Everything I could say about Denny would be a superlative…
This man has been dedicated in every way—to the department and college, his family and farm, and his craft—exhibiting skill, knowledge, and caring for all in his encounters.
In 1991, I came to Penn State’s Department of Geosciences as the head. At the urging of Hiroshi Ohmoto, I hired Denny as a research technologist to support the mass spectrometers for our stable isotope group, which was expanding by the addition of Kate Freeman, who showed up in the department to begin her awesome career on the same day that Denny started here. So, the rest is history.
Denny has served in the department and college in so many more ways than as a mass spec technician. He grew into an all-around resource to the department in service to faculty and graduate students and others. He oversaw and shepherded many laboratory renovations, for example.
But, to me, Den was not just an employee, but a friend with whom I have a kinship—a love of stable isotope geochemistry, farming, and family—the family part is an appreciation of the close ties among our geosciences colleagues and the many graduate students we co-supervised in various ways. Denny, Enjoy your “retirement” in every way. You will be profoundly missed!
Michael Arthur, professor emeritus of geosciences
“Denny, we both started our jobs at Penn State on the exact same day, thirty-two years ago. I marvel at how far we have traveled together since, as partners in science and in education. I owe you so much, and the expanse of my gratitude is hard to express.
The outpouring of appreciation from students and colleagues is a just small token of your impact. Quite literally, generations of students benefited from your patience, guidance, and deep knowledge of instruments. They, and I, also benefited immeasurably from your collegiality, good humor, and kindness.”
Kate Freeman, Evan Pugh Professor of Geosciences
“Denny, I am not sure it is possible for you to fully appreciate the impact you have had on the lives of those that have come through the labs at Penn State. You are a model of ingenuity, generosity, kindness, persistence and hilariously good company.”
Cesca McInerney, University of Queensland