A Small Tribute to a Wonderful Professor

When I first went to Trent University, there was an introductory week where you could attend sample lectures to test out classes. I said to myself, "how smart would I sound if I knew Latin?" so I went to the Latin lecture. Out came this funny man with a bag of sidewalk chalk. His enthusiasm and charm immediately won me over and learning Latin became about more than just "sounding smart". That man was one of my professors, David Page.

Each year I was at Trent, I made sure I had classes with David (as he preferred to be called). He taught me Latin and Roman history. He made each class interesting using that sidewalk chalk "to make it colourful" and explaining concepts so we could all understand. I struggled a lot with the languages and the nuances of translation, but his patience never ran out - or if it did, he hid it well! But because of him, I stuck with Latin. To this day, I can still chant Latin conjugations like he taught me.

One year, I was not set to take any classes with David, so I orchestrated a class in Roman History focusing on Nerva, Trajan, and Hadrian. David was baffled why I would sign up for this course, as I was a known Hellenist and openly scorned the Romans as less interesting. I knew David well enough by then that if I told him it was because I wanted a class with him, he would die of embarrassment. He was the best teacher, but so very humble and embarrassed by the praise. I told him I wanted to "expand my horizons" or something. 

From him, I learned to appreciate the Romans (though I still prefer the Greeks). He was so kind that he would even give the "bad" emperors a chance. Probably the only person to ever have sympathy for Caligula. Following that example, I wrote an essay defending Emperor Domitian that won a prize. 

Later when I left Trent and I taught at Brock, I emulated his teaching style as best I could. I purposely bought multi-coloured whiteboard markers because of his influence. From him I learned that students will do better when they care. I channelled as enthusiasm as I could (even when it was hard) into teaching.

Recently, and quite sadly, David Page has passed away. Another professor who had a major impact on my university life, Ian Storey, has written a lovely memorial for David Page that I encourage everyone to read. To quote him: 

"Anyone who knew David Page will have come off better for that encounter."

Truer words have never been written. Even though it has been many years since I saw or spoke to him, David's impact on my life is not forgotten, nor is it small.