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Give them their monkey backIt has been an honor to work with a dedicated professional like John
Lovas. John's commitment to the college, to his students, and to
intellectual discourse is unparalleled. I have not passed many days at De
Anza without seeing John engaging a student or fellow colleague in honest ,
critical discourse on a myriad of topics. I can't imagine how L-Quad will
look without seeing John's imposing figure standing near the fountain,
relaxed yet deep in thought, as he posed and parried earnest and
thought-provoking questions.
Once, when I was a fledgling instructor in John's office building,
I shared with him the tragic story of one of my recent refugee students
who had just left my office, and I asked him what I could do to ease that
student's burden. He told me that over the years I would meet many
students with many tragic stories. For my own good and the good of the
student, he suggested that I just listen and let it go. "Many students
will come in to your office with a monkey on their backs," he said,
"and you can hold their monkey while they're there, but just be sure to give
them their monkey back when they leave." I've had to hold hundreds of
monkeys over the last 25 years, and I remember John's advice each time I do.
John's retirement marks the end of an era in the Language Arts
division. I wish John the strength to face his new challenges with the
same persistence, dedication, and fortitude he has always demonstrated in
his professional life. Happiness and fulfillment in retirement are
certainly his due.
Sincerely,
Susan Stann
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