Congrats, John! My daughter, who I raised from age 11 as a single parent, graduated from law school, did a couple of years in corporate law, and just retired as a JAG and lieutenant colonel from AF a month ago after 20 years. I was so proud of her, and in my mind, I knew, as you know, I did something right.
With my 4 kids all grown up now and having shared similar experiences during their growing up yearsas you and your daughters, I too always try to tell them how proud I am of them because it comes truly from the heart and I really mean it every time I tell them-they are great “kids” and I am so, so proud of them!
Nice story, John! I noticed right away that was the OSU campus and the big arch and gates on Madison (is it still there?) Like you, I launched my daughter to college, ASU in my case, even though I tried to get her to attend OSU, near family support. We drove her down from Minnesota to Tempe, helped her unpack into her dorm room, went and bought the necessities of modern dorm life at Target (a TV, a small refrigerator, some shelving and room supplies), met her roommate, went out to dinner with her roommate and her mother (the girl's brother happened to be in the final rounds of American Idol, so that was fun conversation), and then, the next day, drove home. I don't remember tearing up, we came back for Parent's weekend six weeks later, so it was not a long goodbye. My daughter doesn't do anything by the books, and so the next 5 or 6 years had many interesting twists and turns. Now she is married with three kids and another on the way. I did tear up at her wedding. That was truly the time I had to let go and give her to her husband, who has turned out great. I admit, launching my daughter was much tougher than my son. I think Dad's just naturally expect the boy to take care of himself, but have always been the protector for their daughters. It is very tough to let go.
Yep Brian you nailed it. So tough to send my daughter off, always wanting to protect her. On the other hand, it was almost a relief to have my son move out before we strangled each other!! Lol
Different situations but both turned out just fine.
Yes, some guys had really nice wood (real wood) paneling. I hear there is a sauna in the building now after a much needed remodel…as I recall, we were lucky to have hot water in the showers. I made lasting friendships with some of the guys on my floor. And because of the unique look of the building, it is often showed on tv during breaks in football telecasts. I even saw a picture of it used on Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” once when they lampooned a college story to laugh about.
We lived in Los Angeles. Our eldest went to school at the University of Oregon, came home after his first year and announced that LA would never be his home again. It never was and now we live in Eugene with him, our granddaughter and her family including our great grandson.
All I can say is Callahan got a face lift since I lived it when was the Honors Dorm in 1995/1996 but the bed space looks the same. Your daughter did pull the cinder blocks under the bed to give herself more storage space? I thought everyone did that! 🤣
My wife and I were freshmen in 1972 and she moved into Callahan, on Floor 5. Many memorable incidents took place there. Some have been told to others many times. Others she and I will enjoy remembering between us and wisely take to the grave with us.
This is so insightful and beautifully written. My youngest graduates from U of O on Monday, and so much of what you share about Dakota's experiences at OSU resonates with me. Despite all of our concern about the effect of social media on these kids, they seem to have figured out how to make and maintain friendships in ways that I never did. I am more proud of that than of her substantial academic achievements.
🥹 I remember “just yesterday” when my best friend and I were traveling back from some Beaver road game and he met you in the airport when your daughter was deciding between OSU and Gonzaga. His daughters were at OSU and Gonzaga so it was the perfect opportunity to help. So cool to see the ending of that great adventure. Congrats to her and your family!
Great article John and congrats to your family. Another milestone of many more. Great reminder for me of how amazing College can be. My two closest friends today were my roommates at WSU 35 years ago.
Congrats, John! My daughter, who I raised from age 11 as a single parent, graduated from law school, did a couple of years in corporate law, and just retired as a JAG and lieutenant colonel from AF a month ago after 20 years. I was so proud of her, and in my mind, I knew, as you know, I did something right.
With my 4 kids all grown up now and having shared similar experiences during their growing up yearsas you and your daughters, I too always try to tell them how proud I am of them because it comes truly from the heart and I really mean it every time I tell them-they are great “kids” and I am so, so proud of them!
Thank your daughter for her service for us
Beautiful piece, John. You eloquently describe what dads of daughters feel.
Could you get the next one to be a Duck? You know, to ensure you are impartial.
Nice story, John! I noticed right away that was the OSU campus and the big arch and gates on Madison (is it still there?) Like you, I launched my daughter to college, ASU in my case, even though I tried to get her to attend OSU, near family support. We drove her down from Minnesota to Tempe, helped her unpack into her dorm room, went and bought the necessities of modern dorm life at Target (a TV, a small refrigerator, some shelving and room supplies), met her roommate, went out to dinner with her roommate and her mother (the girl's brother happened to be in the final rounds of American Idol, so that was fun conversation), and then, the next day, drove home. I don't remember tearing up, we came back for Parent's weekend six weeks later, so it was not a long goodbye. My daughter doesn't do anything by the books, and so the next 5 or 6 years had many interesting twists and turns. Now she is married with three kids and another on the way. I did tear up at her wedding. That was truly the time I had to let go and give her to her husband, who has turned out great. I admit, launching my daughter was much tougher than my son. I think Dad's just naturally expect the boy to take care of himself, but have always been the protector for their daughters. It is very tough to let go.
Yep Brian you nailed it. So tough to send my daughter off, always wanting to protect her. On the other hand, it was almost a relief to have my son move out before we strangled each other!! Lol
Different situations but both turned out just fine.
Weatherford Hall. So unique, great backdrop for photographs! I lived there my Freshman and Sophomore years…back in the last century.
Same here! The Weatherford year was great, got to build my own room, literally.
Yes, some guys had really nice wood (real wood) paneling. I hear there is a sauna in the building now after a much needed remodel…as I recall, we were lucky to have hot water in the showers. I made lasting friendships with some of the guys on my floor. And because of the unique look of the building, it is often showed on tv during breaks in football telecasts. I even saw a picture of it used on Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” once when they lampooned a college story to laugh about.
Wanna feel old? Say last millennium!
John, whatever it takes, you have it!
We lived in Los Angeles. Our eldest went to school at the University of Oregon, came home after his first year and announced that LA would never be his home again. It never was and now we live in Eugene with him, our granddaughter and her family including our great grandson.
We are very happy!
Lived here the majority of my life, but Arizona life beckons soon!
If the Beavs make the championship final series - how bout everyone in here meet in Omaha!
Cheyenne and Dakota? With those names they were meant to meet each other!
That is what I was thinking.
Got a little weepy.
Like me, I’m sure many parents reading this feel you’re telling their story, and so very well.
Hmmm…ever consider a book,JC?
This is sweet, beyond words !!
What amazing writing skills you have!!!
Once again you've knocked it out of the park. OSU reference implied.
Go Beavs! Beat Louisville!
In it to win it! Live the dream!
I think you just wrote your next award-winner, John.
And congrats to your daughter.
All I can say is Callahan got a face lift since I lived it when was the Honors Dorm in 1995/1996 but the bed space looks the same. Your daughter did pull the cinder blocks under the bed to give herself more storage space? I thought everyone did that! 🤣
Congrats!!
My wife and I were freshmen in 1972 and she moved into Callahan, on Floor 5. Many memorable incidents took place there. Some have been told to others many times. Others she and I will enjoy remembering between us and wisely take to the grave with us.
This is so insightful and beautifully written. My youngest graduates from U of O on Monday, and so much of what you share about Dakota's experiences at OSU resonates with me. Despite all of our concern about the effect of social media on these kids, they seem to have figured out how to make and maintain friendships in ways that I never did. I am more proud of that than of her substantial academic achievements.
Children are a reflection of their parents.
Well done, John.
🥹 I remember “just yesterday” when my best friend and I were traveling back from some Beaver road game and he met you in the airport when your daughter was deciding between OSU and Gonzaga. His daughters were at OSU and Gonzaga so it was the perfect opportunity to help. So cool to see the ending of that great adventure. Congrats to her and your family!
Congratulations! I loved this article!
Always love reading about your family. Not a bit surprised at how great your kids are !
Great article John and congrats to your family. Another milestone of many more. Great reminder for me of how amazing College can be. My two closest friends today were my roommates at WSU 35 years ago.