Much like the previous post, Dave saved the day by taking me on for an independent study in 1995. I was in my third trimester of pregnancy and due to graduate in June. He had been my former prof for 2 trimesters of American South with Richard Alexander, and we knew each other quite well. When I finally walked to accept my diploma, the announcer called both my name and the name of my unborn child. It was an incredible experience. I can say with all sincerity that Dave was the best teacher I ever had. Kind, engaging, knowledgeable, entertaining, inspiring… there aren’t enough positive adjectives to describe him. God speed, my old friend!