At the end of the academic year, 11 faculty members will retire from the College. The Record asked each of them to share a photo of themselves and any words of wisdom or advice they have for the College community before they leave.
Robert Baker-White ’80, Professor of Theatre since 2003
“One thing I’d say after more than three decades of teaching is that wisdom is usually found in reading as many different types of things as possible; the quotes are sitting there waiting to be discovered.”
Ronald Feldman, Director of the Berkshire Symphony since 1989
“The education our students receive at Williams is second to none, no doubt. The value gained from participating in ensembles supports this extraordinary education and cannot be overlooked. In addition to the responsibility for preparation, learning to work with people productively is an important life lesson, which can determine your success as you move into the workforce.”
Mike Glier ’76, Professor of Art since 1988
“I’m not sure that age bestows wisdom, but experience does refresh truths that have fallen into cliché. The golden rule, for example, is a good guide for most any dilemma. And wouldn’t it be fine if we applied the golden rule to all living things and learned to pause to consider the life of an annoying bug before we deliver the fatal slap?”
Alan Hirsch, Lecturer in the Humanities since 2007
“For students, I can’t do better than this verse from Robert Frost: ‘But yield who will to their separation, / My object in living is to unite / My avocation and my vocation / As my two eyes make one in sight.’”
Marjorie Hirsch, Professor of Music since 2001
“Amidst the bustle of classes, tasks, and deadlines, one can sometimes lose sight of the wondrousness of this place. The Purple Valley is such a beautiful and inspiring place to live and work. My advice: Soak it all up, and reflect on what, years hence, you may miss the most about your time at Williams.”
Stewart Johnson, Professor of Mathematics since 1990
“I’ve had a great experience at Williams and have seen many changes. I am grateful to all the wonderful students over the years that have made my work here so meaningful and rewarding. I hope that Williams will continue to foster the highest standards of intellectual inquiry, critical thinking, and open discussion.”
Scott Lewis, Director of the Williams Outing Club since 1992
“Be kind, listen purposefully and intently, spread joy whenever you can, pick up trash, say good morning or afternoon pending time of day to whoever you pass, always lend a hand to help if you can, look up to see the changing sky, howl at the moon, and take a sunrise hike often. And bonus if you can shake your world up a bit and turn yourself upside down!”
Jim Shepard, Professor of English since 1983
“Almost everyone at a place like this is fortunate to end up here. I know I was. And if you’re trying to make yourself into a better teacher, writer, thinker, and person, it’s a gigantic help to be lucky enough to get close to people — faculty and students — who are already where you want to be, in terms of kindness, perceptiveness, passion for what they do, or generosity.”
Chris Waters, Professor of History since 1989
“Each semester, the Record surveys students on what they appreciate the most about the College, and the faculty usually end up receiving the highest accolades. I’ll return the tribute: Each year, I return from a summer of research and writing, largely in London, to a fresh crop of incredibly eager and hard-working students whom I have thoroughly enjoyed working with over the years, perhaps learning as much from them as they have from me. It has been a real privilege to work for half of my life at such an excellent institution.”
Professor of English Alison Case and Professor of History Tom Kohut will also retire this year.
