The first class I had at Mount Saint Mary College was an English course taught by Dr. James Finn Cotter. He was a passionate educator – and a no-nonsense grader – who helped first-year students build an excellent foundation for success.

 In one of his morning courses my senior year, Dr. Cotter requested that we begin five minutes early every day to make up for time we might lose to inclement weather. Back then, dragging myself out of bed those few minutes earlier felt like a herculean task. But now as we mourn Dr. Cotter’s passing, I only wish I could have five more minutes with him.

 A few years after I graduated, Dr. Cotter published a book of his poetry and prose called A New Life: Learning the Way of Omega. But for me, Dr. Cotter himself was both the alpha and the omega, bookending my entire undergraduate education. I’m grateful that my college experience began and ended with the most dedicated scholar I have ever known.

 Rest in peace, Jim. You will be missed.