Sunday, April 29, 2012

Last night was the awards dinner at Washburn.  Four of us were honored, and there were perhaps 200 guests.  I had been somewhat worried during the afternoon, since a shopping trip had been cut short by numerous trips to the nearest restroom and since, once home, a planned long, envigorating nap was cut short by several disruptions (a ringing phone, four houses' worth of barking dogs).  But three Imodiums later, I put on a suit, the first time I'd worn a suit since my retirement dinner in May 2010, and Mohamed and I left for Washburn.  (I could identify that date because I found notes and remarks from the dinner in the pocket of the suit.)  It was also the first time in many years that I could actually button the suit around my waist, breathe normally, and not worry about potential flying-button injuries to whoever was sitting across from me.

From 6-7 there was a cash bar.  The first two people I met were brothers who had graduated in the early 80s.  I've run into them about once a decade ever since, and I never recognize them, which is increasingly embarrassing, especially since one of them, Dave Barry (not the columnist who is one of my idols), took five different classes from me, a record that stood for many years till I also started teaching graduate courses and one student found six classes to take.  Next a reporter for the local CBS station pulled me aside for a TV interview.  I didn't have time to get nervous and answered three questions without too much fumbling.  (I can't say that I was looking forward to seeing myself on the 10 o'clock news, but I did watch and my interview was reduced to one low angle shot--the reporter was short--of a tall man with completely white hair (so much for the Anderson Cooper image) whom at first I didn't even recognize as myself, followed by a four- or five-second quote.)

Digression: my last TV interview involved the NBC station sending a reporter and cameraman to my office at Washburn.  I was forewarned, so I'd dressed up in a suit and tie.  The subject was whether I thought all the texting abbreviations and shortcuts were harming student writing.  I felt at ease, and the reporter asked intelligent questions.  I actually was looking forward to seeing the interview on the local news.  That time, in a story that lasted perhaps 45 seconds, I got two four- or five-second quotes.

The group at the dinner comprised mainly alumni (logical enough) and administrators, and it was fun to shmooze with many people I hadn't seen much (or at all) since I retired.  There was one embarrassing moment when I was trying to get the attention of the associate v-p for academic affairs.  She was passing; I called her name.  She didn't hear, so I reached out with my cane to tap her on the arm.  Unfortunately, she had turned slightly and my aim wasn't great, so I ended up punching her in the rear end.   At least, I got her attention.

The dinner was good, though I picked at my food, since I was afraid of the consequences of serious eating.  And the table of eight was made up of my guests, so the company was lively.  Promptly at 8, the head of the Alumni Association began handing out the awards.  The nicest part was that the Association has solicited letters from colleagues and alumni who were my students, and the emcee read selected compliments from the letters.  I had a little trouble with the two uneven steps to the stage (I had my cane, but there was no railing), but the presenter graciously helped me up (and later down).  Although there was, as I had suspected, no large check, there was a crystal plaque, a certificate (unfortunately framed upside down, so I'll get the right-side-up version later), and best of all, the full collection of letters of appreciation that colleagues and alumni had submitted.  I was (and am) extremely touched by the details, the memories, and, of course, the compliments in the letters.   They are generous and very moving, and I'm extremely grateful for all the kindnesses.  I gave a short speech, which drew a few laughs.  By that time in the evening, I think everyone was thankful for brevity. 

So last night was a lovely evening.  Now I'll keep my fingers crossed that tomorrow's testing keeps the streak alive.

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