I was an ordinary day. Reading about one of the professors I had when I was a student at Millersville State Teacher's College. The college is no longer known as that, (now known as Millersville University), but wasn't the size back then that it is today. The teacher, or should I say professor, was Professor William McIlwaine whom for some strange reason I got long with very well back in 1964.
I was an Industrial Arts major, known back then as "shop", and wasn't fond of science classes. I had to take at least one science class if I expected to graduate, so my Industrial Arts advisor suggested I take Professor McIlwaine Chemistry class, since he thought I would get along well with him. Well, he was correct. I met one time with Professor McIlwaine while taking his class in Chemistry. I was scared half to death before going into his office, but after we talked about my plans after graduating from Millersville, I felt extremely at ease. I told him I wanted to be a high school shop teacher, hopefully teaching Wood shop or perhaps Graphic Arts. When I walked out of his office I was anxious to have him as my Chemistry teacher. For some strange reason, we got along well and I managed to get a "C" in his class. I was never sure if he had talked with my IA Professor Mr. Monical whom may have asked him to pass me in his class or not. Well...on the front page of my morning LNP newspaper a few days ago was a story and photograph of Professor McIlwaine whom will turn 100 years old on January 4th. When Prof. McIlwaine was asked how he felt to be celebrating his 100 birthday he replied, "Unbelievable, I'm and old man!" The newspaper story told his life story and how he fought in the Battle of the Bulge many, many years ago. He was born in 1924 in Fall Rivers, Massachusetts and today lives a hop, skip and a jump from me at Mennonite Home. He was an only child and served in WWII after enlisting in the Army. His service took him to the European theater in 1944 and 1945. He fought in the notable Battle of the Bulge. During his service he was wounded by artillery fire, but went on to help liberate more than 20,000 people imprisoned at the Austrian Nazi concentration camp of Ebensee in May of 1945. He left the service wearing the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and Four Theatre of Operation Stars. A real hero!! Prof. McIlwaine said about his service time, "I wouldn't sell it for a million dollars, but I wouldn't do it again for a million dollars, either." Prof. McIlwaine's devotion to science and education left a permanent mark on both Millersville University's history as well as my history. Without passing his class I would never had become an Industrial Arts teacher, and to this day I still wonder if he passed me since we seemed to get along so well. Well, Prof. McIlwaine...thanks once more for passing me and for all the memories I had while at Millersville State Teacher's College and in your class. I'm sure you don't remember me anymore, but I was the one who didn't miss a single class during the semester I took your class. Perhaps that was why you passed me. And...Here's wishing you a Happy New Year and a Happy Birthday! You don't look a day older than me! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
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