A Tribute to Beth Ann Bassein

I missed Dr. Beth Ann Bassein's 80th Birthday Celebration today, but here's a little story about her I asked a friend to share at the festivities:

ONCE UPON A TIME in a land not too far away, a group of brave warriors embarked on a mission fraught with danger. Their goal? To convince the Lords of Academia, otherwise known as the Curriculum Committee, at the University of Southern Colorado, that a Women’s Studies Program was needed. Among this determined group were angry warriors, frustrated warriors, weary warriors – yes, warriors of many different temperaments who represented various departments within the university.

From the English department came Dr. Beth Ann Bassein, a gentle warrior with the soul of a poet. She pointed out that much of the BEST that’s been thought, said and done since the beginning of time has been thought, said and done by WOMEN. Unfortunately, that fact was being ignored throughout the Kingdom of Academia. Because I realize everyone loves a happy ending, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. With Dr. Bassein’s valuable help, successful strategies were developed, and the Women’s Studies program became a reality. I understand it’s still in full swing at what is now called Colorado State University - Pueblo.

So, Beth Ann, congratulations on this important accomplishment as well as on your many others! I’m honored to be a part of your 80th Birthday Celebration. As my Irish grandmother used to say at our family birthday parties:

May the road continue to rise with you.
May the wind be always at your back.
And may God hold you in the hollow of Her hand.