I met Sharon at the AAAS meeting at the Shamrock Hilton in Texas in 1979. Although I’d been at OSU only a year and Sharon was teaching her Mass Media Science Writing course at OSU, we’d yet to meet. That happened in Carol Rodgers’ press room on the first day of the meeting. The next quarter, back on campus, she asked me to speak to her class, which I did. The course was offered every other quarter and Sharon asked if I’d team-teach it with her. Honored, though totally scared, I accepted. It was great fun and tremendously fulfilling and she was outstanding! On the last day of the quarter, she told me she was leaving for a new job at Wisconsin, and “willed” the course to me. I ended up teaching it for 20 years, trying to preserve the excellence she had demonstrated. Whatever success I enjoyed in the profession is traceable to the kindness and mentoring she gave me! She went on to do great things at UW, including heading the journalism program there. We saw each other every year at the AAAS and NASW meetings and seeing her there was always like reconnecting with a long-lost sibling, a literally joyous occasion! I will miss her dearly!

We are now of that age, those of us who lived through those times, where we see friends and loved ones pass more often now. And given the struggles some of us have faced with critically ailing spouses and family, the fear of loss is staggering. The important people in our lives are the foundation that keeps us supported and safe. When we lose one, we’re less stable and secure.

Wherever you are now Sharon, know that you made a difference!