Thanks, Roy

Roy taught me how to use a mouse. In March 1997 when CHNM was still a one-room operation located outside of Roy's office, the Center sponsored an open-house at which GMU History faculty could come and get help with their computer problems. Ever the technophobe, I was having trouble making the transition from using command-driven programs to using a mouse--a cumbersome object that seemed to have a mind of its own. With gentle bemusement, Roy showed me how to tame the cursed device. In retrospect, it seems impossible to believe that I only learned how to use a mouse ten years ago. But it seems even more impossible to believe that Roy would take time out from his busy schedule to teach another faculty member to do something so basic. But he did things like that all the time. Although Roy accomplished many big and impressive things in his career, what I will miss most are the little things. He always sent a thank-you after coming to dinner. He always wanted to carpool from Arlington to GMU. He always remembered birthdays. He always came to department events--all of them--and tried to come to your speaking engagements, even when they were off-campus. In hundreds of small ways, he reached out to people, connected with people, and affirmed other people's contributions and dignity. His signature closing for an email was, "Take care." He did care. And in doing so, he made the world a more caring place.