Popular 'U' prof. must take a term off

To the chagrin of students and himself, history Prof. Sidney Fine will not teach his popular U.S. history course this semester.

An unexpected illness is preventing the former winner of the Golden Apple Award from performing his normal teaching duties this semester. Over winter break, Fine's doctor advised that he not continue teaching this semester. He was slated to teach History 467: U.S., 1933-present.

"I've only missed two days in 50 years, but it would be unfair to students to teach under these conditions," said Fine, who would not specify the nature of his health problem.

History Prof. David Fitzpatrick has taken over the lecturing duties, but in students' eyes, there is no replacement for one of the University's most popular instructors.

"He's been a legendary figure here at the University and his class lived up to expectations," said LSA sophomore Christian Hoard. Hoard took Fine's class, U.S. History 1901-1933, last semester, and looked forward to having him again.

"When I walked in and saw that he wasn't there, it felt like part of the class was just missing," said LSA first-year student Rachel DeYonker. DeYonker dropped the class after learning that Fine would not be teaching - she plans to wait for his return.

DeYonker said she knows other students who are doing the same thing.

"It's not because (Fitzpatrick) is teaching. It's because Prof. Fine isn't," DeYonker said.

Fine recommended Fitzpatrick as a replacement, and the history department agreed. "He has experience and he's a very good teacher," Fine said.

Taking over for Fine is bittersweet for Fitzpatrick, who said he was both excited and sad to take the job.

"At one level, I'm distraught taking the class of both my mentor and friend. But on the other hand, I'm tremendously honored he recommended me to take his place," Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick has made it clear that he is only filling in for Fine and isn't trying to take his place. He doesn't plan to make any major changes in the course.

"I feel that students signed up to take Sidney Fine's course and I will teach it that way," Fitzpatrick said.

Students have expressed concern for the teacher who many described as personable and nice. Fine held extensive office hours and always made a point in lecture of encouraging students to visit him.

"I have gotten a lot of very affectionate messages expressing concern from students," Fine said.

Fitzpatrick said that after the first lecture, many students approached him to ask how Fine is doing. Fine said he expects to be sidelined for only a semester and will return when he feels well enough to carry out the job.

Students will be waiting.

"I am taking the class towards my degree, but without Fine, the class wouldn't be the same," DeYonker said.

01-09-98