One of my very favorite students died the other day. Your recent front-page article by Emily Coleman hit just the right tone in referring to Harry Ulferts as “beloved.”

I first encountered Harry in the early days of Sauk Valley College. He was the kid, just out of high school, who used to stop after class to discuss and sometimes argue with me about an idea I’d mentioned in my just-concluded sociology class. While most students were shy about debating with their professors, Harry was fearless.

I admired his enthusiasm. Using his emerging analytical skills, Harry loved to wrestle with new ideas. I could see him developing into the thoughtful, competent and caring man he would become. He was a pleasure to have in class – just the kind of student every teacher hopes to encounter.