In Recognition of Dr. Russell Desouza
Professor of Meteorology 1973 - 1997
Dr. Russ DeSouza is an extraordinary professor and person who is
extraordinarily popular with his students. After 24 years of
dedicated service to the University and its students, Russ is retiring due
to illness. All of his students and colleagues offer their sincere thanks
for his tireless efforts at improving the meteorology program. We all pray
for his recovery and wish him the best in retirement.
Upon meeting Russ everyone knows where he stands on things. He is a man of
utmost integrity, with great passion for meteorology and education. He has
surely inspired dozens of student to live up to their dreams and make the
most of their lives. Thus, it seems most fitting to hear from the people
Russ valued the most, his "family" of students. --Eric Horst
(Note: Russ DeSouza passed away on June 6, 1997. I've added to this
webpage both his professional obituary and the
obit from the Lancaster Newspapers (66k). I
have
also scanned the recent two page Millersville Review article on
Russ. Page 1 (84k) | Page 2 (96k).)
Dr. DeSouza was a patient listener who was always willing to give
you a
chance. As an advisor, he worked with you on a personal level as well as
an academic level and cared about your future beyond Millersville
University. As a professor, he was powerful, fair, and involved. As a
human being, he is gentle, humorous and friendly. Although retirement is
an inevitable part of life, the meteorology department will never be the
same without Dr. DeSouza. I will always be grateful I had the chance to
learn from him.
Sarah Perfater-Maxwell
General Sciences Corp.,
Camp Springs, MD
Dr. DeSouza is not only a great teacher, but also a great friend.
One who pushes you to learn and is tough in the classroom, while also
quick to throw in a joke and always eager to help in any way possible. He
is truly the epitome of a great Professor!
Mike Wagner, Class of 1994
Technologically, I would have to say that Dr. DeSouza's efforts kept
MU's program on the cutting edge. Personally, I believe that he is an
excellent instructor and a good man--a rare combination in these times.
Dr. DeSouza's position will be filled, but he will never be replaced.
Thank you for your insight and your guidance, Dr. D!
Pat Market, Graduate Student at Saint Louis University
Dr. DeSouza gave me complete freedom to experiment with the McIDAS
computers. I learned a lot about software, visualization, and, of course,
weather!
John Persing, Computational Physics, Inc.
I remember Dr. DeSouza as never being complacent, always wanting
to expand his knowledge of meteorology. He was patient and helpful, not
only as a teacher but as a friend. He also had a great sense of humor, coy
as it may have been. I am positive that without the guidance and positive
reinforcement of Dr. DeSouza, I would not be a meteorologist
today.
Rich Redmond, Class of 1993
The Millersville
Meteorologists:
Bob Ross, Russ DeSouza, Rich Clark, Eric Horst
Dr. D is the one person who steered me into my current on-air
position at WUTR. During my junior year, I had no idea what I was going to
do upon graduation. He suggested, "Bob...why don't you consider going into
TV?" He then told me how to get an internship with the local NBC station
and scheduled a field trip there to check it out. I thank him when I see
him at homecoming each year, because I probably wouldn't be where I'm at
this day without him!
Bob Van Dillen, WUTR Weathercaster
Dr. DeSouza's classes were an excellent preparation for gradute
school, and his guidance was invaluable in helping me make an important
career decision. His influence on my life has been great, and I will
always be greatful to him.
Matt Kensey, AWIPS Meteorologist (PRC Inc, McLean VA)
I liked how Dr. DeSouza was not afriad to hang around with students
outside of class. For instance, he would occasionally go to lunch with
groups of
students. Knowing this made him more approachable
for help, whereas some professors can be intimidating. I don't know what
MU will be like without Dr. D.
Nicole Vanderzon, National Weather Service
An anecdote from Ron Barnovsky, Class of 1990:
As we made our last forecast on the evening before graduation, Kevin
Roth
and I decided to have some fun. As a joke, Kevin taped the Weatherline
forecast doing a George Bush impersonation while I sang a Gregorian Chant.
The next morning Dr. D unknowingly happened into the weather station while
the joke forecast was playing. After graduation he came up to Kevin and me
and said, calmly, "I heard your forecast!" (Luckily, he had a great sense
of humor.)
Dr. DeSouza touched my life in many positive ways as a mentor,
colleague
and friend. I first met him in June of 1989 during Millersville's "get
acquinted day." I remember how I felt so comfortable and at ease with
coming to MU when I heard him speak to the incoming meteorology majors in
his pleasant, soft spoken voice. After that talk I knew that--YES--this is
the right place for me.
John Flatley, Class of 1991
Dr. DeSouza has always been an inspiration to me to never give up on
things in life, no matter how hard it gets. He has always been there to
lend me a helping hand with school work, or put a smile on my face with
his New England accent. Whether it was his serious side of
teaching or his generous and most kind attitude of being a friend, it is
something that I will always remember and be grateful for. I am thankful
for being
blessed to have him as a friend as well as having the opportunity to be
taught by the best.
Kathy Mundhenk-Byrne, Meteorologist for the NJ State Climatologist
