tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post2128814824762279822..comments2023-07-26T03:02:44.055-07:00Comments on ANWA Founder & Friends: Dedication to a TeacherMarsha Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389060049107102815noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post-47231914481138036022010-12-24T23:17:52.692-07:002010-12-24T23:17:52.692-07:00Dr. Thomas Parker was the most brilliant teacher I...Dr. Thomas Parker was the most brilliant teacher I have ever had. I attended the University of Arizona from 1970 to 1972, dropped out, served in the U.S. Navy, and returned to complete my history undergraduate degree from 1979 to 1980.<br /><br />In my first year at the U of A, I took Ancient History from Dr. Parker. Every class was entertaining and informative. He handled every question with good humor and made a habit of presenting at least one question of his own to each student each week. He cared about each student and wanted each one to participate and learn. Dr. Parker required a short paper from each student, took the time to discuss the topic, and graded the assignments rapidly and fairly.<br /><br />When I returned in 1979, Dr. Parker went to an American History class that I was having with another professor, and welcomed me back. He had seen my name on the list of history majors, remembered me, and sought me out. It was the kindest, most thoughtful gesture that any teacher ever did for me. I took one one more class from Dr. Parker, this time on Medieval History. To my eternal regret, I did not come back to visit him after I graduate, to let him know that I finished both a law degree and a Ph.D. in American History. I know that he would have liked the dropout finally doing well in school.<br /><br />I heard a rumor that he died in Tucson a couple of years ago. He was a remarkable, warm-hearted, smart, imaginative, and inspiring man. I treasure his memory.<br /><br />All the best. Dave Abney. Phoenix, Arizona. December 24, 2010.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post-90125136614422585092007-09-18T21:20:00.000-07:002007-09-18T21:20:00.000-07:00I think Dr. Parker probably knew that you enjoyed ...I think Dr. Parker probably knew that you enjoyed his classes, and 'ate up' all he said. Even a shy, quiet student cannot keep the glow from her face and eyes. Also, your papers undoubtedly showed your interest, and how well you absorbed his teachings. Besides, not many would take more classes from a tea cher they didn't like. <BR/><BR/>Yes, it would have been a bit more fulfilling to be able to tell him in so many words, but he knows.<BR/><BR/>I've had a few teachers I wish I had thanked, also. But it's never 'too late'. There's a whole eternity in which to find and thank.Anna Arnetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09882034663742937010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post-43951649727151315192007-09-17T20:50:00.000-07:002007-09-17T20:50:00.000-07:00What a wonderful tribute! I have come to learn tha...What a wonderful tribute! I have come to learn that mentors are essential to education and unfortunately, all too few of them exist nowdays.It is one of the things I love about ANWA...all my mentors!<BR/><BR/>great blog, Joyce!Kari Pikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13855609339118198399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post-74207088197538230512007-09-17T18:43:00.000-07:002007-09-17T18:43:00.000-07:00Wow does your entry bring back memories for me. I ...Wow does your entry bring back memories for me. I loved those Costains' books. I've read everything I could find on medieval times. Probably why I like fantasy so much, it's generaly set in that world. I studied history and adored that time period. Thanks for bringing back those wonderful memories and let me see somewhere I ought to have those books around....Terri Wagnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06905158157291602809noreply@blogger.com