Laughing with Danny
I met Danny eight and a half years ago at my orientation for NKU. At the time, I was enrolled as an English major, but I intended to change my major to Theater. As I worked with Danny to plan my schedule for the fall semester, I was so impressed with his genuine concern for me, a complete stranger, that I decided to remain an English major.
I had the distinct privilege of taking Danny’s Bible as Literature course two years later, and it was one of the most amazing courses I have ever taken. Danny’s course gave me confidence in my writing, in my work as an academic, and offered me a renewed love of literature and of the Bible as a work of literature.
Danny was not only an amazing teacher–I cannot begin to articulate how much I learned from him–but he was a great inspiration to me both as a teacher and as a human being. When I decided to apply to graduate programs, Danny was one of my greatest cheerleaders. When I decided to dedicate my life to teaching, Danny was one of my role models–I have borrowed so much of my classroom identity from him. I have rarely met a more dedicated teacher, and I can only hope to be half the teacher he was.
I returned to NKU in 2006, having completed my MA in English, and I was hired as a part-time instructor in the English department. When I first saw Danny at the part-time instructor orientation, I was met with his always glowing smile and a hug. I felt I had come home. Danny was instrumental in that feeling, though many other people in the department (too many to possibly list here) contributed to that sense, as well–he ran the Lit and Lang department like a family. When I think of family, then, I always think of the department and especially of Danny.
During the two years I taught at NKU, I saw Danny nearly every day I was on campus. He always had time to talk to me, and he always showed a genuine interest in my life. I will forever remember that about Danny–no matter how busy his schedule, he always had time for anyone who wanted or needed to talk to him.
When I decided to complete my education, Danny once again threw his support behind me. I stopped by his office to say good-bye a couple of weeks before leaving town, and Danny quit working to talk to me and my husband for nearly an hour. I don’t recall exactly what we were discussing, but we were laughing a lot. That is the memory I will always carry with me of Danny–his laughter. He was one of the most joyful people I have ever known. I will forever remember his laugh, his smile.
Laura (Korfhagen) Detmering