As a historian of memory and commemoration, I want to offer my own, personal remembrances of lights in my life which have gone out since I began my life in academia. Each of them, in their own ways, shaped who I am as a scholar, as a teacher, and as a human being. Let this small memorial stand as testament to these, whose light has left the world a brighter place. And to my eternal gratitude.
Adam L. “Clutch” Wils, 6/13/1979 – 10/13/2015
My cousin and first best friend. We grew up together, albeit from a distance. When I received my Master’s degree in 2012, he sent me a simple text: “I’m so f***ing proud of you, cuz!” That meant as much to me as the degree itself and I’ll never forget it. I’m proud of you, too, cuz, and I miss you.
John A. Tilley, PhD, 11/2/1950 – 7/20/2017
Undergraduate advisor and professor, grad assistantship supervisor, thesis committee member, and treasured friend. John was a sage and absolutely inimitable character, whose razor wit and dry sarcasm were an invaluable part of my learning to not take life–or myself–so seriously. His fondness for a good story echoes in my teaching every day.
Wade G. Dudley, PhD, 3/14/1953 – 8/8/2020
Undergraduate professor, Phi Alpha Theta supervisor, thesis committee member, generous host, and valued friend. Wade’s wisdom and camaraderie were inspirational to me in some of my most trying times, and the gatherings at his home were nothing short of cathartic. His words of genuine encouragement will always be with me, in all I do.
James R. Wils, PhD 