In our year in Emory we called Stan Foster, the man, the myth, the legend. He shaped my view of public health and how to impact the world. I will never forget the first day at Rollins. In the big lecture hall Dr Foege came and spoke. Stan said, you are all going to change the world, and we will teach you how.
His endless knowledge, experience and encouragement were for me the greatest gifts of his teaching. I was so lucky not only to take his classes but to help TA them. His confidence in me gave me the strength I needed.
After Rollins I emailed him to tell him about working on the Hopi reservation. His response included his experiences there working in the 60’s to help control trachoma of course, because what amazing work did he not do in every corner of the world.
I was so fortunate to have Stan as a teacher and roll model of what is possible. I will forever be grateful to him. I wish I had been able to read his: tell me where you’ve been, where you are and where you’re going essay. We all know it was and is tremendous and has touched so many lives.
Thank you to his family for sharing him with his students and welcoming us into your home. Sending thoughts and wishes to all of you and especially Dottie.