Letters

Tribute to Milton Rakove

EDITOR: It was with a great feeling of personal pride that I read the April 1984 Illinois Issues carrying the tributes to a dear friend and colleague, Milton Rakove. Having myself known him at the University of Illinois-Chicago Circle as a great teacher, I can attest to all and more of the influence of Milt on students, faculty and staff, to say nothing of his effect upon the community — indeed communities — he worked in and with. To ignore the latter would be to overlook his true dedication as a "public affairs teacher." His example is difficult to exceed for he came from the city, was raised observing her every change, was educated, then educated others in and about the city, and above all, retained a beautiful closeness and affection for the people, for his family, and his colleagues with a sense of humor unequaled!

To overlook the simple but powerful word he epitomized — love — would be to deny his vehicle of communication. His was a love of life, of the pleasures, even the pains of continuous learning. He goes on living in oh, so many of us! Thanks Milt for sharing your life and love! Thanks Mike and the staff of Illinois Issues and the authors who wrote the tributes for memorializing a most significant life — Milton Rakove.

Robert M. Crane
Professor of Social Justice and
Director of Museums/Galleries
Sangamon State University
Springfield

June 1984/Illinois Issues/5