Ted Lowi was a gifted teacher, lecturer and thesis adviser.
Like many other Cornellians, I took the large intro course that Professor Lowi co-taught with Benjamin Ginsberg, another talented lecturer. I was glued to every word and could feel my mind expanding.
In my senior year, I nervously approached Professor Lowi to ask if he might be wiling to serve as my honors thesis adviser, for work on the US Supreme Court case Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, and the masterful strategy of Thurgood Marshall that effectively boxed an otherwise highly political court into an inescapable unanimous judicial outcome that changed American life forever. Working closely with Professor Lowi similarly changed mine. He cared about my development and embraced my passion for the topic and assigned many readings! I learned so much and felt newly empowered every time I left his office.
I also fondly remember interacting with his lovely assistant -- Jackie, I believe.
I also remember when he wanted to me to consult some readings at the law school and declared with his signature accent, “Get thee to the law school!”
I also recall that during my senior year, Ted lived at the end of my street -- Delaware Avenue. He once summoned me to his house, where he was raking leaves in the yard, to discuss my latest draft. I was honored [but] nervous every time we met, and this was no exception.
I recall proudly accepting my diploma at the government major graduation ceremony on the Arts Quad in May 1991, and [seeing] him once or twice in subsequent years. His books remain proudly on the shelves of my apartment, and his words and smile will linger fondly in my mind forever. My fond memories of Cornell were shaped in large part by the incredible opportunity I had to work closely with such a fine man.
P.S. I am sorry that I cannot be there on April 21 in person, but I hope that my submission can be included somehow. Cornell has long had an outstanding Government department and I am so proud to have majored in that subject [at] such a fine institution.
John Heimlich
College of Arts and Science
Cornell Class of 1991
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