My name is Linda Robins and I wanted to tell you how sad I was to learn of your mom’s passing today.

I was one of the thousands of her Oneonta students. I attended between 1981 and 1985.

Electric. I am now remembering her voice, her movement, her command as she taught in lecture halls both large and small. Your mom challenged me. She pushed me. Sometimes she bullied me, though always with a smile and in a way that conveyed warmth and expectation. She demanded more of me until I learned to demand more of myself.

Intense. I remember the hours spent either in her office or out at the lake talking about why history matters.

I loved Joan because she taught me to love ideas.

I will never, ever forget her.

~ Lin Robins (1985)

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