After 20 years of being colleagues and friends, Ward found that his excitement
at teaching and research had diminished. He has now switched his focus to
editing the Journal, Technical Soaring, and is doing his typically outstanding
job. A few more words. When Ward came to CCNY I was all alone and running a
foundering program in meteorology. Ward breathed new life into the program and
prodded me into a higher state of activity and happiness. So, this sometimes
grumpy and self effacing, but always interesting and hyperactive guy has earned
my eternal gratitude. And in the poem below I only hint at his many talents and
interests.


To Ward Hindman on His Retirement

Every story my good friend
Has a starting point and end.
Forty years ago we met
But we weren’t colleagues yet
Until twenty short years passed
Oh, the time goes by so fast
Then twenty years ago this fall
You came and answered City’s call
Your 20 years at EAS
For me were 20 of the best.
I knew that you were right to hire
You got things going, lit a fire
Your far flung vision helped me see
More in meteorology
And when each day of work was done
You found out more ways to have fun.
With no engine you take wing
And we love it when you sing
In summer you go sail the sea
Then, in winter, skate, or ski.
So if I strike a single chord
We’ve been darned lucky that you’re Ward
And for all these reasons in the end
We are proud our colleague is our friend

Stanley David Gedzelman
14 July 2007