David Campbell
As I was finishing grad school and heading off to become a baby professor, Sid told me a story (as he was wont to do). He described attending a recent college reunion, at which of many of his former classmates--most of whom had gone into law or business--kvetched about their jobs. They had all retired as soon as possible. In contrast, Sid told me how much he pitied those classmates, as he was still going strong. In particular, he described a new course he was teaching that very semester. Almost off-handedly, he said something that has always stuck with me: in what other job would I be able to keep doing new things? I have often reflected on that conversation. Here was Sid Verba, with all of his accomplishments, at an age when most people would be eager to retire, gleefully taking on new challenges. I have tried to emulate his example, by remembering that we go into this business to learn and do new things. That moment was classic Sid. He was not intending to impart a life lesson, but just shared something in his funny, inimitable way that, unbeknownst to him, made an indelible impression. I will miss him. As will we all.
