In Memoriam: Alice Hessert

Alice Hessert was a world-class teacher, an invaluable colleague, and a true friend. 

In her teaching she would present ideas along with very clear bases for critique. Then she would stop talking and get out of the way: her courses were always hands-on. Generous with her time, she met often with students, gently guiding them to understand how they could improve. Students who worked with Alice grew into capable, ethical adulthood. Inducting her into ODK was public recognition of the esteem in which Alice was held.

Similarly, Alice mentored her departmental colleagues to improve. For most of us, she was our role model: we visit each other’s classes each year and discuss them in the next (weekly) meeting. Alice’s critiques of us were concise and worded in the most careful way. Observing her pedagogy was a privilege.

We miss Alice’s wry humor, her graciously hosted get-togethers, and her wise counsel. All who knew her—Laurentian Singers, theater folks, members of University Chorus—are bettered for knowing her.