Professor Lutkus

I attended the State University of New York at Geneseo, where I received my Bachelor of Arts (It's the best school you've never heard of, thank you very much.). My first semester I took a writing class with Professor Alan Lutkus. He was a smoking addict with a Harvard degree that had a reputation for ruining the GPA of more than one honor student. Still, as a first year, I didn't have a lot of knowledge, or choice, so I signed up. He quickly became my favorite prof. After all, he was eccentric in his way. Particularly the way he could not make it 1.25 hours without a ciggy. He was particular. He was demanding. He was amazing. He talked about the value of being deliberately pedantic, erudite, and pretentious (important for particular cover letters, and job interviews, but not so good for regular life). At one point in the semester Professor Lutkus told the class the importance of expressing gratitude in the moment because the moment passes. Like most things at that time, I wrote it down, studied it for the final exam, and promptly forgot it. Recently I've thought alot about Professor Lutkus and thought that I really should thank him. He was the only professor that told me that I had skill in writing and should pursue it. So I Googled him. As if to make his point all the more profound,I learned the moment had passed - that Professor Lutkus had passed away. I am sad to learn this. He was a phenom professor and an inspiring man. Thank you Professor Lutkus. I cannot write a modifying phrase without thinking of you. And you are the only non-family member that has given me praise and made me believe it. Thank you.