There should be some oases in this country where the love of tradition is fostered. Avon shall be one of these oases where, when Avonians return, they will find at least a semblance of permanence.
-Theodate Pope Riddle

Monday, November 10, 2014

Twilight Zone

Recently, I visited a class taught by new colleague Paul Duwan '85 and had a "Twilight Zone" experience.  This was one of Paul's younger classes (he also teaches economics to seniors), and that day he was introducing the Renaissance.  As I sat in class, I realized that when I first introduced the Renaissance to a class, Paul was one the students.  Paul is not the first of my students to become a colleague, but I believe this is the first time I have seen the roles reversed so completely

Paul Duwan '85 teaching A.P. Economics
The sense of deja vu continued a few days later when Chandra Narsipur visited the campus.  Chandra taught history at Avon for over twenty-five years, and one of his first students here was Paul Duwan. Indeed, Paul was quick to greet and visit with Chandra at lunch, and when Peter Evans joined us, Paul was having lunch with three of his four Avon history teachers; only Seth Mendell was missing.

Chandra Narsipur
Indeed, having Paul at lunch with Chandra and Peter provided a sense of continuity for the history department - a semblance of permanence, if you will.