By William A. Lefrancois | Observer Contributor
For fifty-one years, Ed Stevens was steadfast to the Mount;
For over half a century, true wisdom graced his classes.
At Haley none remained longer, too many years to count;
You could always rely on Ed, he thrived in helping the masses.
Ed began teaching when the Mount was young, a fledgling college;
The community needed educators and Ed Stevens answered its call.
Physics, Engineering, Math; to these Ed showed the light of knowledge.
His torched burned bright for generations; he was a man who stood tall.
Times changed; circumstances changed; Ed was a constant.
From Elm Street to Green Street, Ed taught at them all;
From Haley to Asquino to Vander Hooven; to help Ed was never hesitant.
He always served his students, every semester Spring and Fall.
As the years went by, thoughts of retirement were heard to mention;
Could a man in his seventies still shoulder such an awesome load?
Could someone pre-World War II still relate to the younger generation?
Ed succeeded and led scores of admiring students down education’s road.
As an educator, Ed was second to none; his was the mold to follow;
As a family man, no one was finer nor more dedicated than he.
As a religious man, his faith was deep and without a trace of shallow.
As a friend, his loyalty and support could equaled never be.
Ed is no longer with us, and our hearts are heavy with sorrow;
His office is empty, his laboratory and classroom dark;
For those left behind, days without Ed seen like a sad endless tomorrow.
Without him, we are unsure; upon which path do we embark?
Despite the darkness, Ed’s lesson in our hearts burns bright:
Never surrender, never despair; trust your mind and follow your heart!
Seek fulfillment in your work, find joy when your students see the light!
Ed’s legacy is his family and his works; to follow him is in life where to start!
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