Showing posts with label GCC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GCC. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

A Great Woman

I had many great professors at GCC throughout my years there, but Barb Akin held a special place in my heart. She was my adviser, and I admired and respected her greatly. I went to her ordination (instead of the Homecoming parade), I learned many great lessons from her (not the least of which was the art of skimming a book for salient points w/o reading every word), and I enjoyed her lectures immensely. Even her tests, when given, were admirable - always really and truly testing to see what you learned, not to try to trip you up on something you might have missed.

Just the other day I was talking about Barb, and telling someone, I forget who, how she'd kept me from taking certain "easy A" classes because she had higher expectations for me. She was brassy, strong, brilliantly smart and fun to hang out with. I remember her smoking in class, cussing sometimes, too (which at GCC was shocking!), and basically being her amazing self. She was like a cross between Prof. McGonagall and Mae West, and, although we didn't keep in touch, I did love her.

I look forward to learning from you again someday, Barb, on the other side.


in my email today:
Retired Faculty Member Dr. M. Barbara Akin Passes Away August 14, 2009

___________________________________________________________

Dear Catherine,

We are sorry to report that retired faculty member Dr. M. Barbara Akin passed away on Friday, August 14, 2009 at her home.

Dr. Akin taught at Grove City College from 1970 to 1999 and chaired the history department during that time. She had also served as vicar of the Church of the Epiphany Episcopal in Grove City from 1985 through her retirement in 2008.

The funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, at the Church of the Epiphany Episcopal, 870 Liberty Street Extension, with Bishop Sean Rowe ’97 officiating.

The College offers sincere condolences to Dr. Akin's family, friends and her former students.

Monday, October 08, 2007

Wake Me Up When September Ends

Wait . . . you mean it's already ended and I missed it? Sorry to have delayed so long in posting! All 3 of you who read the blog have been wondering, I'm sure! LOL

First the knitting . . .
I have fallen in love with the Baby Surprise Jacket. I've now done 3 This one is in cotton/linen, and it was fun to knit because of the colors. It was a pain to finish because of all the weaving in of the ends of those lovely colors, but it's done except for the buttons, so we're near the end.


This one is, obviously, the same pattern. It is Crystal Palace Painted or something like that - wool, with some Cascade 220 for the stripe and edging. I like the simplicity of the pattern so much. I modify the length by doing only 5 ridges in the middle before picking up stitches again. (I realize it makes no sense to those who've not knit this sweater - sorry).

This is the knitted hedgehog, and will actually really be cute once it is felted and stuffed. It's not so bad now, I guess, but it'll be better - trust me!

This most recent weekend was like a retreat for me, although it was really just my college homecoming at Grove City College. One of my dear sorority sisters flew into Columbus from St. Louis, and we drove together, picking up another friend near my parents' house on the way. Although it was stinking hot, it was a lovely day, and I spent so much time smiling and laughing that my cheeks are sore! This is a group of us at the football stadium (I hear there was a game going on, but we didn't really watch - lol). Sally and I in the front row, Linda, Stephanie, Nancy, Kim and Karen in the back row. It was great to see old friends and re-connect. I'll post a few more pics tomorrow.

Nancy raises Alpacas (and lots of kids) and brought along some fiber and yarn. Mom and I practically spread it out on the Living Room floor and rolled in it - it is so lovely! Mom purchased enough for me to knit her a sweater vest! Yay! I get to use it, Mom gets to wear it - totally a win-win! I've still got a moratorium on buying yarn - trying to knit up my stash - at least until Thanksgiving. Gack! I tell you, if you could feel this lovely alpaca yarn (and see the adorable pictures of the animals from whence it came) you'd nearly have caved in, too! I'm so thankful that Mom bought some!

So that is what's happening in my neck of the woods. Oh, we did manage to have a Birthday party for Simon, a big music party, work a lot, get back to school, etc. I'll try to keep up better, though, I promise!