AMELIA CURRY
I have never been your student, so I cannot reflect directly on what it is like to have you as a professor, but it is not difficult to imagine how you have touched so many of your students’ lives. You are an excellent listener and have always made me feel heard and included. And I know that I am not the only one; look at all of the family (both blood and chosen) around you. We are here by your side in part because of the relationships that you have fostered with us. You are not someone that takes these relationships for granted: you show us that you care with your time and attention. I can only imagine that this is true of your professorial self as well. No wonder, then, that you have nurtured students who have developed the confidence to make themselves heard; you have shown them that what they have to say is meaningful and deserves to be heard, that they deserve to be included and valued.
I know that you have always battled with the SUNY administration, especially in the last few years. It has brought cynicism and frustration. But your cynicism only demonstrates that you are actually an idealist. Remember that, as a teacher, your legacy is not just the time spent teaching. It is your students. As I hope you can see by the number of people who wanted to participate in this book and celebrate your retirement, there are many of your people who are bringing their voices and actions to their communities. They are bringing with them ideals that you have helped them to develop—and confidence to act upon them that you have helped instill.
And it is not just your students that you are continuing to nurture. Devin, Galen, and Tess can all speak for themselves, but I can speak for our girls. You have already brought them so much happiness. And with your loving guidance and example, they will grow up to challenge themselves and the world around them to grow closer to the ideals they wish to realize.
One of my favorite photos from our wedding is the one below. We’ve just finished the ceremony, and the photographer caught you embracing me as your daughter-in-law, with some of our loved ones gathering behind us. I feel so lucky to be part of your family. Congratulations on your retirement! May your time be filled with the sound of laughter and the voices of those you love around you and the smell of salt air and freshly baked bread!
