Roni Unger
Gary and I taught at the same college in N.Y., the City College of CUNY. Both of us had had our M.A. degrees and were matriculated in a Ph.D. program in Theatre at the Graduate School of CUNY. Both the Chair of the Speech and Theatre Department and the Theatre program at the Graduate School were workaholics extraordinare and expected the same from its educators and students, respectfully.
I recall driving Gary to the GC on 42nd Street in Manhattan, as I had a car that I parked on campus, one perk of my full-time employment there.
Gary was determined to complete the degree rapidly, although the expectations of the program at that time, made it nearly impossible.
But much to everyone's surprise, Gary fulfilled his promise to himself. He left the college after obtaining the Ph.D.,
Some years later, when former Ph.D. students assembled for special award
ceremonies, gatherings, etc., Gary was absent. But years and years later,
I managed to get in touch with him, intending to vacation in Florida where
he had relocated. He had switched careers, but remembered me vividly, and ; flattered me by recalling me as "beautiful."
We never got to see one another. As I recall, within a few days after our contact , Gary called, begging off, explaining he was tied up with private business-communication conferences. Though not seeing him in person again, I am glad to note the photo next to this memory present Gary as an assured, calm, attractive man who had matured well.
Roni Unger, Ph.D.