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: You’re the best!
From Charlie Reis
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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 Carol Matsumoto
Dear Lindsay,
As I sit here collecting my thoughts on what to convey, it’s very obvious that you’ve inspired and touched the lives of many in CSE and beyond. You’ve been like a big sister to me, listening attentively and giving advice when needed. The respect I have for you overwhelms me at times. I consider myself extremely lucky to have crossed paths with you… I thank CSE for that. It’s been a great pleasure to have worked with you, Lindsay, and I look forward to our continued friendship for many years to come.
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the best on the start of your new venture.
A hui hou,
Carol
From Carl
Wow, Lindsay, it’s hard to believe that you won’t be there next time I walk by your door. Your office was always an oasis of calm and dropping by for a chat was something I looked forward to. Thank you so much for all you did for all of us!
But how’s this for an alignment of the stars: It turns out that you are retiring the day I turn 65. I’ll take that as a sign!
Love, Carl
From Jen Worrell
Dear (dear!) Lindsay,
There are many things I am grateful for in the CSE Community, and you are one of my favorites. Over the years you have provided professional advice, moral support, and inspiration, not just to me but to countless numbers of students, staff, and faculty. You are part of the heart of this department and we will feel your absence.
Megan pointed out in her post that you are a lifelong learner and that is something I love about you, too. I want to echo the sentiment that you make the person you are talking to feel like they are the fascinating topic you are learning about. When I read that, I thought, “Yes! That’s exactly how I feel when talking to Lindsay!” You are genuinely interested in knowing people better and that makes each of us feel special.
I am excited about watching you embark on this new stage of your journey. I can only imagine what interesting and creative endeavors you might come up with, and I can’t wait to hear about them!
I am honored to be counted among your friends. Thank you for the many hours of conversation – I know there are many more awaiting us.
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 Megan R.
The best word I can use to describe Lindsay: Amazing. She is easily one of the most interesting people I’ve ever known. I first met her 15 years ago when she became the graduate advisor at CSE. I was the graduate advising assistant then; at the time, I had no idea how influential she would be in my life. I have learned a tremendous amount from her professionally, of course, but also in just how to be human.
Lindsay has an outstanding work ethic. She is conscientious, detail-oriented, and thorough. Most importantly, though, she is always 100% interested and engaged with her students. She possesses the rare quality of being a genuine Listener. When you sit down to talk with her, she is completely there, listening intently and asking thoughtful questions to gain better understanding. Many of you probably know that Lindsay is a true lifelong learner in a bunch of different topics (film, jazz, art, opera, gardening, literature, history, etc.). In her presence, she makes you feel like YOU are the fascinating topic she is learning about. I always think the CSE graduate students are incredibly lucky to have such a great advisor. She’s one of a kind, as I learned from my own (non-CSE) graduate school experience when I ended up running to her countless times for advice.
In my world, Lindsay isn’t just a mentor, she is a close friend, a great dinner companion, a fun travel buddy (two trips to Paris!), and an excellent wedding guest (plus official wedding photographer with her partner Jim). I deeply admire her intelligence and the way she makes learning central to her life. She grabs opportunities to expand her knowledge, and it’s fun to get to share in that with her. She is always a caring and loyal friend who has consistently given me tremendous support in my personal, professional, and educational pursuits. For lack of better words, I know she’s always got my back. I’m so happy that she is part of my life, and I hope to one day be a fraction of the person that she is.
My dear friend, it is an incredible honor to be present for the beginning of this new chapter in your life. I wish you a very happy retirement. Kudos to you on a wonderful career, and here’s to everything that comes next!
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 Atri Rudra
Lindsay,
First of all, congratulations on your retirement!
I came to UW from Austin first as a transfer student. I thought the graduate advisor at Austin was good (supportive staff in general was an alien concept for me coming from India) but I was thrilled to know that there could be even better graduate advisors. And then when I went on to my current job and saw how bad (some) graduate advisors can be, which made me appreciate your help and work even more than I thought was possible!
Lindsay, for me you are the yardstick on how to interact with students and I have tried my best to emulate you when I interact with students now, though of course failing to meet your standards. I still marvel at how you would patiently listen to us, not lose your cool* and be so incredibly supportive.
I feel incredibly lucky that you were around when I was there and I feel bad for incoming students who won’t have the benefit of your guidance.
Enjoy your retirement and please keep in touch!
–atri
* I do remember one incident when you did lose a bit of your cool. During my first pit party, I was not sure if significant others were invited so I checked with one of the students organizers who in jest said no. I took the answer at face value, so I asked Carole to drop me off at the party and she then left. I still remember how mad you were when you came to know about the prank. Carole did stop by later during the evening so no harm done.
From Raymond Cheng
Honestly, I thought you were in your 40’s, so this comes as as a surprise to me.
I’m going to miss you. Thank you for being such an amazing influence to me and the rest of the department.
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 Dominik Moritz
Hi Lindsay,
When I came to CSE, everything was new and many things confusing. You took a lot of time for me and helped me to find my way around and I felt immediately welcome here. And beyond helping me to not get lost, you actively encouraged me to join the graduate program and stay in the department. Without you, I probably wouldn’t be in Seattle any more! Thank you Lindsay!
Alles Gute,
Dominik
From Anna Karlin
Lindsay, I was the graduate program coordinator during your first year in CSE, and I am, again, the graduate program coordinator now, for your final months. It is my honor to have worked with you then and now. You have put heart and soul into your work in CSE, not to mention excruciatingly long hours. All of us are so appreciative of all you have done for our students.
In the recent grad student survey, in response to the question “What can we do to improve the environment for grad students in CSE?”, an anonymous student wrote. “Double Lindsay’s salary and keep her from retiring!”
I am confident that this person’s sentiments are shared by everyone.
Please get out there and have a great time in retirement.
We will miss you!
Anna