Now days we often hear we should write our elementary school teachers a letter of gratitude. I have never done this because I think it would be a very difficult task. It is one of those things that gets put off.

I am taking this opportunity to write my first letter of gratitude to a teacher. This teacher is very special to me because he was my first college professor. In 1985, I graduated from high school one week and started at East Texas the next. My first class was a history course. The professor was Dr. Frank Barchard. Imagine what I thought college would be like to have a very proper, well dressed, and gracious professor for the first course! Dr. Barchard wore three-piece suits all summer. When the weather was inclement, he carried a long-handled umbrella. He taught us a great deal of history in a very stylish way. He inspired us to do good work because we did not want to let Dr. Barchard down. In the years that followed, I saw Dr. Barchard often. He was our annual MC at Kappa Delta Sing Song. He was very involved with the students. He was a mentor and friend to us all.

The reason I am writing to Dr. Barchard is that he is moving from Commerce. He is going to Alabama to be with his sister. By the time you read this he will have left our community. I get teary-eyed just thinking of him not being in Commerce. I have only known this town and this University with Dr. Barchard as a part of it all.

Dr. Barchard, you have always meant a great deal to me. You have always offered a helping hand and a kind word, no matter how bad the situation. I have learned from you as much about being a good person as I did history. I will miss you. Thank you for helping to make me who I am.

Fellow alumni, take the time now to say thank you to your former teachers, professors and mentors! Although my tissues are in hand, it feels great!