Linguistics and Lentil Soup

When I remember graduate school at the University of Missouri, invariably the first class I think of is Gene Lane’s “History of the Greek and Latin Language.” Gene’s knowledge of the subject was awe-inspiring. It was the hardest class I ever took, but I am grateful to this day that he challenged us and insisted that we meet his high expectations. Studying with a scholar of Gene’s distinction was a great privilege. His publication list is evidence of the impressive contributions he has made to the study of the ancient world. But while Gene’s significant scholarly achievements are apparent from the list, it doesn’t reveal what only those of us who were lucky enough to be his students know. Not only amazingly erudite, he was also enthusiastic, willing to share his knowledge, and that special kind of teacher who didn’t think teaching stopped in the classroom. For example, when our Greek comedy class read about lentil soup in , he invited the entire class to his home to sample some. He was always accessible, helpful, and never too busy to answer a question or provide research guidance. When I began my dissertation, he arranged for the library to purchase books I needed for my research and, although he was on sabbatical in Greece for part of the time I was working on it, he sent back detailed critiques of my dissertation chapters.

In addition to being an excellent teacher, he was concerned for his students as people. My first semester at Missouri was the first time I had ever been away from my family for Thanksgiving. I will never forget Gene and Carol’s kindness in inviting the “orphan” graduate students to their home and treating us as part of the family.

Gene is not only a scholar and a teacher, but also a person of conviction who is concerned about the welfare of the entire community. A staunch supporter of environmental protection, he worked ceaselessly on behalf of the establishment of a beverage container deposit ordinance in Columbia, a cause in which he deeply believed, and which, after several setbacks, finally came to fruition. He is a shining example of someone who sees a problem and rather than complaining about it, works to create a solution.

It has been a privilege to work with Cathy and the distinguished contributors to this. It makes me happy to think that I was able to help bring into existence this well-deserved tribute to Gene Lane, a highly-respected scholar, an excellent teacher and a person for whom I have the deepest respect and admiration.