If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am only for myself, what am I?
And if not now, when?
Rabbi Hillel
I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
Etienne de Grellet, Quaker Missionary
These two famous quotations from men of faith have always guided my own philosophy and actions. Whenever possible, I look for ways to live those ideals through my work.
My Values
I recognize the right of all individuals to mutual respect, and strive to accept others without biases based on differences of any kind.
I believe that I will be held as an example to others, whether I plan to be or not. As such, it is my responsibility to set a good example and to model the behaviors I encourage in others.
I acknowledge the fact that my longevity in the field has given me credibility, and that my words can influence others. I take that responsibility seriously and strive to always distinguish my opinions from my facts.
I believe that trust is earned through ethical and responsible conduct. For that reason, I try always to provide candid, helpful, and timely responses when my input is sought.
Making a Difference
Below, you will find a collection of The Last Word posts, written since 2013, in an attempt to share my hopes and concerns with my community of colleagues.
Essays on Hunger
The problem of hunger — food insecurity — is discussed often in the popular press these days, but the demographic of college students who are hungry is largely overlooked. It seems counterintuitive, even to the higher education community, that students who are paying, buying books, and attending classes may not have enough to eat. But the problem is real.
Unexpected Kindness
These two essays from The Last Word talk about doing something for someone else because you can.