"I am writing this at an airport. Memories are crowding in. I can’t see or hear people around me.

In 1967, I took a leave of absence from Syracuse University to enter the Pd.D. program in Library Science in Michigan. On a leaden, early January day, I drove in heavy snow from Syracuse to almost Detroit. I stayed overnight in Windsor. The next day, I arrived in Ann Arbor under friendly skies.

The spring semester and summer constituted the heart of my coursework. I use the word “heart” purposefully because in the school, I found stimulation, inspiration, friendship, synergy, and peace of spirit. Somehow, four of us naturally fell into a small group with the late John Comaromi, Karl Ozolins and Dick Palmer. We shared ideas, concerns, laughter, mumblings of fatigue and exuberance.

Our dean and professors Bonk, Bidlack, Kruzas and others treated us royally. Fondly - royally. Demandingly – royally. There was nothing easy about that program. The biggest and most creative challenge was dropped in our laps when we were invited to participate as a group in the redesign of the doctoral program. Our seminars, courses, papers and proposals had to continue, but the doctoral program itself became our focus. The months flew. We talked. Argued. Fought. Agreed. Rejoiced. I remember the result, a grande draft, with all imaginable philosophical underpinnings, bold strategies of change and IT projections into the future. It bore the dreams of four students who believed they have just written the ideal doctoral program. It was a bright, wondrous time.

My flight is boarding…"

-Marta Dosa Professor Emeritus School of Information Syracuse University

back to stories index

next story

 

Home • Events • Giving • Forum • Your SI
Timeline • Student Life • Documents • Class Photos • Stories • Technology