"Forever indebted to her collegiality, encouragement, and sage advice" -Gaby B

I don’t know that I can add much to the accounts of others who have been in Vanessa Merton’s circle longer than I have. I am, though, forever indebted to her collegiality, encouragement, and sage advice as co-vice chair of the Hastings Democratic Committee. I don’t know how someone that busy managed to be so accessible to us, and so responsive to all my questions and draft documents. I can say from these experiences that, in addition to her professional legend, she is a phenomenal editor and one of the most elegant writers I've encountered.

Vanessa’s breadth of knowledge is awesome. So, too, is her ferocity when debating someone with a weaker argument — which is most of the time. On the rare occasion that there was something to learn from one of us, she was unfailingly gracious and never let ego thwart the progress of a productive conversation. It speaks to her exceptional discipline and egalitarian sensibility, and is a model for me in my own conduct.

The Vanessa I know has always carried the weight of our world on her shoulders. But, one night at Harvest, she regaled me with tales of her youthful passions and exploits. I wish I could remember the details. I will never forget the sense I got that night of her profound appetite for life, the look of utter ease and delight in her eyes.

Gaby B