Mansfield University - Carontawan Yearbook (Mansfield, PA)

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Memorium His name was Ed Gassner, and he was, among other things, a professor in the biology department. What appealed most about Dr. Gassner were two things: first, he wasn ' t afraid to be himself, and second (and most important), the self he was trying to be was worth being. Creativity was a vital part of his life, and the essential aspect of a creative person is that he sees his function is not to be, but to become. He was an up-to-date scientist with a Ph.D., publications in biochemistry, and interest in bio-ethics and radiation biology. He was something of an accomplished photographer, painter, and writer, an avid gardener, and a good carpenter. Dr. Gassner saw being right here at M.S.C. as a terrific set of opportunities. He was enchanted by the things you could do and learn at Mansfield, by the help and encouragement that were so willingly given, and by the wealth of information that was his merely for the asking at the library and elsewhere. Learning and doing were exciting for Ed. Gassner. His death had something of the symbolic and quixotic aspects of his nature. He died planting potatoes in his garden. His last activity was focused firmly on the future, but like the last activities of all of us, it was left incomplete. And yet — the potatoes found a way to grow. There are much worse ways of living and dying. Much worse ways. by Dr. Stephen H. Bickham edited by Deborah J. Halderman 16

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Dr. Lawrence Park, President 15

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