University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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story by douq Steven . ' layout fy emrrur cartwrujhr Undergraduate students pursuing higher educations were constantly in search of the perfect class. They often looked for a class which didn ' t meet on Fridays, wasn ' t scheduled before noon, or was taught by a reputed easy grader. They searched for those courses that weren ' t particularly rigorous and didn ' t require hundreds of pages of reading per week. Oddly enough, two of the most popular classes at the University didn ' t fit any of these qualifications. In fact, both U.S. History 1901-1933 and U.S. History 1933 to the present were notoriously demanding courses. What was the huge draw to these courses? The answer was quite obvious they were taught by Professor Sidney Fine. In addition to being one of the most renowned and respected historians in the nation, it was Fine ' s itiq i and eMtlw tiadm for teaching that made him a remarkable professor. Fine, who began teaching history at the University in 1948, had clearly maintained his love for the classroom and his students. This was never more evident than in 1991 when the 70 year- old Fine decided to stay in the classroom after successfully fighting a Michigan law requiring all rofessor Sidney Fine answers questions from one of his students, junior Andy Shotwell. I put a lot of effort into my teaching and research, Fine explained. I revise my lectures every term and try to read all of the new books in my field to see what has changed. I love what I do. Joshua Greenberg Joshua Greenberg state employees to retire at the age of 70. Fine was invited to Lansing to witness the signing of the idsiey tyweJlaw- which abolished age limits for the state ' s employees. Fine, who won the prestigious Henry Russel Lecturer Award for 1984-1985 (given annually to the top professor in the entire University), consistently put in 70 hour work weeks. In fact, in 1993, Fine was awarded one of the University ' s highest honors: the Golden Apple Award. This award, presented by the students, proved he mo tUanj anacco pl m- w a an Quidkiwlitui l lmueM4iii pA ledA i ' . I take a lot of pride in winning the Russel and Golden Apple Awards and being the only faculty member to win both, Fine explained. It is satisfying that students still think I ' m earning my keep. Fine ' s classes were often so popular that students encountered waitlists for them . Those that were able to enjoy his class found out firsthand how vast his knowledge was. I think he has an interesting perspective and can speak iror p id Hale pe ueHceon topics as far back as the Great Depression and the New Deal, LSA senior Jonathan Winick explained. He is one of the few professors at this University who genuinely enjoys teaching undergrads. Junior history major Paul Goldstein agrees. He ' s very friendly and approachable. He walks around before every lecture saying hello to students and takes a real interest in them. When he retires it will be a great loss. Fine ' s fellow historians clearly voice the same enthusiasm when describing their colleague. I think the fact that he displays to the students his earnestness and eagerness is what makes him a great professor, said Tom Collier, a fellow history colleague. + Sidney Fine 59

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nowned historian and professor, Sidney Fine delivers one of his history lectures. Although his history classes were some of the most demanding, they were among the most popular courses. Fine was the recipient of the Golden Apple Award and the Henry Russell Lecturer Award. 58 + Sidney Fine

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teaching assistant in the Department of Communications Studies helps Jennifer Genovese and Evan Gallinson with a computer program. After being reviewed by an LSA faculty committee, it was decided that there needed to be major changes in the curriculum. While some students and professors thought the changes were beneficial, others, especially those faculty members who lost their jobs, thought the changes undermined a solid and successful program. )Q + Department of Communication Studies