Remarks of Alan Merten, President, George Mason University

When our son, Eric, was in grade school, Sally and I always looked forward to parent-teacher conferences because we were almost sure we’d be told that Eric was joy to have in class.  Now as president of George Mason University, I read the letters of nomination for our Employee of the Month.  Almost always, the winner is referred to as a joy to work with.

It was always a joy to talk to Larry.  It was a joy to be in the same room with Larry.  It was a joy to have him on the Mason faculty.

I learned something every time I talked with Larry.  He was the smartest person I have ever met.  He was always interested in learning something and he was always interested in teaching me something.  Every time I talked with Larry he would say something that made me smile and laugh.  It was a joy to know Larry.

E. B. White wrote:  “I wake up every morning determined both to change the world and have one hell of a good time.  Sometimes this makes planning the day a little difficult.”

Larry did not have to choose.  He had one hell of a good time as he changed the world.