At times, last week’s biennial Physics  Reunion at Guilford College seemed less like a gathering of more than 50 former Math, Chemistry and Physics majors dating to the ’70s and more like a heartfelt tribute to former physics professors Rex Adelberger and Sheridan A. Simon, who profoundly inspired generations of students.

Christopher Field ’80, who made the trip to Greensboro from Baltimore, has been a regular attendee for years. He likes catching up with other Guilfordians and learning what they’re doing now, but he also likes to reminisce with Guilfordians who shared four years with Rex and Sheridan.  

“Those two men were student whisperers, just magical people,” says Christopher. “They were the kind of people you wanted to be around, and they inspired students who were just as interesting and fascinating to be around. I've always had a very strong affection for Guilford and I owe it to my professors.”

Helene Dauerty ’83 agrees. She said Rex and Sheridan “bought into Guilford's ideals and the liberal arts education.”

“They were passionate and deeply knowledgeable about their subjects, but first and foremost, they encouraged everybody to be human first,” says Helene. “There was so much exchange of ideas among students—not just physics, but philosophy, music—everything was flying around. It was the ideal of a liberal arts education at its best.”

Rick Wicklin ’88 recalled Sheridan’s energetic teaching style. “He was almost like Robin Williams, a comedian up there in front of the classroom,” says Rick. “But he was teaching you the most difficult theoretical math and physics you can imagine and he did it with such passion and enjoyment that it was infectious.”

Rick and Christopher also attend the reunions to connect with current students. “I think it’s important for young people to know what is beyond the classroom and what opportunities there are for people who study physics and mathematics,” says Rick. “It’s important for them to see Guilfordians out there working and that the opportunities are there for them, too.”

A highlight of the weekend was the 20th Sheridan A. Simon Lecture, presented by Tom English ’82. Tom, a Physics professor and Astronomy instructor at Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, N.C., delivered an engaging and insightful talk on the astronomical techniques used during four solar eclipses in the late 19th century. His presentation delved into historical observations and methodologies that astronomers employed over a century ago, showcasing their ingenuity and the evolution of eclipse studies over time.

More than a dozen attendees also offered briefer presentations on topics running from product packaging to artificial intelligence. Many of the topics were foreign to attendees but Rick says he found them all engaging. “If you attended Guilford, chances are you’re innately curious about a large number of things,” he says.

“We have so many people who are interested in interdisciplinary studies and the talks are very diverse. I may not work in industrial manufacturing or photography or academics, but I still find it interesting to learn what other Guilfordians are doing.”