John Mallinckrodt '73
Retired professor of physics (Cal Poly Pomona), Second career musician
I’m one of the lucky ones to have spent my time as a student with Joe at the helm. I came back for the 1993-94 academic year as a visiting professor when Joe was “only” 78, still teaching lab sections, and patiently grading stacks of lab manuals each week. Although we did not cross paths often over the years, when we did he never failed to instantly recognize me and call me by name. I wish I had anything approaching that level of recall for students of mine from even ten years ago. For his modest manners, his easy smile, his constant belief in and support of HMC, and his stunning legacy, Joe will be missed and always fondly remembered.
Cliff Miller
Trustee
Joe was simply “one of a kind.” Perfect leader for the moment. No HMC as we know and love it today without Joe’s inspiration, feel, and strategic vision for the possible. I had the good fortune to know and work with and have fun with this delightful man from the beginning.
What a great ride!
Craig T. Byrnes '88
Employment law attorney, Manhattan Beach, CA
Joe, it ain’t the money; it’s the principle of the thing. There’s things that money can’t buy. Thanks for the wonderful memories from an East Dorm alum.
Lorne Olfman
Professor, CGU
Joe was always supportive of the School of Information Systems and Technology. He understood the importance of our discipline and communicated it to others. His efforts helped us secure a $1 million gift from the Fletcher Jones Foundation. On a personal level, I enjoyed talking with Joe. His stories about his years at MIT were fascinating and I lived vicariously through them. I was lucky enough to rub shoulders with someone who was a great thinker and leader.
Anne Sontag Karch
Madison, WI
Growing up with Beth Platt Garrow, I got to sleep over at the Platts’ house on occasion, and it would be hard to say which is the more delightful memory: Joe serenading us to sleep with salty sea chanties, accompanied on his guitar, or Joe whipping up pancakes with apple slices inside the following morning. Such a great mind, and a big heart, too. Always a smile, often a twinkle in his eye, and that lovely low voice. 96 years and so many thousands of lives enriched.