Two Professors, Dr. Stern and Dr. Eckhart
Two very important people in my young life, outside my family. I had talked of these two professors in my short stories before. Both had a big part in who I had become after my education and beyond. In thought they were always by my side, when the job was a challenge, was unknown or at times looked impossible to complete. I received an education that was rigorous, challenging, complete and well rounded. Dr, Stern not only taught us a full curriculum, but also taught us the finer things in life, outside the school. His love of good books, the opera, music and stage plays, all that he exposed us to and made it part of everyday life.
Dr. Eckhart was our English professor. Teaching us English composition, like law briefs, court documents and how to write business letters. English history and English literature. He also stressed the point how important to commerce this language was. I also heard that from my father, quite often.
Both professors were quite different individuals and very interesting men.
As they stepped into the classroom, everyone fell silent. Their presence was, in a dignified way, loud and clear.
Dr. Stern, very dignified, but soft spoken. Always dressed in three-piece suits of great materials and custom tailored, like my Hal’s suits he got from my sister’s husband, his Haberdashery in Germany. Custom made shirts with his monogram embroidered on the French cuffs and always highly polished shoes.
Dr. Eckhart did not wear suits, always beautiful slacks, again great material, like the designer of men’s clothing, Joseph Abood. Sport coats of either leather, suede or tweed. Mostly in brown or rust color. The tweed coats were mostly in two-tone grays.
Both professors were well dressed and well groomed, setting a good example for the young students in class.
The lectures were not only interesting, but they were also mesmerizing and both professors could keep the attention of the student’s alert. Each had different styles. Professor Stern would stand by his Pult “desk” and had an easy, relaxed way of approaching a student, like it was a conversation one on one, looking at the student over his glasses. Professor Eckhart was walking back and forth in front of his Pult “desk” sometimes gazing out of the windows and then, quickly turning, approaching the student, and asking the question. They were two individuals, different and yet, had a profound teaching method, which influenced every student and had a lasting impression on every one of us.
These two gentlemen, retired quite a while ago, were very wise and had a lifetime of teaching young students while also learning a lot themselves. They were called and appeared to do the job, young teachers could no longer do, due to fighting for their country and so many giving their lives, while these older gentlemen were holding vigilance at home and repeating their lifelong dedication to teaching the young.
What the sad ending is to this wonderous experience is that we lost so many of these great students, they never had the chance to show their stuff, to experience the fruit of their labor, as I did.
But I shall never forget who influenced my life in such a powerful way, other than my father.
It was Dr. Stern and Dr. Eckhart!
What a beautiful story about these two important men, beloved professors, from Ilona’s youth!
Thank you, Ilona, for this tribute to them. As always, you also look so lovely in this picture–youth and beauty!
Marcie
It is not kudos I give to this story for the writer, but for both professors. After all, the education our children and our adults receive will follow them throughout their lives. Behind, center and front stands the educator, the teacher, the professor. To mind comes my dearest friend and niece, Marcie. I so wished I could have had the honor and privilege, of not only her teachings but her as a great person. Ilona
So very sweet. Thank you my dear!
Yes, our teachers are so critical to who we are and who we can become. I think back on the teachers who influenced me and can only be grateful. I agree with Ilona. Our Marcie has dedicated her life to the teaching and forming of young minds. I know how dedicated she is, and I can only imagine how fortunate her students feel to have her as their teacher. As for Ilona, to have a student who is eager to learn and who can appreciate the effort of her teachers is equally a gift. I wish all my students had been “Ilonas”. and I am grateful for those who wanted to cooperate in a learning experience. I think Ilona has been a life long learner. That has kept her spirit lively and generous. Thank you dear Ilona.
Thank you for the kind words dearest Sharon!
My goodness, but times in the world of education have changed so dramatically. From instructors who dressed beautifully and acted in a dignified manner, to the anything goes classroom of today. For the sake of our students and teachers, I long for a return to classical schools, where the students respect their teachers and the teachers instruct their pupils in the basics and in the appreciation of the arts. Thank you Ilona and Marcie, for reminding me of what a classroom can and should be.
Thank you, Karin!