Washington College Magazine
In Their Own Words: Professors We Love
We asked our readers to say a few words in tribute to Frank Creegan, professor of chemistry, Robert Day, professor of English, Jeanette Sherbondy, professor of anthropology, and George Shivers, professor of modern languages, upon their retirement this spring.
On Frank Creegan
Frank Creegan
Dr. Creegan is, without question, the person I sought out for guidance and encouragement in my professional life, as well as in my private life. He taught me so many things—from how to do a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction, to deciding which factors were important to me in a graduate school, to enjoying life in general. He guided me towards the decisions that were right for me, without actually giving me the answer—in much the same way he taught organic chemistry.
Dr. and Mrs. Creegan often hosted departmental social gatherings at their home. During ACS meetings, he was always ready to go sightseeing with the students. The Chemistry Department faces a big challenge in replacing the energy, commitment and dedication that Dr. Creegan brought to his classroom every day.
Dr. Creegan's continued personal relationship with his students after graduation is a rare and precious thing. As an example, the Creegans traveled several hundred miles to attend my wedding last May. Their presence was very special to me. I am truly fortunate to have Frank Creegan as a friend and confidant, who is only an e-mail or phone call away. Undoubtedly, Dr. Creegan's dedication to his students will continue despite his retirement. He would not have it any other way.
—Jennifer Mitchell Zemo '98
IRTA Fellow, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
On Robert Day
Robert Day
Sitting in Bill Smith Hall one day in 1975 waiting for Professor Bob Day's class to unfold (his classes didn't begin, they unfolded), I heard a ka-thunk, ka-thunk. The report of his boots on the wood floors was as common a sound as the honk of the Canada geese overhead. He walked in without speaking. Pulling out the only chair from a table at the head of the room, he sat down. A book appeared in his hands, maybe taken from his jacket pocket, and he started reading aloud: "Imagine a morning in late November. A coming of winter morning more than 20 years ago."
As the classroom patter faded, he soon had me spellbound by the words of Truman Capote's short story, "A Christmas Memory." When he finished the last sentence, he closed the book. "Class dismissed," he said, and walked out.
I recall being astonished by the elegance of the words and have now read the story out loud to my family nearly all of the 31 Christmases since then. I've also recommended it to friends and coworkers, all because of that one class in Bill Smith Hall with a professor who read us a story.
On that one-of-a-kind day, and in that class and in others I had with him, Bob Day made literature spark and hum, and I have him to thank for a lifelong appreciation of good writing.
—Drew Gruenburg '76
Chief Operating Officer, Society of American Florists
On George Shivers
George Shivers
Thirty years ago or so, George Shivers brought me to Washington College. I didn't speak a word of English. It was my first direct experience with a political democratic system. After Nixon's impeachment, George put the U.S. Constitution into my hands and helped me to understand why some dates are so important in American history that they are engraved in people's memories.
I remember his gentle firmness of manners, his profound convictions, and the way he makes Spanish sound when he translates it into English. George Shivers taught me what conviviality means. Family, friends, acquaintances, I met them all. At his side, I learned to love Shakespeare, Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote (that gentle sound of a grass harp) and Francis Scott Fitzgerald, Lenny Bruce and Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Jim Croce, Neil Young and The Carpenters, too. But a rose will bloom and then will die, so does youth...
I am not 24 anymore, and I have read in your magazine that he is retiring. His encyclopaedic skills may be a good explanation for a professor's lifelong dedication. But also his love of truth and mankind, his sympathy for suffering people, the critical eye on troubled politics, his way of being "un hombre bueno" (a good man). Dignity resides in the man who keeps the torch of liberty burning, and he does.
—Gregorio Cantera
Former Spanish Assistant
On Jeanette Sherbondy
Jeanette Sherbondy
Dr. Sherbondy was, for me, a cross between a coach and an icon. I was the sole anthropology major, and she was the only anthropology professor. I suppose at another school with another professor that could have turned out badly, but Dr. Sherbondy has the nature of a sunflower: In class, she'd perch on the edge of her chair, leaning toward us, her face brightening, nourished by our voices exploring and building on ideas. She'd get that same look as she pulled books off her shelf to lend me, as she drove to DC for a talk or a cultural celebration, as she devoured the program at anthropology conferences in Philadelphia, as she welcomed me into her home for dinner parties, as we discussed thesis ideas twice a week in her office, as she introduced me to anthropologists at Dumbarton Oaks.
I know she was disappointed when I decided not to pursue graduate work in anthropology, but I hope she knows that she educated my soul. Her lessons and her example of generosity in teaching often come to mind as I serve in the Peace Corps here in Azerbaijan. My students write me notes, covered in hearts and stickers, about the difference I've made in their lives as we share, both literally and figuratively, handfuls of sunflower seeds.
—Jennifer Lubkin '01
English Teacher, U.S. Peace Corps, Azerbaijan
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