Then this morning I woke up to an email telling me that Pat Taylor had died, unexpectedly, yesterday. Pat was one of my undergrad professors at WKUwho led the semester trip to Cambridge, England that I took. The trip that changed and shaped me and broadened my world. I decided to teach college because of her. I decided to refuse to let the academy's expectations of what a (female) college professor should look/be like define me. Because of her, I decided to be me.
I took every single class that Pat offered while I was an undergrad. She was eccentric, wearing bright red wigs and red leather mini skirts in her 60s. And somehow it all - her personality and attire and homey cosmopolitanism - made complete sense.
I was taking one of her classes the semester my dad died, one semester before I was scheduled to follow her to England. The care that she showed me has in so many ways informed my belief of how a professor should be with her students. She never tried to be anything but professional, and yet that didn't stop her from being caring and kind, even loving. She adored us, especially those of us who went abroad with her, almost as though we were her own children. She and her loving, devoted husband drove two hours each way in one day to attend my wedding, because she cared.
She was 73, old enough that it shouldn't be surprising and yet young enough that it still seems much too soon. Despite her age though, the possibility of her dying had never occurred to me. She was such a force that I imagined her rattling around the English building for decades to come.
Right now I'm mostly stunned. I'm trying to remember that Pat would demand that we celebrate her enthusiastic life rather than be saddened by her loss. To remember how strongly she believed in molding college students, having faith in them to change and shape the world based on their unique individual talents. To remember the faith that she had in me.
To remember.
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ETA: My good friend Corey has written a wonderful and smart (and much more complete) memorial to Pat. Corey's "Pat-isms" line many of my notebooks, too. I am, more than ever, glad I still have them.
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Update 03/22/11: Pat’s husband Craig is establishing a student scholarship in her name. If you are interested in giving to this scholarship–designed for literature students–you can learn more by contacting Laurie Basham at 270-745-5082. Donations may also be sent to the following address:
Patricia Minton Taylor Memorial Scholarship for English Literature Students
College Heights Foundation
WKU
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY. 42101
4 comments:
Hello,
This is Lindsay Kriz with the College Heights Herald. I'm writing a piece on Professor Taylor and how she impacted the students and faculty of Western during her time here. I wanted to ask you a few questions about her. For ex: How did you meet her? What is your favorite memory of her? Etc. My number is 859-319-2401, or if calling me isn't convenient my email address is Lindsay.Kriz@wku.edu
Thank you in advance.
I went to Cambridge with Pat in 1998, Catherine, and share many of the same sentiments. I'll never forget the day we went to the Bronte Parsonage, and my then husband-to-be accompanied us. She told me she'd never seen me so happy, that he was a "keeper." She was right. :-)
Such a big loss for us all, her former students, her colleagues (I always enjoyed bumping into her in Cherry) and for the university and community at large. She was a wonderful woman.
I am currently in her class. I was experiencing first-hand what so many others are remembering. Pat was a brilliant, savvy, wonderful person whose heart was as beautiful as she was. She will be greatly missed.
Hi Catherine,
I can't get FB to load or find your email address, so I'm leaving the information here, where others may see it as well.
Craig is establishing a student scholarship in Pat’s name. Several folks, including a number of Pat’s former students, have inquired about making a donation in her memory, so I am providing the following information. Please share it w/ students, alumni, and colleagues as you see fit. I would suggest emailing or calling Laurie Basham (5-5082) for your initial contact. karen
Patricia Minton Taylor Memorial Scholarship for English Literature Students
College Heights Foundation
WKU
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY. 42101
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