From the Archives: Faculty Faves
By Erik Nordberg, University Archivist
Myron “Doc” Berry, chemistry
The passing of former chemistry professor Myron “Doc” Berry in 2006 generated a ripple through the alumni community. He was recalled as one of Tech’s hardest teachers in a critical subject. Although many alumni reflected on Doc Berry’s life with respectful cringing, many also recalled how important his “scared straight” approach to the fundamentals of chemistry proved to them later in their careers.
It got me wondering which other professors played similar, memorable roles. A short plea in the TechAlum e-newsletter sought stories of faculty whom alums thought critical to their success as students, as well as those who took an active role as mentors following graduation.
I was overwhelmed by the response.
I’ll just go ahead and get calculus out of the way.
Shawn Rathbun ’82 recalled her first calc class, first semester, taught by Thomas Vichich. “Not only was he a fantastic teacher, but by the way he learned students’ names and called on us, we knew we had to keep up with our work. Being right out of high school, it was tempting to slack off and think you could catch up when it was exam time, but he wasn’t going to let that happen in his class. He was a perfect teacher to have for your first semester at college because he was very clear with his expectations and prepared us with good habits for the rest of our college career.”
Donald E. Dawson of
the mathematics department, legendary calculus professor.
George E. Bahrman was a tougher calculus cookie. “I felt I was lost for most of Bahrman’s class, and my test grades proved it,” recalls Tom Fedorka ’84. “I decided that he would not beat me and studied harder for the next test, but blew that one too. I ended up with a C for which I was very grateful, but I hated Bahrman for making that class
so hard.
“I didn’t realize what Bahrman had done for me until I started my master’s work at another university. I found myself helping all my classmates with their homework, mostly the calc parts. They all wanted to know how I could remember those concepts so well. I instantly knew. . . G. E. Bahrman. I love that man!”
The one calc professor I heard about most was Donald E. Dawson. David Kubisch ’82 was warned off Dawson’s class by an upperclassman. “I remember him saying that his initials are DED and that’s just what you are if you take his class. I couldn’t make a switch since every other section was full.
“My friend was right. Dr. Dawson was extremely tough. His exams were exceptionally challenging. No partial credit. I remember receiving a 23 percent on my first exam, but with the curve that was a C! That turned out to be one of my better grades in that class.
“I wouldn’t trade that C for any of the As I received in the other math classes,” Kubisch says. “Dr. Dawson was tough, but he was an excellent instructor. I learned more mathematics from him than any other college professor. His presentations were clear and logical, always focusing on the fundamentals.”
Over in the physics department, many alum recall the good teachings of David Chimino. “The thing I remember and valued most was his method of teaching,” reports Nancy Bach ’76. “We had quizzes frequently but they were simple. No complex problems. You found out quickly whether you got it or not. If many in the class didn’t get it, he’d do some more teaching. If it was just an individual having difficulty, he’d give tutoring. He’d continue this way with every concept.
David Chimino, physics
“Given that solid basis for both knowledge and self-confidence, it was easier to take on progressively tougher problems. I came into college without any physics in high school. With Dr. Chimino’s great teaching, I got an A and learned to love physics. He even inspired me to look forward to statics and dynamics!”
Several alum talked about professional mentoring provided outside of the classroom, too. Virgil Davis ’67 remembers that Walter Anderson served on the examining board for professional engineers in Michigan. “He actively encouraged all students to go the next step and get the professional engineer’s license.” Lou Bartalot ’71 recalls the week Don Daavettila arranged for students at the Argonne National Labs to do reactor experiments. “He was always interested in how I was doing and volunteered to help me find a job in the nuclear industry after I graduated.”
Several respondents wanted to highlight Dennis Wiitanen’s special relationship to electrical engineering alumni specializing in power systems. Charles Rogers ’78 recounts the impact Wiitanen had on him as a student—and in an ongoing friendship lasting twenty-nine years since leaving Tech. “Doc relates very well to his students and can cajole the best out of each of them.”
Richard Cottrell ’73 was asked to provide a letter of support to the EE department, which had nominated Wiitanen for an award. “I wrote the letter and circulated it amongst our company for other students who’d had “Doc” to sign if they so chose. I obtained over fifty signatures, and can’t remember anyone turning me down.”
Dennis Wiitanen, electrical engineering
Cottrell has a similar lasting friendship with his former professor: “We were talking about how a current Power Systems Analysis class did on a recent test and how things may have changed since I had him in 1972 and 1973. He then proceeded to pull out a notebook and told me what my score was on the same test! Nothing escapes him.”
I also wasn’t surprised to find mention of many staff and support personnel. Nancy Bach ’76 talked about Randy Owsley, an athletic trainer connected with the football program. “When he saw me several times watching the football team practice, he asked if I would help him with clerical entry of injuries and treatment. After I did that for a while, he asked if I would be a trainer. This was pretty brave on his part, because many of the guys on the team vehemently disliked the idea of having a female anywhere near the locker room.
“Not only did I learn some good physical therapy, but I also earned a letter in varsity football. Since I included this on my resume, it was invariably one of the first topics of conversation that came up in my interviews when I was looking for an engineering job my senior year.
Randy was ahead of his time in promoting women’s rights in the sports world.”
Space doesn’t allow me to mention the dozens of other stories shared to me by alumni across the country. In addition to specific individuals, many respondents included long lists of “great teachers” and “people who helped transform me into a professional.” Charles Rogers put it this way: “I’ve the firm impression that the extraordinary is the average state of affairs at Tech.”