Dear Barrett,

Brown has been formative for me. It reinforced the values and creativity that I felt innately but often sensed lacking in the larger world. It gave me confidence and courage to define my own path. Your presence at Brown was a subtle and precious gift to me. I often recount two Barrett episodes some five years apart that were pivotal in my life.

The first was upon my arrival to Brown in 1973. I transferred to Brown and was quite uncertain of my own commitment to college at the time. After visiting many universities I only applied to Brown, figuring that if it didn't work there I would take another path.

On the first day of registration I arrived in Providence after driving most of the night. My memory remains foggy, in part because there had been a long send off by my friends before a seven-hour solo drive to Providence. It was a gray Sunday morning and I was feeling very tentative and alone.

After circling the campus I finally found a parking spot somewhere off Thayer Street. I groggily got out of the car and was getting my bearings when a stranger walked up to me on the sidewalk. It was still early and the streets were lifeless, but this stranger was enthusiastic, warm and welcoming. And then he stunned me. "Welcome Randy!" He said, "Randy." How the heck could he know my name? I had just arrived but already I was welcome. Suddenly my mood was lightened. Everything would be alright.

That stranger was you, Barrett. How you knew my name, I will never know. But my receptivity to Brown was inspired at that moment, and my doubts were washed away.

Five years later I had already graduated and was working in Providence at a variety of things. I was feeling uncertain about my future, not clear on what to do next. I felt it was time to take a professional track. But which one? And how to get started?

Once again I was walking down the sidewalk near Brown and you appeared (you must hang out on the sidewalks a lot). This time I knew very well who you were, having taken at least one of your courses. But we had not kept in touch. You immediately smiled and greeted me as warmly as ever.

You asked what I was up to and I shared my dilemma. You didn't hesitate with your advice. "Why not go to law school, I think you will find the education useful. I will be happy to write a reference for you." I thanked you, gave it some consideration and took that path; the path that has lead me to a very rewarding and creative life in innovation, teaching, writing, and motivational speaking.

I know from my own interactions with my own students that the moments that turn the lights on for them may be a passing interaction for the teacher. The student learns when the student is ready. The teacher needs to be engaged sufficiently to create that opportunity when it is ripe.

You affected my life for the better not through momentous events but through authentic empathy and caring. Simply by being Barrett Hazeltine you have improved the lives of your students and surely through many of them, the lives of others.

It is gift that you have like no other. Thank you. Thank you for stopping me on the street—twice—at critical junctures in my life. Thank you for your commitment to Brown and its many gifted students. But most of all, thank you for being Barrett Hazeltine. A life lived so fully and compassionately will never, ever be forgotten. Thank you, very, very much!

Happy Birthday!

Randy Komisar
Class of 1972
Portola Valley, CA