I was saddened to read of the passing of former Grinnell Professor Clifford Reid (Spring 2022).
I met Professor Reid in fall 1974 when he was the professor for my freshman tutorial. I was a conservative-leaning white student from a small town while he was a liberal-leaning Black college professor from an urban background. I took several of his classes, and he became my student adviser. Despite our differences, I couldn’t have had a better adviser and mentor.
He challenged me and kept me on the right track.
Professor Reid showed me that a mentor does not have to be someone who looks like you or thinks like you. A mentor can be anyone who truly cares about you and has your best interest at heart.
From time to time I considered writing to Professor Reid to thank him. I now regret that I never wrote that letter.
Rest in peace, Professor Reid.