Passion and Projects

 I might not remember the first time I officially met Doug- probably at the move-in barbecue at Rutherford 3 years ago, but I do remember the first time he began to actively change my life. It was the end of the fall semester of my 2^nd year and I had gotten to know Doug and Linda throughout the semester at cookie nights and especially Sapelo. At the time I had been tossing around the idea of beginning a future in Higher Education Administration and had asked Doug and Linda for advice. Always ready to go above and beyond, they invited me to brunch on Sunday with Jack to discuss life and the future. The brunch was a huge success, not only helping me understand the field better, but also becoming closer to the Tomas on a different level than I had experienced. Doug was thrilled to chat about one of his greatest passions, and he offered an invaluable window into the world of Higher Ed.

            By the end of brunch, Doug casually offered me the position of Assistant to the Dean at Rutherford for the next school year. How could I say no? And so in that little brunch my entire world was changed. I had no idea that this was the beginning of my path, as it led to multiple other jobs and opportunities as well as my admittance into Graduate School. All I can be is eternally grateful to the man who decided to invest in a restless sophomore girl with big dreams but no real direction.

I will always remember the special times we had together- laughing at cookie night, grabbing lunch just to check in, eating sushi for the first time at his house, emailing updates on my grad school search. Even as he grew ill, Doug found the time and energy to write me (and many others) recommendations and letters of support. My favorite memory with Doug happened during my second and last trip to Sapelo Island. Somehow, it was his idea, I and several of my best friends ended up being driven by him all around the island in the huge truck. We sped along the root riddled trails, laughing uncontrollably as Doug purposefully made us bounce and almost fall out of our seats. We eventually got to a secluded part of the island and walked to a wild, private part of the beach. I remember it so perfectly. That was living. That was Doug.

And the thing is, my story is not unique. There are countless students, both undergrad and graduate, that have had the doors opened to their dreams by Doug. He is and will continue to be my inspiration and model as I go forth into the field that he loved so deeply. It is a bittersweet emotion to continue to immerse myself in his field. I had always imagined sending frequent emails updating him on my life and progress- eager for his cheering and support. But although I will never have that contact with him again, Doug will never leave my side, and I will never lose the confidence and passion that he helped instill in me.

Doug was brilliant, kind, hilarious, and his zeal for life was absolutely contagious. My life was and continues to be profoundly touched by him. I, along with my friends and countless others, will always love and miss him.