Finkelstein and Ford

submitted by David Devine (Physics '84)

The title of the course was "Physics of Space and Time". Who could resist? I signed up, and as soon as David Finkelstein entered the room I knew that I was in the right place. Back then (1981) he looked like Moses in blue jeans. I changed my major to Physics the next day, and over the next few years spent many hours pestering him with questions about physics, philosophy and the meaning of it all. He patiently endured, providing the needed word or phrase that would send me out the door to puzzle all the more.

I also have fond memories of Joe Ford. I recall one evening when he wandered into my office asking to borrow a paper clip. After chatting for a bit he suddenly asked if I would be interested in joining him at one of the local watering holes. I readily agreed, figuring that he did not remember how poorly I had done in his classes (he did). Much to my surprise he spoke to me as a father would speak to his son, passing on advice about physics and life in equal portions over a pitcher of beer. No professor had ever spoken to me in that fashion, and it meant the world to me.

David Devine 1978-1984