PETER BROUWER
I am pleased to write a letter on behalf of and honoring the contributions of Dr. David Curry on the occasion of his retirement from the State University of New York, College at Potsdam. I have known Dave since fall of 1990, when he joined the faculty of SUNY Potsdam as a faculty member in the Department of Philosophy. My father, Frederick Brouwer, had previously served as Chair and as a member of that department.
Dr. Curry is one of the most gifted faculty members with whom I have had the opportunity to work with in my 42 years in higher education. He is extraordinarily sharp, creative, and personable. He combines the rare qualities of intellectual leadership with outstanding communication skills. He was a faculty leader in the best, historical sense—arguing for and articulating the true value of providing a liberal education.
Perhaps Dr. Curry’s most notable contribution was his work (as Chair and committee member) of the college’s General Education committee. His appointment as Chair of the Committee was a testament to his reputation among his faculty peers. The Committee has had to tackle a number of difficult issues over years—for instance, multiculturalism and assessment—as well as tackling general reform issues in a backdrop of significantly reduced funding. While David does have strong ideas of his own, his leadership style stressed consultation and inclusion of diverse viewpoints. David’s commitment to the classic goals of liberal learning and high standards shines through.
Dr. Curry’s primary areas of specialization are in the History of Philosophy and Ancient Philosophy. He maintained an active scholarly life in these areas despite a heavy teaching load. He has the capacity to teach in a broad range of areas in the discipline. He often taught Classical Greek as an overload to interested students and made significant contributions to Classical Studies at SUNY Potsdam.
In the difficult budget times that SUNY Potsdam has faced, Dr. Curry has stood above the fray as an intelligent, articulate, clear-thinking individual who clearly sorted what is in the best interest of the department and college from various personal and historical agendas. When he served as Chair of the four-member Department of Philosophy, David was able to advance institutional goals during extremely difficult times. While the Department of Philosophy carries a large service component, they have developed and retained a strong major program under David’s leadership. Unfortunately, short-sighted decisions by the recent college administration have dismantled this good work.
Finally, on a personal note, I count Dave, Denise and the Curry family as close friends. Dave and I played basketball together for many years in the Old Guy’s league (that Dave originally initiated), Denise was a member of the women’s running group with Diane, and my three sons are good friends with Galen, Devin and Tess. Our sons shared the Curry’s love of games and good music. Our lives in Potsdam have been touched indelibly by our association with the Curry family.