Dear Quadrangle,
This is Mike Fichera, Class of ‘91 and ‘93, former cartoonist for the Quad and recent cover artist for the 100th anniversary issue.
I heard about the passing of my beloved professor, Dr. Walter Saukin. In high school my physics teacher directed me to Dr. Saukin’s Summer Engineering Awareness Program to consider engineering as a way to make a career out of my interest in physics. The week I spent at Manhattan College was life-changing. I’ll never forget Dr. Saukin’s lecture, exposing the environmental impacts from the meat industry. After class I thought I would impress him revealing I was a life-long vegetarian. Rather, he taught me a new lesson in humility explaining about pesticide applications to fruits and vegetables!
As a civil engineering major, I was fortunate to have Dr. Saukin’s three times. Once again, I had a lesson in humility from him, suffering a mild panic attack during one of his Dynamics class tests. I asked to speak to him during the exam; he pulled me out in the hallway, gave me a quick pep-talk, and sent me back to finish. I managed a B+ for the class, despite that one rocky test.
His introduction to environmental engineering in my junior year was my first taste of what became my career. I stayed two more years at Manhattan for the master’s program in environmental engineering, and enjoyed additional conversations with him while I worked in the environmental lab.
Inspired after my B+ in Dynamics, I drew a cartoon and wrote a Christmas song for him: “Dr. Saukin’s Coming to Town.” I gave it to him and was pleased that he enjoyed it as a tribute.
Over thirty years later, while touring the campus several times with my two daughters (now both Jaspers) I would always see Dr. Saukin mingling with the prospective students and parents, making them feel welcome. During one tour, I encountered Dr. Saukin in Leo. He told me he takes out his worn photocopy of my cartoon and song every Christmas. I mailed him a new digitally remastered version a few years ago.
His love for teaching and Manhattan was evident in his loyalty and energy. I pray for his eternal rest with my sincere appreciation for his role in my education and career.
Best,
Mike