Oh captain, my captain

Choosing a career and finding our path in life is rarely an easy task for anyone. As an undergraduate student at Edinboro University, I had the privilege and honor of studying under Dr. Frank Taylor. As a rudderless ship with sails at full mast I needed the guidance of someone who not only knew the material of the discipline of sociology, but who also had the ability to express its meaning, fruitfulness, and empowering qualities to a young student. Frank gave me direction and helped steer my ship until I had the ability to take the wheel for myself. I am currently in the final stages of completing my PhD in sociology as well as a faculty member in the department of sociology here at Edinboro. All of the successes of my life are in no small way a result of the efforts and interest that Frank invested in me. So, while it is with a heavy heart that I take up my professorial duties, I do it with a pride that cannot be put into words. The greatest way to honor a man like Frank is to be a torch barer of his legacy. Make no mistake, the impact that Frank had on students of sociology will long continue after his mortal existence. I write this piece asking for all those who were once Frank's students or anyone who had the pleasure of learning from him even in the most informal of settings to join me in this task, for it is the most appropriate way to pay tribute to this incredible man. Frank was an accomplished scholar, and inspiring teacher, and a compassionate human. To everyone whose worlds are a bit more enlightened as a result of their interactions with Frank Taylor, I offer a quote from one of his favorite movies. I feel that this statement is reflective of the wisdom he imparted and the good humor he embraced. "We're bereaved, not saps!"----Walter in The Big Lebowski