"A scholar, a committed humanist, a brilliant strategist. She soars above us all" -Bennett G

When I first heard the name VANESSA MERTON, I actually thought of her in bold letters. I knew about Vanessa, her work, her activism, and so the prominence of her name reverberated. I know we say this often, but in this instance it’s the absolute truth. Vanessa is unique, she is an indomitable force of nature. She is a scholar, a committed humanist, a brilliant strategist. She soars above us all.

I learned, with some trepidation, that she might be joining us at Pace Law School. Why my fears? I guess I felt we might not measure up to her standards and expectations.

Vanessa was a tough and often unyielding critic, especially when she knew she was right. And she was right most of the time. She was right about the people on the faculty she loathed. She was right about the deans she abhorred. She was right about the students she lauded. And given her stature, standards, and commitment to virtually everything that had any value, I will forever remember and cherish those moments when she said nice things to me about my teaching, scholarship, and commitment. We did share quite a lot of those moments. And I’m positive Vanessa shared similar moments with her legions of admirers.

Vanessa was so smart, so intense, so perfectly situated to mentor our students. I wonder how many students were aware of the depth of Vanessa’s knowledge and guidance. How much she gave, and will keep on giving, in life and in our memories.

I can’t write anymore.

Bennett G