The most powerful moment I ever experienced in a classroom was with Doc Langan. 31 years ago I was a junior in his world religion class. All students were already in awe of his doctorate, his years in China, his athleticism, his continued passionate teaching career, etc. Several students were trying to distract his lesson with flattery by telling him he knew everything since he had lived in the United States and in the Far East. He took that moment to teach us all with a sincere and humble heart. He responded that he didn't know all perspectives. For example, whether he was a child selling newspapers or a college student or during his time abroad he always had enough money for food. So he had never known hunger. I always remember that he considered that sort of poverty as a perspective on life just as valid as his vast education. He taught us all so well. Rest in peace, Great Legend.
-Karen Barkhurst Safranski
The most powerful moment I ever experienced in a classroom was with Doc Langan. 31 years ago I was a junior in his world religion class. All students were already in awe of his doctorate, his years in China, his athleticism, his continued passionate teaching career, etc. Several students were trying to distract his lesson with flattery by telling him he knew everything since he had lived in the United States and in the Far East. He took that moment to teach us all with a sincere and humble heart. He responded that he didn't know all perspectives. For example, whether he was a child selling newspapers or a college student or during his time abroad he always had enough money for food. So he had never known hunger. I always remember that he considered that sort of poverty as a perspective on life just as valid as his vast education. He taught us all so well. Rest in peace, Great Legend.
-Karen Barkhurst Safranski
