Memories of Kirk Fuoss

Kirk was one of the most brilliant professors and directors I ever had the privilege to work with. He was clever, funny, and a fantastic leader. His legacy at St. Lawrence is still felt today. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.  Connor McSweeney '18

I write from the National Communication Association conference...where I met Kirk Fuoss and Randy Hill for the first time at a job fair exactly twelve years ago this week. Needless to say the encounter was fateful because here I am still at St. Lawrence, thanks to that fortuitous meeting. I will never forget how Kirk's face lit up when the conversation turned to teaching. Kirk's dedication to his students and his fierce defense of all underdogs are my favorite things about him. When I think about Kirk creating the PCA department, I think about the legions of PCA students that have passed through our halls and I think about the talented faculty in the department now and I think about the key learning goals that have powered the department from the jump. How many thousands of PCA alumni out there in the world have integrated Kirk's public speaking feedback into crafting a finer argument or honing a sharper presentation? No one has done more for my confidence in the classroom and my career than Kirk, and he will be dearly, dearly missed.  Allie Rowland, PCA

I had the pleasure of being a PCA major in its first inaugural class (2010), which came to be as Kirk was the Department Chair. I enjoyed productions he directed and PCA department sponsored chats he booked. While I never had the privilege of having him as a professor, I did get to study with Randy. One of the most incredible experiences I had was building and experiencing a sweat lodge as an optional part of our Native American Oral Traditions course. The way he supported Randy and looked after students that he knew even if he never taught us during that physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional experience was a standout for me. 

When I picture Kirk in my head, he is perpetually smiling, and I hope he finds ways to remind his loved ones that he’s around. He has a smile I know we can all feel from just beyond our reach.

Sending Randy, his partner, and his other cherished family, both blood and chosen, my deepest sympathies. Beth Dixon, Class of 2010