personal and professional wisdom

Jean,
Can you believe that I’m now a licensed psychologist? It was just yesterday that I was entering my first class in the program…I’m not a first-year anymore! As so many others have written on this blog, you have indeed touched the lives of so many people….including many who have never had the great fortune to meet or know you personally. I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn from such a great mentor.

It hasn’t been just the profession that I have learned from you that I carry with me. You have made such a powerful impact on my life, personally. Your poise, gentleness, sincerity, humor (I can hear your laugh right now!)- these are just some of the great things about you that have shaped the person I have become.

Please know that you are leaving a legacy- that every student you have ever taught will continue to carry on the lessons you have taught us in our future encounters with children and their families- and in this way, countless people will continue to benefit from your wisdom and generosity.

I’m blessed to know such a wonderful person. My warmest thoughts are with you and your family.

Lots of hugs,
My

Dear Jean

We have always been impressed by you and your families friendlieness as our neighbors on the street. You have always been welcoming and we think of the time you asked us to join you in Thanksgiving dinner. Although we already had an invitation that year we enjoyed a "small" second dinner with you and your family. It was also such fun to be invited to watch the World Cup with you all and cheer on France.
You have impressed us with your energy, enthusiasm and joie de vivre. We pray for God's blessing to be upon you and your family during this difficult time for you all.
Zora & Ewen Todd

Shining such a bright light

Dear Jean,

In response to the comment from your colleague in Georgia a few blogs back – Michigan State has most certainly been fortunate to recruit such a bright light as you to a place where the weather can be so dreary (like it is today). Although I’ve only been at MSU for a few years, it did not take long for me to find out what a shining light you are. Your energy and smiles have always made the office such a wonderful place to be. From coordinating a new faculty orientation within the college, to inviting new faculty like me to your house for dinner (at which time I was so incredibly impressed with your very friendly and mature teenagers!), to collaborating with new faculty on grant proposals, to making a point of doing regular check-ins to make sure I felt at ease as a new person, to providing Hershey’s kisses at department meetings, your actions certainly model your talk about promoting positive school climates! Before getting to know you, I honestly had not fully known what a joy faculty life could be. It was such an absolute thrill to be introduced personally, by you, to so many other faculty members across the nation when I attended my first CDSPP meeting in Florida, the NASP trainers’ reception in Atlanta, and the APA social in DC. As I've recently heard several people remark in the past few months: the MSU school psychology program has “become national” over the past decade. I know this is in large part due to you, not only because of your high quality research and teaching, but also because of your actions to make the MSU school psychology program such an inviting and positive one for those involved.

Lots of love,

Sara

Jean inspires me and informs my professional work each and every day.

As a dedicated overachiever, Jean understands life as a compulsive grad student. She gave me the two best pieces of professional advice I ever received. First, work until you have a “good enough” draft of your document. She taught me that obsessing over details is just is not worth the time and effort. Also, she taught me, “The dissertation is only your first piece of scholarship. If it defines your work as a scholar, then you’re doing something wrong.” Both pieces gave me the courage to move forward as a professional. Jean inspires me and informs my professional work each and every day.

Jana Aupperlee

I Miss You Jean

Hi Jean,

I was so happy to have the opportunity to visit with you today and wanted to write to you with some of my thoughts. I didn't know what to expect when I came to the house and was sad to not see the Jean that I remembered the last time I saw you at our faculty meeting on Dec. 4, all dressed up and in great spirits as we were addressing some tough program issues. I had heard that you went through a rough spot prior to the Christmas break and then also heard things were going better. Upon my return to East Lansing after break, I got a call indicating that things had become much tougher for you and up to my visit today I kept getting more troubling reports of your health that I didn't want to believe to be true. I am sorry that your cancer has spread and that your body is not very happy with you right now. I was so wishing that other treatments would be available to you but have come to know that there are none.

When I came today, you were sleeping. For a moment, I felt tears come over me but my sadness quickly turned to comfort and joy thinking about all that you have done for me and how thankful I am that our lives have crossed paths. We have PhD work at the University of Madison in common, you were so instrumental in my decision to join this wonderful community we have here at Michigan State University, and how you mentored me through the rocky times associated with defining one's professional career. We drank wine together at many a fine School Psychology Program Holiday Parties. We drank beer together while playing darts in Deerfield Beach, FL. We had shots of JD together as you introduced me to all of your U GA colleagues at a cramped, hot, and stuffy hotel room party at a NASP conference. In sum, you are a fun-loving party girl that this Wisconsin boy certainly loves and appreciates. Most thankfully, I found in you a person who equally shared a passion for the balance that one seeks to find in their life... family, friends, career, hobbies, spirituality....

While at the house today, I also had the chance to check in with Watts to see how he and your kids are doing. They are doing as well as can be expected and they love you so much. I also got to say hello to your dogs and cat. One of the things that I really enjoyed during my visit was when Liz told me about her tattoo and the story behind the inspiration for that design. She is such a special woman and my three kids loved the times that she babysat them. I am not sure if you heard us, but Watts and his brother Earl and I had a good laugh about the time a few years back that I picked Watts up at the house and we had a couple of tequila shots and put a little flask together as we went off to see Jackass: The Movie at the Meridian Mall Theatre. Do you remember that? You were laughing at us as we were up to adolescent- no- good behavior We certainly had the giggles and do not wish to offend anyone by admitting that we joined in on the hooting and hollering surrounding many of the antics we witnessed on the big screen.

By the way, be sure to have Watts or Charles tell you about the little reminder that I dropped off at your bedside. You will recognize it, I know. It is a little yellow "Terrace" chair that symbolizes the fun and good times that we have had together and that I know you will have forever in your spirit. For those who may not be privy to the Terrace, the union at UW-Madison is a wonderful place to gather and take in the beauty of our world. It will forever remind me of you Jean, my dear friend and colleague.

For others who might want to see what this chair looks like...take a peek at http://www.union.wisc.edu/terracestore/items.aspx?cat=Gifts

I miss you Jean. May peace and love be with you....hugs and kisses. John

PS: Found this picture and while a little blurry, had to post because it's one of my favorites.

John Carlson
Jean's Colleague in the School Psychology Program at MSU

Please know that our arms are wrapped around you

Dear Jean,

I want you to know that you have touched the lives of so many
colleagues and students in the College of Education. There are very
few faculty members who are regarded so well--there is only
admiration and appreciation of your dedication, expertise,
appreciation, caring attitude, and deep commitment to people as well
as programs. You have meant a great deal to everyone not only in the
school psychology program but across the college. Your energy and
efforts have contributed to the strength and strong reputation of the
school psychology program.

Your strength has been inspiring and you have carried forth beyond
expectations. Your warmth and inviting smile warm the hearts of
others. What a joy it has been to have you as a colleague and
faculty member in this college. Please know that our arms are
wrapped around you, and you have an indelible place in our hearts.

With deep affection and admiration,
Carole
--
Carole Ames
Dean
College of Education

Like I’ve had a brush with joy

Jean, you are one of those people who have the rare gift of knowing how to be an incredible friend. You have been so generous and kind to me and my family. And what an example you have been to me—you are a great mom and wife and also a wonderfully smart and successful professional. And all the while you seem so calm and joyful! Wow!! I appreciated all the visits you made to the hospital when Thomas was going through his illness, probably more than you know. And I have appreciated and enjoyed our coffees and lunches. Every time I get together with you, you brighten my day, teach me something, and leave me feeling like I’ve had a brush with joy. Love you, Kim

My time with Jean

Good morning. From the moment I met Jean I was inspired by her never ending energy and collaborative spirit. For more than a year I have enjoyed our weekly (Tuesdays @ noon) conversations about the intersections of our work and family life. Her mentoring has meant so much to me personally & professionally. I had been struggling with self doubt as I balance academic life and mothering since I left grad school... but Jean never doubted me and for that I am eternally grateful. I feel so blessed to have her in my life. This past Thursday I was notified that a research article Jean, Jana Apperlee, and I have been working on for the last year has been accepted for publication in the Elementary School Journal. Thank you for everything, Jean! I see my path more clearly because of you.


Your friend,
Sekile

Thank you

Dear Jean,

My name is Fofi and I live in Greece. We have never met each other, yet I have got to know you quite well through Vicky's stories. Vicky is a dearest friend of mine and as you may already know, within the next few days she will give birth to a healthy baby, whose I am going to be the Godmother.

I could not possibly find the right words to describe Vicky's love, respect, gratitude and other warm feelings that I know she has for you. I can tell you though how grateful I am to you that you have been such a mentor and a dear friend to her. For all your guidance and support to Vicky, for the strength, optimism and altruism you have infused to her, as well as for your hospitality in Michigan, I thank you from my heart.

Best regards to your beautiful family,

Fofi