Fall 2022 Newsletter

Dr. Jay Sullivan
Professor and
Department Head

WE ARE PROFOUNDLY SADDENED THIS FALL BY THE LOSS OF TWO of our FREC giants, Drs. Harold Burkhart and Greg Buhyoff.  Harold was still busily at work in FREC, and Greg was enjoying retirement with his family in the beautiful state of Maine.  Much has been said and will continue to be recounted of their lives and accomplishments, and I hope that you will take the time to consider their stories (story and link in this issue).  In reflecting on their lives, it is easy to focus on the gaping holes left by the losses, and it is absolutely right to remember, to wonder at all they packed into their careers and lives, to tell our own stories of experiences with them, and to miss them.  At the same time, I don’t have to tell you that both of them left enormous legacies that we all share in some way.  They explored and pioneered so much for us.  They educated, mentored, and befriended so many of us.  They labored and advocated for a program that trained, established, and sustained us.  They shared their time and wisdom so generously with us.  They fostered a culture of humble and collaborative excellence.  They included us and they spread that culture across the nation and the globe in our field.  No doubt we will remember them in the days, weeks, and hopefully years to come, but I think we can honor them and their memories above all by looking forward to and embracing the people, the opportunities, and the challenges that lie ahead for us, and that will give us the chance to continue in some way to build on the legacy and culture that Greg Buhyoff and Harold Burkhart have left for us.

As always, thank you for your support and friendship!

Jay