A musical number dedicated to Lindsay, especially all of the new students that she has welcomed to the department and all of the old grads that she has listened to at Friday breakfast.
– From the CSE Grads
Category Archives: Appreciation
From Elise Dorough
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No one ever gets to train for a new job for over a year. Lindsay has spoiled me in that way. And yet, I feel like we have just cracked the surface. There are many things I have learned from her about this job, but the only thing you really need to know is that the students are the job. Lindsay’s dedication to supporting the students through anything and everything has been my inspiration. As our department grows, the ins and outs of this job are going to change. But the students, however many of them there are, are always at the heart of it. Sometimes people forget that, but thanks to Lindsay I know that I won’t.
Lindsay, we are sad to see you go. I already miss having your office next to mine. I’ve appreciated your support over my time in CSE; starting when I interviewed for the undergraduate advising job all the way through to our final meetings as you pass along your knowledge. The last few years have brought lots of changes for me. You’ve been a great mentor and friend, helping to make work not feel so much like “work”. CSE is a special place, and it won’t be the same without you. Although I know that you’ll still be lurking… at least for a little while. 🙂
Isla says, HAVE FUN! You deserve it!
From Valentin Razmov
It is said that a person’s life can be measured by the impact that person has made on others.
Lindsay, your impact is immeasurable, because you have touched every one of us on so many levels, including as a trusted friend.
It is also said that in the end we forget what someone has done to/for us, but always remember how they have made us feel.
To enumerate all that you have done would be an arduous task even for a person with strong memory. To recall how you have made each of us feel is simple and sweet — always as someone special, someone who deserves your full attention, and who is treated with understanding and compassion.
My deepest gratitude to you!
May you be blessed on your journey ahead!
Valentin
From Noah Snavely
We love you, Lindsay! I want to thank you for all of the help and support you gave me while I was at UW. It meant so much to me. The times I visited UW after graduating I always had a smile on my face walking down the hall to your office — fond memories of your kindness and the fun in store when catching up with you. The department and the university won’t be the same without you.
Love and best wishes,
Noah
From Charlie Reis
Lindsay! You’ve been such a core part of everything at CSE that it’s hard to imagine it without you. You helped all of us through arcane university requirements, crazy scheduling challenges, and countless other questions. Beyond that more-than-fulltime job, you also helped run things like the massively successful visit days (a major reason many of us chose to come) and admissions committees, and still always had time for Friday breakfast!
You always had thoughtful advice, you were incredibly knowledgeable about any grad school topic, and most importantly, you clearly cared about us as individuals (as well as the CSE culture). Thank you so much for making CSE a great home for so many of us, and enjoy whatever you choose next!
Much love, Charlie
From Thierry Moreau
Lindsay,
You will be missed! Having you as an advisor and more importantly as a friend has been a blessing. The first couple years of a Ph.D. can sometimes be a bumpy ride, and you’ve been incredibly supportive and encouraging in the most difficult times. I’ve sought advice from you many times, from administrative issues regarding scholarships all the way to personal hardships, and you’ve always been attentive, compassionate, and willing to help. I admire your dedication and hard work in making this entire department function so seamlessly as a cohesive community. Lindsay, thank you, thank you for always being there for us. You are a role model and an inspiration to many of us and above all an amazing human being.
I wish you the best in this exciting new chapter in you life.
Thierry
From Johnny Yan
Hi Lindsay,
You don’t know how important you are in my life. No, you won’t know, because it simply can’t be expressed by words. You’re the one helped me in AND out of this great department, You’re the one gave me a hug, when I was crying like a little boy experiencing the very hard time personally. You’re the one answering countless questions from a “trouble maker”. You’re the one always leave the door open physically and mentally to me and to my fellow CSE grads. You’re the one I will always appreciate and never forget in my life.
Although the time comes so sudden that we will say goodbye in a few days, that means you could take some break after many many years of hard work. I sincerely wish you all the best and enjoy your retired life. You will be missed! Take care!
From Vikash Kumar
Hi Lindsay,
You are the reason I’m here. You are the reason I am a grad student. I have never though of being one, ever in my life. It was a prompt decision. I was and will probably be the worst applicant in CSE history who made it through. I don’t know if you remember any of these – I applied weeks after the deadline, I had no clue how grad applications worked, had probably asked you a zillion stupid question, woke you up in middle of night (India is PST+12 hours). You were patient and my only hope. I don’t think I have told this to you before – for quite some time, while I was conversing with you over emails from India, I though you were a guy 🙂
You are a mother figure to me/us(I know I am speaking on behalf of many) in this alien land – introduced me/us to the CSE family, made space for me/us in this family, decorated our rooms in the home we call CSE and most importantly – you made me/us feel welcomed. On the other hand, I was (and still am) the spoiled brat running around the house, picking food and stealing candy from your MnM bowls 😉
Thank your for everything you have done to keep this family together, functional and productive. Many of us wont be here if it wasn’t for you. The first thing you told me when I came to see you in your office was – “Your batch will probably be the last one I’ll fully advise”. I don’t know if you moved on earlier or we got delayed. The point is – we still need you. I’m still going to come to you for advise. Promise us that we will see you on all department gatherings and parties. We can use a hug or two every now and then 🙂
You’re the best <PERIOD>
From Adrian Sampson
Lindsay, I can’t overstate how instrumental you were to me (and many others) making it through grad school. Your tireless work was essential for everything from Friday breakfast to the carnival of visit days. Among your many superpowers is an incredible ability to make everyone feel individually welcomed. Everyone in CSE knew they had a trusted friend *and* a counselor who will help them navigate the mysterious waters of grad school. We will miss you, Lindsay!
From YongChul Kwon
Lindsay,
I have never imagined the department or my years in the program without you but it is happening sadly… I still remember the day I checked-in the department, taking photo for the newgrad orientation in front of the map hung across your office. You were the go-to person whenever I had a question (I had a lot) or I needed someone to listen throughout my study. You were always on my side and gave wise advice whenever I felt lost. I am grateful that I am one of those with you and sincerely thank for your support for students and the department. I’ll miss the days we chat and will remember how you did and do the same if I mentor someone.
A million “thank you” is not enough but why not throw another one?
THANK YOU and enjoy your retirement!
All the best,
YongChul
From Maya Rodrig
Lindsay,
I cannot count the afternoons that I stopped by your office for a chat and some m&m’s. You always listened carefully and offered caring, practical advice and much needed moral support. On one of these visits during my 3rd year, I came to share the news of my pregnancy. I was worried about how it would affect my graduate career in CSE. The first thing you told me was, “Now I know why you look so radiant!”. You were so positive, so supportive, you made me believe that it was possible (and it was). I will never forget the baby shower that you organized for me with Mira, Tammy, Sarah, Miryung, Vibha, and the rest of the wonderful CSE ladies. You really made us feel like a family.
Thank you for your amazing support while I was in Seattle and during my last two years in AZ. Even from afar, I could count on your mentoring and support, and you were always one of my first stops on every visit to Seattle. I greatly appreciate everything that you did for me and so many other grad students.
Enjoy your retirement and hope to see you in the neighborhood!
Hugs,
Maya
From Miryung Kim
Lindsay was more than a graduate advisor at UW CSE— she was a mentor to many students, and she had a genuine care for her students. I’d stop by her office to chat about the challenges in the graduate schools and the suggestions for the department. She was always listening and welcoming. Without her encouragement and understanding, I don’t think I would have finished my PhD. After David Notkin (my advisor), she made the most impression to me at UW CSE. Lindsay’s contribution to the department cannot be understated and I will miss her dearly!
Miryung Kim (Now Prof @ UCLA)
From: Sonya Alexandrova
Lindsay,
I can’t imagine CSE without you! Whenever anyone had a non-technical problem, the first question always was “Have you talked to Lindsay about it?”. Concerns about research, grad school, life in general could always be eased by a ten-minute talk with you. Even if I came by your office and you were busy (all other grad students needed your advice too!), an M&Ms or two (or three) could help the day.
It’s really hard to put in words how important that was for me, knowing that you were always there if I needed advice or support. Thank you!! I hope that you have an amazing time in retirement, and (selfishly) that you’ll visit the department from time to time.
Sonya
From Paul Pham
Lindsay was at the beginning and the end of my grad school experience, and the long pause in between. She encouraged and helped me re-apply. Her door is always open for chatting, no matter how busy she is. She could teach graduate-level courses in being positive, never appearing rushed, and making other people feel valuable and important. Much love and appreciation, Lindsay!
From Caitlin Bonnar
Lindsay,
I can’t think of a single time that I left your office without feeling better about myself, grad school, or, really, life in general. I think I speak for a lot of the other grad students when I say that. You have a way of seeing the best in us, and reminding us of it when our spirits, energy, or confidence are low. You’ve made many parts of a difficult transition so much easier for all of us.
When I showed up at CSE the day before grad school applications were due in 2011, I couldn’t even see myself as a grad student, let alone a graduate student in computer science. You made me feel like I already belonged. Not only that, but you remembered little details from our conversation that day, even after I had been a grad student in CSE for several months. You are the epitome of what makes the culture great here, and you had a strong influence on my decision to join UW CSE.
I hope you enjoy your much-deserved retirement, and that you visit us every once in awhile. We are going to miss you so much!
Warmest regards,
Caitlin
From Hank Levy
Lindsay,
Thanks for all of your dedication to our students over a remarkable 15 years in CSE. Over that time, you’ve been an advisor, mentor, teacher, therapist, cheerleader, translator, strategist, mother, sister, manager, administrator, leader, counselor and guru to many hundreds of the world’s greatest graduate students. And you’ve played an enormous role in helping them to navigate the challenge that is graduate school, and ultimately to be successful in both school and life. Wishing you the best of happiness in retirement. Stay in touch — we’ll miss you.
hank