Prior to studying under Mr. Jelliffe, I had had great success in getting by via eloquence. Mr. Jelliffe was the first to really call me on it, and did so with his characteristic passion for intellectual integrity: "This argument is facile and hollow, Mitch! It may be dipped in gold, but its still crap! And you're better than that...or are you not?" Thank you Mr. Jelliffe.

Thirty years later, I still remember the very paper that Scrib mimeographed his tests and study questions on... some of you remember the blue print, don't you? I loved the simplicity of the questions embracing the complexity of the political theory we were studying. I felt perfectly content just being me in Scrib's class. I didn't have to pretend to know more or be more than what I was. I even had the space to doubt myself and my own pre-conceptions. Scrib had that rare ability as a teacher to not squelch your best without playing to your worst. Scrib's way of life made me believe that becoming fully human was both a possible and worthwhile endeavor, an endeavor which I am still trying to master. He was kind, writing me back when I was a rather befuddled freshman at Colorado College. I still have the letter. It contained sage advice which reflected his deep knowledge of temperaments and personalities, having been subject to his own good habits of observing human nature in its emerging, developing stages. Besides feeling especially accepted in his classes, I knew I could always count on staying awake and enjoying every minute of them. He was always making you think, not just about the material, but also about where you were in the whole mess of it. Sexless in a way (because he was so whole), yet totally virile; unapologetically married; a lover of travel, learning, his students, and the trust put in him to bring out (educate) the best in us. He connected his unabashed acceptance of the truth, and the exigencies of its pursuit, with a personal warmth that let you laugh at yourself. And he was ALWAYS open to the continuing adventure of relationship, which is really just a conversation. Scrib Jelliffe - A consummate teacher, a consummate human being.

You challenged me to think. It is impossibe to explain how profound that is. To this day, I cannot point to a greater influence to break out of a life of quiet desperation. Be proud of what you have bestowed. It is an incredible gift that I am honored to receive! David Wahl, '86

At age 55, and as a member of the class of 1969, my memories of Mr. Jelliffe are exceptionally clear, even as he was on almost every topic. I knew him as an occasional tennis partner, pick-up basketball player (he nearly laid me out cold one afternoon in the gym with a point-blank pass), and as a deft and insightful college counselor. I cannot remember being in one of his classes. However, in a time when the country seemed to be unraveling his certainty in values and easy good humor were a substantial asset to the school community.

Mr. Jelliffe put things in perspective for me. He helped me break through a few personal barriers that really paved the way for growth, both academic and personal. His commitment is unparalleled and his connection to the students sets him apart.

Mr. Jelliffe challenged us to "learn how to learn." He never spoon fed anything and constantly pushed us to be dedicated to critical thinking and to closely examine the world and our role in it. I was not one of his students until senior year, and even though some details of the lessons have faded from my mind, I will never forget the critical life lessons that he weaved into his instruction.

Mr. Jelliffe was always on my case. Just ask my parents. He refused to accept average performance from me, because he knew different. He stayed on my case consistently until my grade improved. It was through his constant nagging, and thorough knowledge of education that my grades improved. He always knew my strengths, and encouraged them with tailored tactics. Wilderness? Thank God for Scrib!

Sribner Jelliffe was amazing. I liked his passion and unorthodox teaching style. From him I learned the value of learning from primary sources only, to study history from a world-lense, and that the essay was the best measurment of knowledge (in terms of testing). I attended Great Books with him, and was therefore introduced to discussions of philosophy, morality, and life. He tended to play favorites, and I was lucky to be one of his. I think of his Patterns in Civilization class often, and it is from him that I got a peek into the vast history of the world and how all things in history shape what we know now.

Mr.Jelliffe...I remember so well that he told another student that I was an ideal student because I always had an opinion and wasn't afraid to speak up. I remember thinking that in the future, I would continue to voice my opinions, even when they weren't popular.