While working for The University of Wisconsin, my boss Dan Van Eyck was one of the brightest men I’ve ever known. Dan led the academic affairs office for 14 of the university’s campuses.
For some reason, Dan trusted me and sent me out to all 14 campuses on a regular basis. He called me his troubleshooter. I’d negotiate with department heads, deans and local boards to find ways the campuses might better serve their students and communities. It was a fabulous job.
Dan died in 2017 at age 85, long after I had moved on to other adventures. Why then does his memory keep popping up in my mind?
It isn’t because he was so darn intelligent.
Dan mentored me daily on how to lead with kindness and compassion. He taught me by example.
Thirty-five years later, that is still one of the greatest gifts I ever received.