Nearly 100 friends, colleagues, students and advisees of Professor Glenn Altschuler, Ph.D. '76, gathered on the second floor of Appel Commons for the dedication of the Altschuler Terrace Sept. 24.

While humor peppered much of the program, several current and former students and advisees spoke passionately of their affection and respect for Altschuler, the Thomas and Dorothy Litwin Professor of American Studies and dean of the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions.

"You have instilled a sense of confidence in me that has transformed my life," said Pat Burns '09. "My life, in no small measure, has been marked by the relationship and bond I have with you."

The gift to name the terrace in Altschuler's honor was made by Penny Skitol Haitkin '65 and her husband, Jeffrey Haitkin. The gift will support the Carol Tatkon Center endowment.

As he prepared to lead a toast in Altschuler's honor, President Emeritus Hunter Rawlings took note of the commanding view from the terrace of Rawlings Green on North Campus, as well as the difference between his height and Altschuler's.

"Now I know that Glenn Altschuler is going to tower over me for the rest of my life," Rawlings quipped.

Then Altschuler stepped to the lectern and noted the kind words spoken about him by joking that he'd like to announce his "retirement from what apparently has been a spectacular career." (Altschuler is not retiring.) He then became more serious.

"When you are in a place like this, with people of such extraordinary intellect, [where] you get to encounter students of such intellectual and emotional depth, you know you're in the place that's right for you," Altschuler added. "So, I want to thank those who have spoken, those who are here, those who are indifferent and didn't come, for making my life about as rich as I imagine it to be. And, to those I love, I say, 'Thank you.'"

Gary E. Frank is a writer with the Division of Alumni Affairs and Development.