Days before graduating, I hosted a reception in my Claremont tower single—inviting fellow students and many of the faculty with whom I had studied. Robert Fossum was the one faculty member who dropped by for a glass of wine and an exchange of good wishes. Over the years until his death, I got to know Dr. Fossum during chats in the Fossum family living room—sometimes we talked about literature, and often he shared stories by which he expressed his great love for his family. He taught with wit, joy, and a casual but scholarly sureness. From Lit 10 through the senior seminar, each course was calibrated to push the imagination and the interpretive skills of every member of the class. “True enough” was high praise. “I think not” or the rarer, “Don’t be a smart ass” brought us back to earth. His beloved Fitzgerald reminds us: “And so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
Peter Gale Nelson ’83
Peter Gale Nelson ’83
Days before graduating, I hosted a reception in my Claremont tower single—inviting fellow students and many of the faculty with whom I had studied. Robert Fossum was the one faculty…
Read More CMC Stories…
CMC Stories >
Share Your CMC Story
Why is CMC special to you? Post your fondest memory and a photo. “Scroll down” memory lane with posts from fellow CMCers.
LEARN MORE >
Get Involved with CMC
Explore opportunities for learning, mentorship, support and giving.
LEARN MORE >