his class, and calling on him to help with my school, Dr. Richard Koch is my favorite professor, and deserves to be recognized for his service.

-Andrew C. Jackson '92

Professor Forest Haines

There is only one! Finally, I have an opportunity to pay tribute to Dr. Forest Haines. Any student who ever had him as a professor knows that he is the best. He has a way that is all his own where he actually "teaches" and students actually "learn"-and they remember! It's everything about his methods-where a student has to be a student, attend classes, study, prepare and learn in order to succeed in his classes. It's the same as life.

There was no fooling around when it came to earth science classes with Dr. Haines. I attended Adrian in the mid-70s when student enrollment was at an all-time low and the attitude on campus could have been a better one. What went on in my dorm because of Dr. Haines' classes are cherished memories-mainly, studying into the wee hours of the night in hopes of passing one of his exams. Those were grueling, and yet so worthwhile. I am unable to find the words to truly explain it. The fact that we would continue to sign up for his classes says it all. He remains the most influential educator I know. Hopefully, Dr. Haines will get the respect, recognition and admiration he truly deserves.

"Rock On!"

-Grace A. Capraro '78

Professor Ronald Elardo

I had a lot of good professors at Adrian, but the one who stands out is Dr. Ron Elardo. Being a German major, I had a class with Ron every semester. I remember once he asked the class why we were in college. A couple of people said, "To learn," "To get a good job," "To party," etc. But he said the main reason was, "To be a good, informed citizen." That made us think a little bit. Ron would often say that "our campus was a microcosm of the country at large-whatever happened at AC was happening everywhere," and vice versa.

Ron's annual celebrations of German reunification at his house, complete with German food, were always something to look forward to. Ron wasn't afraid to share his own background as he would often talk about his wife and children. Like many professors, Ron set aside class time for us to discuss the Gulf War going on at the time, and he shared his own experience in Vietnam. Ron encouraged me in my desire to study abroad. When it didn't work out my junior year, he helped me find another program for my senior year. And how many of your professors have a mailbox with the word "Zeitung" (newspaper) on it?

Ron, Herzlichen Dank!

-Dan Chalk '94

Professor Pi Benio

There are many professors who deserve this recognition, but none more than Pi Benio. I came to Adrian from Pennsylvania, and I was a little (OK, a lot) nervous about the transition to Michigan and college.

I will never forget the first time I met Pi. I was a freshman, wandering the halls of Mahan looking at the displayed artwork. She was arranging slides in one of the display cases. She had long, straight dark hair and big red glasses. We began talking and I knew instantly I had to take a class from her. She had a passion that I wanted.

I took every class that Pi taught. Her classes were interesting, fun, and sometimes frustrating. She expected nothing but your best. And she was always there to offer support, suggestions, and a helping hand. Well, the long hair and big red glasses have since passed, but her passion and love of art still remain. She really cares about her students both academically and personally. She helped me grow as an artist, by pushing me to be the best I could be. And she taught me to never give up, no matter who or what got in my way. I graduated from Adrian in 1992, and I just wanted to say thanks to Pi for all she has done and continues to do for me, for Adrian College, and for the community!

-Michelle Ford '92