2008 Woodie Awards
Currie retires after 36 years
Exclusive interview with Chemistry professor
Alana Kansaku-Sarmiento
Issue date: 3/14/08 Section: News
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A lot can change in that much time, but Currie's excellence in the classroom has constantly been relied on at Pacific since 1972. After 36 years, Currie has decided to retire.
"Teaching is a job which is never complete," said Currie. "You can never say, 'I've done everything I can do, so […] you never feel like you have the freedom to take off and totally escape - at least not as frequently."
Almost 65 years old, Currie acknowledges there are a lot of things he hasn't had time to do, which he would like to while he is still able.
"I really don't want to stop teaching until I feel like I have to leave," Currie said. "I feel like I'm still effective, and I'd like to leave that way."
Before coming to Pacific, Currie attended Ohio State, followed by the University of Washington, where he earned his doctorate, and finally the University of Colorado, where he earned his post doctoral.
Another two years and two schools later, Currie began teaching at Pacific. He has been here ever since.
Currie didn't know much about Pacific at first, but soon saw something special here.
"I think everyone had the same goals," said Currie. "We of course had disagreements, but we all made decisions based on what was best for the students. The faculty had a high level of respect, and they all knew each other very well - something that is not true in many places."
According to Currie, this closeness among faculty is not as prevalent today at Pacific as it once was. What seemed to help was that the institution was a bigger part of the faculty's lives than it seems to be now. The school used to sponsor many events for them and their families.
Since then, Pacific has significantly cut back on such events, and according to Currie, the faculty has sought more separation between their personal and professional lives, especially in the last 10 years.
Currie said the professors went to all the sporting events, art exhibits, and plays, because, "that's just what you did. Everyone knew everyone."
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