Lindsay,

I cannot imagine CSE without you. From the very beginning, you were central to my (wonderful) experience as a graduate student–so helpful, so kind, so patient, so giving of your time. You were a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and friendliness. Your famous M&M’s–consistently tasty and well worth the walk down five flights of stairs–set the tone for your general openness and kind offerings of all sorts. I always left your office feeling better than when I entered (from your advice, not the sugar rush!). This alone is no insignificant feat!

In reading through the wonderful postings of all the student, faculty, and staff, I know I am not alone in my appreciation. You’ve touched many lives. I am inspired by Kate Deibel’s posting–she included a quote from her PhD thesis acknowledgement section. I thought I would do the same. This is, after all, the key way in which graduate students show their gratitude. 🙂

[Thanks to] Lindsay Michimoto for being the best graduate academic advisor one could ask for (and who has probably supported more PhDs than the NSF, emotionally at least).

I wish you all the best in your retirement.

Jon

PS As a professor now, I hope I can positively influence as many students’ lives as you have!