Transcript REMEMBERING AINSLEY ADAMS In the words of students, colleagues and friends If you’ve never read the story “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom,

REMEMBERING
AINSLEY ADAMS
In the words of students,
colleagues and friends
If you’ve never read the story “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom, I suggest you do. My
University 101 professor had me read it during my first semester at Pace, and it is a book I’ll
always remember. It is about a man reminiscing about memories with his favorite professor,
Morrie, who was someone he grew a very close bond with. He took every single class that
this professor offered, and promised to keep in touch after graduation, which he
unfortunately failed at doing. Later on in life, the narrator decides to reconnect with his
former professor. When he realizes that the Morrie is not doing well, the narrator decides to
spend every Tuesday with him until then, talking about life and catching up as much as
possible. After I read this story, my University 101 professor explained to us that during our
four years of college, we would find a professor who is like our “Morrie”; someone we could
connect with, and who would be more than just a teacher to us, but a friend as well. To be
honest, I did not believe her. After four semesters of great professors, I did not feel like I had
formed a truly close bond with any, until I met Professor Adams. He intimidated me the first
day, bombarding my school bag with mealworms, plant seeds, and sponge alligators, and all I
could think was “he must be crazy.” I knew I had found my “Morrie” after only a few classes
of his. I will never forget any of the skills he has taught me, and will forever keep each binder
of notes and worksheets from his methods classes to look back on when I’m planning for my
own students. I will forever keep our memories close to my heart, including the Broadway
play and dinner he was kind enough to take us to, and our 3 long semesters filled with
lessons and units. He was a true inspiration, and I will never forget his laughter or smile.
Kayla Muscatella
His greatest legacy was in the daughters he raised, one a
teacher in his image, the other a nurse.
Becky Herstine Ugander
The most influential
person I've met!
Marlene Solivan
Best teacher ever.
Lucky to have him
for science, may be
rest in peace.
Mirlinda Celaj
So sorry to hear this. A fantastic educator and
wonderful person! He will be greatly missed.
Bob Freck
I have many stories of Professor Adams I'd like to share but the main one
was his impact on my future. He my clinical supervisor and taught me
many things in the field. It was there we learned that he used to teach at
my elementary school and he was also from the Caribbean like me. It was
because of this bond that after he retired he kept in touch with me.
When I was going through a tough time in the School of Ed, almost to the
point where I was about to be kicked out, he stepped in on my behalf
and spoke highly of me and saved me from being dropped. He offered to
use his free time of his retirement to come back for the fall of 2016 to
personal meet with me and make sure that I stay on track. If it wasn't for
him, I would have no longer been an education major and would have
been forced to drop out of college. He has had an amazing impact on my
life and I will never forget him. Feel free to use my story because I want
people to know just how important he was.
Shaina Weir
The reason I became a
teacher! He was always
there to support his
students even if it wasn't
education related!
Dana Pompa
So sad to hear. By far the most engaging, influential, and supportive
professor I ever had. I still have my work from his classes, and will
always remember the lessons... He certainly leaves behind a legacy...
may he rest peacefully.
Vicki Stuart Bell
I just heard about the passing of Professor Adams. I am
so saddened by this loss. What an amazing teacher and
individual. Professor Adams was one of favorite
teachers at pace and even though I graduated over ten
years ago, I think of what he taught me all the time
when teaching. I was lucky (and frankly I signed up for
all of his courses) to have him for all of my methods
courses. I feel so lucky to have had him for a Professor.
Sincerely,
Julia Karam
I think he was A Giant
of Giants, who changed
the life of every child
he met. Happy to seen
that he went home to
Glory in Trinidad. God
be with the family at
this time.
Barbara Bennett
He was one of my favorite teachers, I was fortunate to attend his
6th grade class. I did not know he was a professor at Pace,
doesn't surprise me, he was a phenomenal teacher. May he rest
in peace.
Matt Micka
Professor Adams! I can't
believe this. He is the reason
why I teach! He always
remembered me as "Evita"
because of a presentation he
had us do as a 4th grader in
his social studies methods
course. He taught me that in
order to successfully teach a
child, I must think like a child.
He was truly an amazing
person. Pace has indeed lost
one of their prized gems.
Michelle Rodriguez
My name is Denise Bolds and I am a proud Pace Parent. My son Jordan Tempro
graduated with his master’s degree in education from Pace University, 2013. My heart is
heavy as Jordan informed me of the sudden passing of Dr. Ainsley Adams over the weekend.
Dr. Adams and Jordan made a strong connection: Dr. Adams represented the
gaping minority of male educators of color. As a successful single mother of a Black son, Dr.
Adams not only supported Jordan in his academic endeavors, Dr. Adams many times gave me
words of empowerment and encouragement that helped me be a better parent.
I can recall Dr. Adams’ lilt, his smile and his suits. To have this distinguished
educator take time out and give me words of encouragement will never be forgotten. I
remain grateful to the staff of Pace University for their outstanding integrity, humility and
kindness. I am so very glad I had the opportunity to thank Dr. Adams personally for his
dedication to Jordan and I being successful.
I know Dr. Adams would want us to be successful in our endeavors and to
perpetuate that success to others who are in need of encouragement and empowerment. I
celebrate the fortunate circumstance that I had to meet this outstanding educator. It was was
not by accident.
It is one thing to be a great teacher and teach the student, it is a calling when that
teacher not only empowers the student, but the family he comes from. Thank you Pace
University School of Education & thank you Dr. Ainsley Adams.
Warmly,
Denise Bolds, MSW, CD (DONA)
I am glad that there is a forum for those to share their thoughts about
Ainsley Adams. When I began my career as a teacher in the Greenburgh
Central School District 23 years ago, I was blessed and honored to have
Ainsley Adams as my mentor. He helped to quiet the fears that I had as a
first year teacher with words of wisdom and with gentle and constructive
advice. I was then blessed to have him as a professor while attending Pace
University in White Plains. So, I guess you could say that I was doubly
blessed to work with such an amazing teacher and caring and wonderful
person. I would call him when I needed advice and I can still hear him say to
me towards the end of our conversation, "take good care." These are the
words that I wish to extend to his family, "take good care." And to his family,
please know that I considered him to also be a wonderful person too.
Sincerely,
Angela K. Wilson
Professor Adams was one in a million. He was
a true gentleman and cared deeply about the
success of his students. My daughter was
Professor Adam's student and she attributes
her success as a special education teacher to
the knowledge and skills that he taught her.
She was featured in the University's 20102011 Annual Report and was quoted as
saying "One of the reasons Sassano wants to
be a teacher is to have the same kind of
impact on students that her teachers have
had on her. She says of Pace School of
Education Professor Ainsley Adams, "He put
his all into every single thing he did. Whether
it was getting there at 5:00 a.m. to set up
experiments or videotaping our les- sons for
us, he was passionate about the profession
and truly wanted to help us." Professor
Adams will always be in our heart. May he
rest in peace.
Debbie Calabrese Sassano
Getting to experience a class with Professor Adams was something
I will cherish forever. Fortunately, I had the privilege of having
three classes with him. The fact that he postponed his retirement
an extra semester to make sure he had my class until our senior
year showed the true dedication and love he had towards his
students. Professor Adams provided me with so much knowledge
on teaching, but something he taught me through his actions
alone, was the impact you can have on your students just by
showing them you care. Professor Adams is much more than just a
college Professor to me, but a true life long friend. I remember
making my parents come to campus to join our end of the
semester Tea Party for the sole reason that I wanted them to meet
my favorite professor. And of course, they fell in love with him as
everyone else did.
Professor Adams, I hope you continue to look down on me and steer me in the right
direction as you always used to do. I know you will be by my side through the crazy
obstacles a teacher will surely face in their career, and I know you will be pushing me and
encouraging me to strive forward and get through it. Thank you for all you have taught me
about being a real educator. I hope to keep you proud of me in everything I do and promise
to always keep you in my heart.
Victoria Mornhineway
What a truly beautiful commentary on the man who was a
beloved educator in Greenburgh. Ainsley was a dear
colleague and friend who will be remembered by so many
for the good that he brought us.
Francine Shorts
I am terribly sorry to hear of Professor Adams passing.
Michele Mourikis Benjamin
What a beautiful tribute to a man who made a difference to
all who he touched. RIP
Jackie Kuschner