From Diane Nothum Smith

Dr. Kushner, you had a significant impact on me personally. When Joshua Adams e-mailed that a book was being put together for you, it was easy to write this note. While it feels less than humble to talk about me and how you helped shape my life, I see no other way to share my gratitude.

For starters, you gave a classroom exercise asking me to repeat over and over "the man can't do it" to try to rid my voice of what must have been quite an unpleasantly flat New Jersey "a," as I do not recall others being given the same assignment. Or perhaps I was one of the few asked to practice at home, which I dutifully did. As a result, over the years I have received compliments about my speaking voice, and you have always been given credit.

 The second impact is the life-long benefit of a rather casual comment you made. I had the pleasure of playing Mrs. Hardcastle in the senior class play "She Stoops to Conquer." You told me after one of the performances that I should consider pursuing acting as a career. While I never did follow your advice, deep down inside, your suggestion gave me a solid base of confidence. Thank you for that. And perhaps your advice played a role when I found myself serving as host, writer, associate producer and co-editor of a 13-segment television series on quilt making that aired nationally on public television in the early 1980's.

 On behalf of all who have had the good fortune to study with you, thank you for serving as an educator and for being such an excellent teacher.

 Warmest regards,

 Diane Nothum Smith