Centenary Remembers Professor Noah Haiduc-Dale (Part Two)

“Your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your friends. It’s the longest-lasting legacy you will leave to your heirs,” said author Steve Saint.

Noah left us with many stories. Thank you to all who took the time to send their stories to us at The Cyclone Chronicle, where Noah was a great friend.

For me, as the adviser to The Cyclone Chronicle, how I enjoyed knowing Noah! Our paths would usually cross in the library, where he always had a smile and engaging conversation. He was real. Our paths would cross again as he was an avid contributor to the Centenary book club. After reading The Big Year; a tale of man, nature and fowl obsession by Mark Obmascik, he took us on a field trip to the Environmental Center behind campus and pointed out assorted birds. He always brought home-made cookies and scones for all to enjoy during book club. I still have his hand-written recipe for scones. He was that type of person; if you asked him for something, he delivered..

I sought him out when The Cyclone Chronicle wanted to address the Palestine-Israel conflict that started in October 2023. College students across the country were hosting protests. However, at the student newspaper, we wanted to write an informative piece. Noah, a scholar of Middle Eastern history, offered to hold a Q&A on the conflict that provided the info for the story written by one of our student-journalists.

Perhaps my fondest memory is walking with him during Commencement 2023 when we both received Outstanding Teaching recognition. I was humbled to be receiving this award the same year as he. True to form, he joked that it took him one more year to receive the honor than me, as he had been teaching at Centenary for eight years while I had only been teaching at Centenary for seven years.”

And the stories continue.

“Noah was instrumental in exposing my daughter, Allie, to critical concepts of early childhood development through this weekly involvement at Story Hour. His love for learning through music, pretend play, humor, and song will not be forgotten, and can be seen through all of the young lives that he has  impacted,” said Katherine Chrusz, assistant professor of education and director of graduate special education programs.

“Noah brightened the room when he walked in. His positive energy was always so refreshing, and he truly was a teacher to all ages. My kids enjoyed his music at story hour, and I always appreciated hearing about his innovative classroom activities and assignments. Noah thought beyond the four walls of the classroom and made learning experiential and exciting,” said Dr. Erica McCrystal, assistant professor of English and director of humanities.

"The magic of Story Hour truly was a hidden gem. Professor Noah was full of talent and love and was such a pure, inclusive soul. We have so many special core memories from Story Hour.  From the way the room of children would light up when Professor Noah would enter was as if a rock star entered the building to his songs including his wooden puppets and parachute all the way to his extremely engaging energizing fun and creative songs in general. His love of the children was obvious. Even after we went off to school, we still sing his songs in our home. Professor Noah was one of a kind and will be missed forever, " said Amy Marini, Leyton's mom, CU Story Hour. 

Stacy Harvey, Centenary student records specialist, told the Chronicle, “I met Noah shortly after starting here at Centenary about three years ago.  When we met, I didn’t know he was sick and was surprised when he told me about his cancer months later. I remember thinking, ‘How does he do it?!’”

“We would talk about Vermont, hiking, politics, baking, field trips, music, you name it,” said Harvey. “He would stop by with his baked goods to share and bring ‘the littles’ from Story Hour around for caroling before winter break. He was someone who always made you feel heard in conversation. He was thoughtful. He cared for and encouraged his students.  He was one of the best people I have had the privilege of meeting,” said Harvey.

“In all contexts, Noah encouraged others to think critically and to care deeply. He understood the transformative power of connection,” said Dr. Lexis McCoy, associate professor of education and director of graduate studies; master of education in literacy instruction and ESL certification.

“Noah was a great guy–definitely. But he was also brilliant. He was what the rest of us missed; his mind was relentless, probing, idiosyncratic, blessed. You hadn’t really thought about something till you’d checked it out with Noah! With the loss of Noah…we, or at least, I, are likely to be a bit dim, maybe even stupid,” said Dr. Robert Battistini, senior dean, School of Education and Humanities.

“Being a cancer survivor myself, Noah and I had several deep conversations in my faculty office about his prognosis. He faced it with great courage and grace. I once heard him say–’I’m not afraid to die–it’s just that I love life so much,’” said Ray Frey, professor of history and university historian.

“Colleague, mentor, cheerleader, scholar, fellow steward of nature, and friend. Thank you for everything,” said Michele Miller, administrative assistant, School of Education and Humanities.

“Noah’s superpower was his ability to make personal connections with all of his students. Having great relationships with students was the key to his success and effectiveness and a model to which we all should aspire. He will be missed dearly,” said Dr. Tim Frederiks, assistant professor of education and director of graduate studies in educational leadership.

“Noah was a kind and generous man that had a deep respect for people of all walks of life. I saw a professor deeply committed to his field of expertise and deeply committed to teaching. Noah engaged his students by reaching out, taking risks, and developing a safe space for shared inquiry,” said Dr. Bill Carpluk, assistant professor of education and director of graduate studies/educational practice.

“Noah exemplified love, passion, and kindness. May those qualities in Noah live on in each of us,” said Kathy Turrisi, assistant professor of mathematics.

“Noah was a one-in-a-million person…The facets of his intellect always amazed me. But most of all, I miss his ready smile and infectious laugh,” said Dr. Marianne Pratschler, professor of education and director of undergraduate teacher preparation.

“There are times in life when you meet someone who embodies so many wonderful characteristics and ideals that you are amazed by him/her. Noah was one of those people to me. We did not know one another well, but he impressed me with his positive outlook and tendency to see good in people and situations. As a colleague, he was welcoming, kind and genuine. I will think of him warmly for the times he stopped in my office or chatted with me in passing about events of the day. Noah introduced me to the NY Times games beyond Wordle. Now, each morning when I complete my NY Times game routine, I stop to say ‘hello’ to him,” said Kathleen Welsh, assistant professor of education.

In closing, these beautiful words from Dr. Timothy Nicinski, CU chaplain and director of Campus Ministry: “Noah did seem to be at the right place at the right time, because he made himself available to the world in a very human way.  He always had time to share his baked goods, offer a smile, take a walk, go on a hike, and spend an hour eating lunch.  It was his fullness in enjoying life that changed my life,” said Chaplain Nicinski.

For those who knew him, Noah Haiduc-Dale changed their lives. Thank you, Noah.