I’ll always remember how Sydney Babush explained the Fall of the Roman Empire.  Maybe on the very first day of class.  Early September, 1985.   How the Romans extended themselves too far and all these causal relationshis (big arrows) created a dynamic process that led to further and further weakening and deterioration of the Empire.  Actually understanding how different developments were related and affected each other was exciting.  Tons of arrows all over the black board creating a detailed picture.

She brought her interest in art history into the classroom to illustrate cultural changes- how the ethos of the time characterized the paintings of the time - what was depicted, what was emphasized, what was left out, the use of color and form.  All of it - inextricably linked to the religious, political, social moment in time.   Definitely an important “aha” moment for me. 

Sydney Babush was the first person I heard talk about NOW (the National Organization for Women) and I learned she was a member.  I was excited to learn an organization like this existed and that she was a part of it.

All of these are significant to me, but not the most important.  The greatest gift was that Sydney Babush helped me see myself in a way I could like.  Alienated by mainstream culture and by high school rites and rituals more generally, I lived in a dullness - often, awkward, angry, sad, at a great distance.  

Her description of my “quirky” sense of humor in a college recommendation letter changed the frame.  

Quirky can be insightful, interesting, a cultural critique, an amusing perspective.  Quirky can be colorful and playful- something beyond dark, flat, concrete.  

Thank you, Sydney Babush.

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Sydney Babush

April 19, 1946 – September 22, 2019

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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