I wish that Tom could be the one posting on this event, but his time is simply taken up. I’ll do my best. Sunday, Tom graduated from Case Western Reserve University with his PhD in Biomedical engineering. His Phd Advisor and boss Cameron Macintyre hooded him. It was an inspiring event. Seeing the lines of people who have dedicated so much time to learning always touches me. Some were more proud than others- certainly for some it was much for difficult. Regardless, all had achieved something. I felt proud of Tom for making the decision to pursue his passion of research regardless of the heckling he often gets over it. (You won’t make any more money. . . I can’t believe you would take that much time. . . Your poor wife. . . Why would you ever want to do that. . .  research is so boring!) I felt proud that he worked hard, producing work worthy of a PhD- something that other MSTP students often sidestep in efforts to quickly return to Med school. I spoke with his PI afterwards, he was so clearly pleased with Tom. He impressed on me the importance of Tom’s work. How cutting edge it is. How one of their projects, if completed soon has the potential to make a lot of money. I appreciated that regardless of the intense pressure Tom got during his PhD years, he always put Scotland and I first. I loved that he stopped smiling broadly so I could get a picture. I adore my husband.

 

Tom had the option of having us walk with him across the stage. He invited me to, but I felt I would rather sit in the audience and cheer him on. This was his day. A few minutes before he went across he texted me: “I think you should come up with me.” I didn’t get the text until after, but his thoughtfulness and his pride in not only his academic success but his family was touching. 

I guess I have to start calling him Dr. Foutz. Dr and Master Foutz- sounds pretty nice. I expect all our letters to be addressed that way from here on out! (wink)