I always think of Gene with a sly smile on his face. He entered every meeting anticipating learning something new or bringing a new twist to an existing idea. I could count on Gene to be the voice of reason and the arbiter of the possible. He had the soul of a Greek philosopher and the sense of humor of a satirical pundit. It was a pleasure and a joy to encounter Gene and Jackie around State College because the conversation was lively, scholarly and profound. Penn State and State College are much better places for having Gene and Jackie Melander in our midst. I am a better person for having the privilege and pleasure of knowing and working with both of them. It is my sincerest hope that Gene has found a round table, a cup of coffee, and a group of intellectuals with which to commune. They will be enlightened, as was I, with each and every one of his observations.