Letter from Father Bauer

A Tribute to Tom Nash

Hello Alumni,

Let me say first of all that I am very thankful for this space in our newsletter. I really would like to re-establish contact with you after perhaps years of silence on my part. I am sorry for losing touch with you. I ask for forgiveness for that. I am hoping that my words today may be a first step toward a new beginning. I would like to stay in better touch with you: Yes, yes, yes.

I am asking myself what has happened in our English Department recently that might be of interest to our former students. The largest “story” that comes to mind is the story of my friend and colleague Tom Nash.

Alumni all over Taiwan and presumably the entire world know that associate professor Tom Nash decided some time ago to draw the curtains of his Fu Jen career to a close and retire from active teaching.

In an official sense, Tom retired as a full time colleague a whole year ago this past June. He held on for this current school year, however, teaching and serving part time.

At a retirement party this spring, a crowd of approximately 150 colleagues and students honored Tom with hugs and kisses, hand-made cards, gifts, and the sharing of a slew of happy memories. I found it moving to see how many wonderful students returned, years after graduation, to pay tribute to this exceptional educator.

Tom gave us 25 enthusiastic years as a full time colleague (7 years as chair), and threw in the added year of 2008-09 as icing on the cake. You can't ask a man to give more than that.


I will always cherish several Tom Nash stories.

One of those stories involves the special years of 1993-96 when he and I worked side by side as administrators in the English Department, Tom as chair of our undergraduate program, and myself as director of our graduate institute. After pressure from the Ministry of Education to put all department administration in the hands of a single person, the independent office of M.A. program director disappeared. The respect and affection that grew between Tom and me those vital years, however, will never leave my heart. Tom Nash. What a great guy to work with!

Tom's harmonica skills and gutsy, Bob Dylan-like singing shone like a star in the sky in recent performances he and his band The Morphemes offered at SA sponsored singing contests here on campus. I'll never forget the roar of his fans the minute Tom stepped on stage. A full year in advance, I now pray every morning at Mass for a resurrection of our Morphemes and their fearless leader at next year's singing contest.

I envy your musical talent, old friend, I who can't hum a tune even in the shower, where no one can hear my voice.

And who will ever forget the loving devotion Tom showed these past years every Wednesday afternoon, meeting Professor Ray Schulte outside his classroom door, chatting briefly with his students, and then driving our beloved “Ray” back to Taipei for his medical care?

No need to look up the word “friend” in a dictionary.

Just look at Tom and see the meaning before your eyes.

I am absolutely sure that one reason Fu Jen's English Department has succeeded so well over the past 25 years is because of the academic strengths, dedication, and personal gifts of countless members of the student body and faculty. No one can doubt Tom Nash's contribution. He was a great professor, an excellent chair, and an unforgettable friend.

Tom, we are all hoping “retirement” will be full of good health, joy, adventure, personal satisfaction and self-discovery for you. Thank you again for all you gave us.