An Inspired Spirit for Thousands

Dr. Marvin Druger – Emeritus Professor of Biology, Syracuse University

Below is the note I sent to Dr. Marvin Druger this morning, to thank him for the inspiration he has shared with so many.

Dear Dr. Druger,

I met you at a AAAS conference in San Francisco, I think, back in 1985. You presented a remarkable set of examples of how to motivate general biology students to not only enjoy your class, but the entire field of biology. As a beginning high school biology teacher, I was constantly searching for ways to inspire. What I learned from you influenced what I did over the twenty years I spent in the classroom, as well as the years that have followed when I’ve endeavored to communicate my ideas effectively as an advocate for the environment, and again, now, as a teacher of our Chaparral Naturalist course, a program our organization founded in 2015. As I ramped up for the tenth year of our class starting next month, you came to mind as the mentor who set the stage for so much of how I have approached teaching.

When I looked you up on the web last night, I was not surprised to find your infectious smile and welcoming eyes greet me. It’s obvious your zest for life and enthusiasm for teaching continues to shine!

After I left my first teaching position in northern California, I found myself in San Diego, first at a private school, then as a public school teacher teaching biology in San Diego. You should be proud of the fact that my success as a teacher was not in small part due to the fire you lit in my heart. You showed me how to see students as colleagues and the classroom as an exciting place for young minds to grow.

Thank you, Dr. Druger for the path you shared with me. It helped to shape my own life, as well as the lives of the several thousand students.

With great respect,

Rick

A wonderful interview with Dr. Druger.
A beautiful story about Dr. Druger’s influence at Syracuse University.

The letter and award card Dr. Druger gave to his best students.

One of the many creative manifestations of Dr. Druger’s teaching style.