On the occasion of Delores Gallo's retirement, there was an afternoon of creative tributes by colleagues and former students in the Program in Critical and Creative Thinking and Teacher Preparation Program.

Sunday May 19, Provost's Conference room, UMass Boston.

Some phrases from the spoken tributes:

Delores, like the Brooklyn Bridge, is a connector

Delores valued "rigor, generosity of spirit, and practical application"

Delores made us feel "treasured, important, connected, respected, loved and smart"

Delores helped me change my point of view so I could "wonder what the zoo looks like to a chamelon"

Of Robert Frost's paths, "Delores has taken the one less traveled"

Delores let me know that "the problem was not with me; it's the rest of the world."
She was like a lioness.

"A teacher like Delores is at heart a story teller."
From Derek Walcott, the poet: "Her voice echoes my shells."

Delores asked us to come to the edge, even when we were scared, pushed us, and we flew.

"To be creative is to be optimistic"

"All these people in my life see me as a changed human being."

"You've given me the confidence to find my voice"

"To teach well, like to live well, one has to take risks."
"Colorful; many meanings for different people."

"'Educating for empathy' -- all of a sudden my life made sense."
"To teach the whole individual to imagine and reason well."

"Delores made us establish goals for ourselves"

(Note to participants: Corrections and additions welcome. Indeed, if you send your whole tribute or photos by email, they can be added. Thanks for contributing to a wonderful event.)

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DELORES GALLO - A METAPHOR: THE GENTLE LIONESS

Gentle lioness you cared then and now...
About those you meet and those you teach.
Gentle understanding and love radiate in every word;
Yet the lioness light shines behind you eyes
If anyone tries,
To make you compromise,
I have seen your hackles rise!
Fighting for integrity in everything you do;
As an inspirational example to your "cubs"
To always be true.
You gently nudge us out in the world to always try...
Exploring and discovering our own creative high.
My life and work changed for the better,
Because you cared then, you care now, and will forever.
(Barbara Waters)

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Last update 24 July '02