How sad for Sharon to be taken at such a young age. Sharon had just arrived in Madison when I quit daily journalism after seven years and began the Ph.D. program. I felt like a fish out of water; no one seemed to be interested in the topics that I was passionate about. Sharon helped me develop a critical view of journalism and understand how empirical research about journalism could create valuable knowledge. She counseled me about how to give good oral presentations at conferences. Her long-time partner Steve played on the city-league softball team I organized for j-school grad students, faculty, and friends. Although she didn't play, Sharon was a regular not only at the games but at the bar afterward. She was a kind, thoughtful person whose influence was, and remains, profound.