The Retiring Professor

In 1980, U Miami's new Religious Studies Chair, Jim Ash, recruited several young superstar professors. Jim was a true Willy Wonka/Music Man type fellow, and he convinced these academic heavyweights from Duke and U Chicago to come to Coral Gables to help lift UM out of its Sun Tan U reputation. It worked. I was an undergrad in those days, and took several classes with Steve Sapp. Steve and I became friends, and he and his wife Mary even asked me to watch their young sons when they attended an out of town event. I moved into the house, fed the boys, and got them off to school for a few days. They're now accomplished men -- Eric a political consultant in D.C. and David a monstrously succesful public interest lawyer in California. Anyway, after 35 years as a professor, Steve decided to retire, to move to Virginia to be closer to his eldest son, daughter in law, and grandson. And there's a granddaughter on the way. Steve has been one of my true mentors in life, and last night one of his long time colleagues, Dan Pals, hosted a retirement party. It was lovely. I was the only former student there, and Steve's colleagues roasted him good naturedly. We ate and drank and talked of years gone by. Another colleague, Dave Kling, read some exerpts from letters he collected from former students and colleagues. They put these all in a book which they gave to Steve. Dave estimated that Steve has taught nearly 20,000 students. Many, like me, remained dear friends. Steve is an expert on Ethics, Human Sexuality, and Aging. He joked that over the years, he's been his own research subject -- particularly in aging, as he approaches 70. In two weeks, the university is hosting a retirement party for Mary -- also a long time UM employee, in the Provost's office. Apparently there's a rule that only administrators' retirement parties can be held on campus. Wifey and I plan to attend, to also say thanks and goodbye to our dear friend. On the way home, it occurred to me that one thing the Ds missed out on was forging friendships with their college professors. Maybe it's because UF is so large, or maybe times have changed, but there are 4-5 former professors I still count as friends. We plan to visit Steve and Mary in Virginia, and gave them an open invite to stay with us when they return to Miami. After 35 years in South Florida, I have a feeling they might need some respite from winter weather. Some of the new faculty attended last night, and they looked to be about the Ds' age. They were close -- early 30s, newly minted PhDs. In deciding to retire, one of the factors to Steve was the understanding that older professionals OUGHT to move aside -- to give younger folks an opportunity. That's so typical of him -- doing what's best for the greater number. Somehow, though, I don't see Steve just hanging on a golf course or club. He's a born teacher, and will continue to teach. American U and GW students are in for a huge treat...