This academic year, nine faculty members are retiring from the College. The Record invited each of them to share a photo, their favorite class they have taught at the College, and any wisdom or advice for the community.
Cecilia Chang, Professor of Chinese since 1989.
Favorite course:
“CHIN 101: Basic Chinese”
Words of wisdom:
“Do not chase public opinion; remain true and continue fighting for the truth.”
Peter Just, Professor of Anthropology since 1988
Favorite course:
“I think my favorite course has been the seminar ‘Imagining Joseph’… I’ve liked it for the easy flow of conversation among participants who have often come from pretty diverse backgrounds but in which, in true seminar fashion, everyone’s viewpoint is valued.”
Words of wisdom:
“I hope all of us will look at a Williams education not just as a chance for our graduates to enhance their resumés and improve their market competitiveness, but as an opportunity to engage in learning for its own sake and to cultivate habits of mind and dispositions of character that will enable them to navigate their way through a perilous world with grace and moral firmness.”
Elizabeth McGowan, Professor of Art since 1989
Favorite course:
“That’s like trying to choose a favorite child — virtually impossible to say… The one class that has brought continuing revelations over time is ‘Monuments and the Art of Memorial,’ where we study how monuments are dedicated but ultimately deactivated. Students do amazing work in that class, critically analyzing texts and images week after week, and pursue incredibly creative research topics!”
Words of wisdom:
“Be hungry, be creative, and enjoy reading and research. This is your chance to do anything you want to do.’”
Amy Podmore, Professor of Art since 1993
Favorite course:
“I can really say that I’ve enjoyed absolutely every class that I’ve taught here in my 32 years.”
Words of wisdom:
“If I were to give any, it would be to encourage everyone to focus on the shared goal of teaching and learning, to allow oneself to be curious, and to enjoy it along the way. A good sense of humor and humbleness doesn’t hurt, either!”
Cheryl Shanks, Professor of Political Science since 1994
Favorite course:
“Not a favorite course, but a favorite age. I like first-semester first-years and second-semester seniors the most. Both discuss with amazement how fundamentally different international politics is from how it’s portrayed, which is totally true, and why it’s so important as well as interesting. Sophomores and juniors act like nothing impresses them, not even crimes against humanity.”
Words of wisdom:
“If you don’t do a lot of weight-bearing exercises and consume a lot of kale and yogurt, by the time you’re 30, your bones will become porous and you’ll shrink starting right then. So pay attention. Also wear sunblock, preferably zinc-based.”
Dorothy Wang, Professor of American Studies since 2006
Favorite class:
“American Avant-Garde Poetry Since 1950”
Words of wisdom:
“I have no words of wisdom or advice to offer members of the Williams community. I’m just happy to be free!”
Heather Williams, Professor of Biology since 1988
Favorite course:
“I’ll go with three: Animal Behavior, Sensory Biology, and Animal Communication.”
Words of Wisdom:
“Change is often difficult, but it’s worth being persistent when working towards making changes at Williams.”
Professor of Political Science Cathy Johnson and Professor of Japanese Kasumi Yamamoto will also retire this year.
