Beth Foley - Utah State University

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing and I hold all of you in my thoughts and prayers. When I came to USU in 1993, I planned to stay for one year and then go back to Boston. Tom had other plans for me. I never expected to make a home for myself here in Logan, or to find a new "family", but I did, largely due to Tom's unwavering support and encouragement. At a time when I was going through a personal crisis and questioning myself and my place in the world, Tom believed in me and helped me find the strength to live up to his expectations, probably without even knowing how much of a positive influence he had on me. I never met a kinder, gentler, more patient person - Tom always saw the best in people and had a way of nudging them toward their full potential. Tom loved this department and he demonstrated that day after day, year after year. He will never be forgotten by those who had the privilege of working with him. He is a huge part of this place even now, and I can almost feel him here today, surveying his "kingdom" and seeing what wonderful things he put in motion. What a legacy. I'm not picturing him in that spandex king outfit today, but on October 31st, who knows...I will always remember his great sense of humor, his warmth, and his goodness. Beth Foley