"What would Mr. Cunckel want me to do?" When faced
with any major decision, this was the one question I would
always ask myself during those years when my faith was
maturing.

As a teenager, I literally worshipped at his altar. He influ-
enced my spiritual development more than any other per-
son. He was my pastor during the last three of my high
school years. I spent much time in his home, as his daugh-
ter, Helen, was my best friend.

Totally dedicated to Christ and to His ministry, I can still
see him and feel the intensity of his purpose as he led the
choir into the sanctuary on Sunday mornings singing,
"Lead On, O King Eternal ..."

PROFESSOR A. D. BUCK

This master of subject matter who demanded the utmost
from his students introduced me to the world of science
through his biology class. As a result of knowing Profes-
sor Buck, I changed my college major from history to sci-
ence and graduated from the University with teaching fields
in five areas: zoology, botany, chemistry, geology and physics.

Had it not been for the force of his personality and the
interest he generated in my exploring mind, I would have
missed the opportunity to be a science teacher in one of
the most significant eras in the history of mankind: the
space age of the 60's and 70's.

W. G. WARD

He was small in stature and already had white hair when
I first met him, although he was not yet fifty years of age.
As principal of Shidler high school, he essentially cast the
mold for the teacher I was to become.

By his firm, yet gentle guidance, he taught me how to en-
force discipline with compassion; to identify a cry for help
when camouflaged by indifference; and to distinguish apa-
thy from lack of ability.

All the numerous awards I later won for outstanding teach-
ing really belonged to this man who first demonstrated for
me what it means to be a master teacher.

=======================

Maker of Men

I do not know how people seeming wise
Can watch this great man work and criticize.
Above the daily pettiness and noise
He calmly through confusion walks with poise,
and teaches more of what we ought to teach,
By noble living, than all of us who preach.

As I observe this man whose creed is Truth,
I see him take reluctant, headstrong youth
And mold them into men with patient skill.
His inspiration reaches out until
to talk with him or meet him in the hall
Is to pause awhile and feel my soul grow tall.

... from Triumphant Moment

==============================
 

DR. GEORGE BEAMER

Dr. Beamer was my major professor while I pursued a
master's degree in guidance and counseling at North Texas
State University in Denton, Texas. As such, he added a
much needed dimension to my qualifications as a teacher.
Having been trained and operating for years in the objec-
tive and impersonal discipline of science, he taught me
how to integrate a personal interest in the student with
the rigorous demands of the scientific curricula.

Under his direction, Dr. Beamer enabled me to develop
the skills and techniques which brought the seeds planted
by Mr. Ward to full fruition. As a result of his influence I
went on to individualize my classes so that each student
might progress at his own rate.

SOME PERSONAL COMMENTS

In looking back I find that the people who have had the
greatest influence on my life are those who were secure in
their roles and therefore able to give freely of themselves:
their knowledge, their understanding, their joy, their hu-
mor and their interest.

In science we recognize a phenomenon known as synergy.
This is the simultaneous action of two different entities in
which, together, they produce a greater effect than the sum
of their individual efforts. I believe this is also true in the
area of human relationships. Surely this was true of those
whom I have just named.