After 50 years of teaching, most professors would be ready to take a long vacation.
But Don Fowler had a very different reaction to being honored for his 50th year of teaching in a lecture given by Kathleen Hall Jamieson Thursday night.
“I’m embarrassed,” Fowler said. “It’s much ado about nothing, as Shakespeare said.”
Fowler previously served as the chairman of the state Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee. He has taught courses about politics and mass media since 1964, bringing prominent national political leaders and journalists to campus.
When it comes to his legacy, Fowler gave a simple answer: “My students are my legacy, that’s it.”
After teaching for such a long time, Fowler said it is impossible to pick one favorite memory.
“I remember my students who were always nice and kind. And I remember the excitement of seeing people learn,” Fowler said. “It’s all been a pleasant experience.”
Fowler said the next step is to look forward, rather than focusing on the past.
“It’s a goal; it’s a landmark,” Fowler said. “It’s one I have looked forward to, and the fact that it’s here now is one that I’ll just put behind me and look toward to the future.”