"In Memory of Professor Noah Haiduc-Dale" by Samantha Johnson

I had the privilege of taking Noah’s History of the Adirondacks and Environmental History courses at Centenary. These were courses he personally developed based on his interests, experiences and knowledge that he was enthusiastic about sharing with the world. Noah believed in order to truly understand something, you had to experience it, which is why he had us canoe for 12 miles in the rain, conduct trail maintenance, and hike up a mountain in the mud. 

When I couldn’t make it up a tricky section of trail, he put his foot against the rock slab and gave me a secure place to step and make my way up. It’s safe to say that I literally wouldn’t have been able to make it to where I am today without his guidance and support. 

I don’t remember a time where I only sort of knew Noah. He had a way of connecting with people immediately and making them feel like they were part of his family. He told us stories of how he taught his children how to fish, then he took us out to fish as if we were his own. 

One of his many stories was about his son playing in a stream when he was very young and ended up squishing some small minnows. Yes, he caused some harm, but in this small stream, it wasn’t that much of an impact. The big impact was the fact he got up close with the fish and became someone very interested in fish. Someone who would become very interested in protecting fish. 

Noah’s profound teaching of conservation has always stuck with me. As have countless other anecdotes and concepts that have changed my perspective and the way I think. 

Aside from his vast knowledge and big heart, Noah’s sense of humor is unforgettable. On a field trip to NYC, our group ended up watching street performers. Noah jumped right in and danced with them, leaving us all crying from laughter. He definitely wasn’t afraid of jumping into anything, as he joined his students in jumping into a river off of a small bridge while in the Adirondacks. Moments like these show me just how much he loved life and making the most of every moment.  

It is no doubt that Noah had a similar impact on so many other people and will be deeply missed. 

Samantha Johnson is Centenary alumnus, class of 2023.