Father’s Day comes around this Sunday. We asked students, faculty, alumni and staff at the George Washington University to share memorable moments with their fathers. Read on for their responses.
Francis "Frank" E. Anderson
B.A. '95
“One great piece of advice my late father gave me for when tough times arise: ‘Son, sometimes, when you think you're stuck in life, before you panic, try and shift gears first, that will usually change your situation, hopefully for the better!’ So true. R.I.H."
Jameta Nicole “Dr. J” Barlow
M.P.H. ’03 Associate Professor of Writing, Health Policy and Management and Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies program in Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS)
“My mom tells the story of taking this picture of me and my dad and how she told me to stand near him. He kneeled to be closer to my size and like my father's daughter, I wanted to be like him, I squatted too. A retired principal who grew up in Virginia during U.S. segregation, he taught me that the one thing no one could take away from me was my knowledge and education. This is a major reason why I am a college professor today. As the first generation in my family not born into U.S. segregation, I continue to try to be like my father today as I prepare students to be leaders, and as a researcher to respectfully collaborate with community in research.”
Denver Brunsman
Chair, History Department, CCAS
“On this Father’s Day, I will celebrate the memory of my father, Frank Brunsman, who passed away in November 2007. Frank spent his career as a journalist for the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper and helped to impart in me a passion for history and politics by taking me on his news assignments. Upon Frank’s passing, his former colleagues saluted him as an ‘ink-stained wretch,’ the ultimate validation for a reporter in the old days of the smoke-filled newsroom with typewriters clanking and police radios blaring. Today, Frank’s legacy lives on in my own children, Gavin (a junior at Santa Clara University), who is a religion and psychology double-major and history curious, and Statler (a sophomore at GW), who declared as a history major last spring.”
Christopher Cahill
Chair, Chemistry Department, CCAS
“My father, Bill Cahill (1925-2005), was a big proponent of education and lifelong learning. ‘Knowledge is power!’ he would say to me. Not the ‘take over the world’ kind of power, but more like the power to do things. The power to appreciate things. Knowledge for knowledge’s sake was totally permissible and encouraged in our home. I have grown to embrace this more explicitly as I have gotten older, even more so now that I am a father myself. My son Wes (age 12) and I are constantly on the prowl for interesting things simply because it would be fun to know more. Recent examples include the rock-n-roll themed herb garden at the National Arboretum and scouring the stacks of the public library in Shippensburg, Pa.—for no good reason other than we thought we might learn something cool. Soaking up knowledge with one’s kid is, without question, one of the most beautiful things in life there is.”
Helena Chapman
Professorial lecturer, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health
“As we celebrate Father’s Day with our families, I reflect on [NCAA basketball coach and broadcaster] Jim Valvano’s words: ‘My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me.’ My father, Robert Chapman, has inspired me to follow my dreams by exploring each opportunity, serving our nation’s veterans and wider community, and enjoying each moment.
“Growing up, I was inspired by my father’s military service in the U.S. Marine Corps and civilian career as a commercial airline pilot. He motivated me to serve our nation’s veterans through high school and college volunteering at the VA Medical Center, as well as reach for the stars by moving abroad to pursue medical/research training in the Dominican Republic and Cuba. As my biggest cheerleader, he was always ready for an adventure in the Dominican Republic—with a smile and a few Spanish words! I remember his excitement about taking the public bus to support our primary care clinics in rural communities (serving our community), being first on the dance floor for the merengue beat (enjoying each moment) and attending my medical school graduation (exploring each opportunity)! These memories demonstrate his unconditional love and support that I will forever hold close to my heart.”
Imani Cheers
Associate Professor, School of Media and Public Affairs
“I’ve been following in my father’s footsteps for decades. As a photojournalist for Ebony and Jet magazines for over 25 years, my father documented some of the most memorable moments of the last century. And I got to watch. Sharing that love of storytelling with my son has been my greatest joy.”
Tayah Frye
Media relations specialist, Office of Communications and Marketing, Corcoran School of the Arts and Design
“The smell of a grill instantly reminds me of my dad, John Frye—the ultimate Grill Dad. Rain or shine, you were always out there sparking up the grill, tongs in hand, with the kind of joy that turned dinner into an event. Growing up, grilling was a family affair: trips to Costco, laughter in the kitchen as my mom, sister and I watched you try to tame the flames. Those moments were more than meals—they were rituals that brought us together. Even now, when we’re not under the same roof, the promise of a grill weekend is all it takes to reunite us. It’s one of my favorite things because it’s never just about the food—it’s about family.”
Ruchi Gupta
Postdoctoral scientist, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Sciences
“I lost my father when I was 12, and ever since I’ve found myself searching for glimpses of him in every father-like figure I meet. Though my memories of him are few, they are deeply cherished. I often imagine how our bond might have grown over the years.
“In his absence, I was fortunate to receive the same warmth and affection from my maternal uncle, whom I now consider my father. His presence in my life has been nothing short of extraordinary. His character, wisdom and love have shaped me into the person I am today. I fondly call him Mausaji—a Hindi term for maternal uncle—and I love him with all my heart.”
Natalie McCarter
Senior Associate Director of Graduate Recruitment, CCAS
“My dad, Tony, passed away when I was 10 years old (he was only 33), but his memory has stayed with me in the most meaningful ways. One thing I’ll never forget is his smile. It was full of warmth and love. He had a deeply protective nature, always looking out for me, and even now, decades later, I carry that feeling with me. His presence, though brief, left a lasting impact on the way I see the world and how I try to show up for others. Father’s Day is a reminder of how deeply he is missed and how grateful I am to have known his love. This is the last photo we ever took together. It sits on my desk in a small frame, a daily reminder that he’s still watching over me.”
Michael Sher
Rising junior, CCAS
“Every day I go to the gym, I am reminded of my father. Not only because of his strength (although finally being able to beat him in arm wrestling definitely was a motivating factor), but also as a reminder of the importance of discipline. Every day he would be up long before the rest of my family, cooking us breakfast, getting ready to drive me to [school] or just attending work meetings. Truly a testament to his character, and a reminder of his humility—by putting those he cares for above his own well-being. Even in the face of health issues and familial tragedies, he continues to smile on and persevere. I thank him for forcing me into the gym in middle school and showing me what true optimism and forgiveness look like in all walks of life. I hope to pass along his character, strength and last name one day to my future family and kids.”