My primary impression of Tony when he first started at the University of Maryland was of what a young man of high integrity he was. His integrity and enthusiasm endured the trials of campus life. Tony was constantly positive, optimstic and uplifting.

One of the last conversations Tony and I had was partly about his illness. He was even positive in discussing this weighty topic. After a long conversation, I vainly tried to be empathetic. I said something like, "I can't imagine what you must be going through. I know when I get a simple illness I often feel angry that my body is betraying me. I can't imagine how out of control you must be feeling."

Tony considered this, tilted his head and said, "You know, I don't believe that. I don't believe I'm out of control at all."

Through his approach to the world and to the challenges he fought, Tony has changed my life. Tony taught me one of the most precious lessons of life; that we control our behavior and our attitude toward the world each and every day. This makes all the difference.

I can't understand Tony's leaving us. But I know that every day he is thought of (I'm sure by multitudes) with love and admiration and a fair amount of awe. I think of him with humble thanks for sharing his time and his wisdom with me.