In college I was fortunate to have two fantastic mentors as thesis advisors.  One of those great mentors was history professor, David Schalk.

Mr. Schalk (at Vassar no one uses “Dr.”) is a patient, loving man who always spoke with the highest regard of his wife.  She was also a Vassar graduate, and I had the pleasure of meeting her when I was working at reunion right after I graduated.  I was looking forward to always attending reunions at the same time as my favorite history professor’s wife.  I remember that she had a bright smile, a very warm personality and interesting stories from her various high-level jobs.

I just learned today that Mr. Schalk’s wonderful wife is battling Alzheimer’s disease and, at 71 years old, he is her primary caretaker.  The two of them made an outstanding and heartbreaking video that has just been posted on You Tube.  I would encourage you to watch the video and then to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association to further research into this dreadful disease.  I live in great fear of someday feeling my grip on my faculties slip away as names and faces no longer match up and recent memories disappear.  I am deeply saddened that the Schalks are living this fear right now.