News | 4/6/08

Media Credit: Louis Jay [Click to enlarge]

With the blinds pulled to cover the windows of the University Union Susquehanna Terrace, friends, students and colleagues, some from as far away as California, gathered to remember retired Towson professor Donald Craver, Friday afternoon.

A member of the English department since 1962, Craver spent many years as department chairperson. In December he died at age 73 due to complications of multiple sclerosis.

Prior to the service, guests, many of whom had not seen each other in years, entered the room to classical music and looked at pictures of the professor that had been set up next to his old cap and gown.

After attendees were seated, speakers commemorated the professor with anecdotes about their experiences with him and some read famous poems in tribute of his life.

The group collectively agreed that the man was best remembered, equipped with a cigarette and a Southern drawl.

Paul Douglas, an English professor and former colleague of Craver, welcomed the guests and introduced the first speaker, Annette Chapel.

"I remember him with great affection and great admiration for the way he lived with his disability," she said. "He lived with grace and vitality. He traveled both during his career and after, and was determined to enjoy what there was to be enjoyed."

Bob Ward, a former student and friend of Craver, spoke about the impact the professor had on his life and the achievement he reached because of it.

"I came into his class and declared that I was going to be a great writer, even though I couldn't write," Ward said. "He told me my first paper was horrible, that I couldn't write a sentence. 'You really have no idea what you're doing' he told me, 'but you're going to learn.' He beat me up pretty good and I got frustrated, but by the end of that semester I could write a great essay."

Ward recognizes Craver as the man who made it possible for him to write articles for major magazines, such as Esquire, GQ and Rolling Stone, and screenplays.

"The man was generous, warm, terrific," he said. "It's tough to see your old mentor go."

Georgia Economou also stood to honor the man in what she called 'a commemorative mosaic.'

"Don gave the best advice. He knew everyone's birthday and age, and was a life-long student of literature," she said. "Don suffered from MS but faced it with dignity and courage."

Messages were also read for those who could not attend the service and some audience members were moved to speak.

In these unscheduled speeches, Craver was remembered for collecting signed novels and praised for his support of up-and-coming local authors.

Upon his retirement, Craver established The Craver Writers Fund, a scholarship that supports budding writers, through the University.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools