From Jane Russell Johnson
As far as I am concerned, John Ramsey was a friend long before he became a teacher. I first came to know him when I was a child. He and my father were recent newcomers and colleagues at the University. Since the families of both these men lived far away, John would sometimes join our family to share holiday dinners and other special occasions.
I often heard John and my father discussing politics and current events. John would frequently relate modern events to things in the past. He explained that all events had been set in motion by other past events. I found his connection between the past and present to be most interesting, and it was only natural that I sought him out as a professor. Originally, I planned to take only a course or two, but because of his skill as a teacher, I continued to study with him. Eventually, I completed the hours necessary for a minor (although undeclared) in European History. In my junior year, my Phi Beta Kappa key was a gift from this generous man.
The interest in history instilled in me while studying under John has continued to this day. It has contributed greatly to my enjoyment when traveling in the countries of Europe (my favorite place to travel) and has also assisted me in my hobby of genealogy. As I learn about different people, I am able to connect world events with their lives and speculate how these events affected them.
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