December 02, 2007 06:03 pm
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Hogan’s impact will help us to get along
When Dan Hogan passed away last Sunday the City of Kokomo not only lost a “wonderful individual”, as Andy Castner stated in the Kokomo Tribune, but we also lost a wonderful educator, an educator who was truly dedicated to each and every student he encountered.
I have spent many years in education, either as a student, teacher or administrator. As you can imagine, during that time I have met, seen and worked with a wide variety of educators. Most of them carried a passion to make a difference and to help students be the best they could be, no matter what grade level. Outstanding educators couple that passion with the ability to communicate across race, gender and socio-economic strata; to motivate with firmness and care; to practice what they preach; and to do it on a daily basis. That was Dan Hogan.
Dan’s commitment to education was not limited to the time he spent as an English teacher at Kokomo High School or in administrative positions at Bon Air or Maple Crest middle schools. From 1995 to 2006, he was an adjunct faculty member with our division of education, teaching a number of undergraduate and graduate courses. He served on the IU Kokomo Advisory Board, the Indiana University Alumni Association Executive Council, and the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club, including a term as president. Additionally, his work within our community, from the Carver Community Center to Kokomo Common Council, is well documented.
Education was also something he sought for his personal and professional development. Dan earned his bachelor’s and master’s in education from Indiana University. And two years ago, just one month before his 50th birthday, he earned his Ph.D. in education administration from Purdue University. The dedication and drive it takes from someone in mid-career to balance family, a demanding job, and civic engagement along with the successful completion of a Ph.D. is indeed special. But it is not surprising that Dan got it done.
Elbert Hubbard, a 19th century American writer and philosopher, stated, “The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without his teacher.” Sadly, we must now get along without Dan Hogan. But the impact he had on the City of Kokomo, its school system, the students he encountered, and everyone he touched during his far-too-short time with us will enable us to get along.
When we lose such a person as Dan Hogan, it becomes quite common to speak in terms of legacy and lasting impacts – as I have done. But I think Dean Cantu, from our division of education, may have captured it best, when he stated, “Dan was an incredibly talented educator and caring mentor to our teacher education students – many of whom are now classroom teachers themselves, inspiring yet another generation of students in the same manner that Dr. Hogan inspired them. To be sure, the role Dan played in preparing a new generation of teachers for the classroom will be felt for years to come.”
Ruth J. Person
Chancellor
IU Kokomo
Hogan: educator
and good friend
I am writing to express my deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of Dan Hogan. The recent loss of this amazing person was indeed a shock for me and any one of the thousands of lives that he touched while he was with us.
As a former student of his in Indiana University Kokomo’s education program, Mr. Hogan personified professionalism and was always willing to help me on my road to becoming an educator. He taught me the values of reflection, the importance of diversity, and always challenged me to continually think about the kind of impact that I will have on my students once I enter the classroom. Most importantly, Mr. Hogan instilled in me the confidence to take on any challenge that I may face in the classroom.
This spring semester I will be obtaining my degree, and I am truly thankful for having a wonderful teacher like Mr. Hogan to show me the way. We have all lost a magnificent educator and a great friend. Thank you, Mr. Hogan! We will never forget you!
Kyle Etherington
Kokomo
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