Nearly 100 people gathered to pay tribute to former art history professor Robert "Bob" MacLean Quinn yesterday in the Center for Creative Photography.
The professor, who gave his last lecture at the UA nearly 20 years ago, died Oct. 26 at age 82. He was remembered for making great and substantial contributions to the UA community during his long career.
"He was a fascinating raconteur and a captivating lecturer," said Cornelius Steelink, a former colleague of Quinn's who delivered a eulogy.
"Whether describing Reformation art to a large class in the university auditorium or to a small group of intimate friends, he could make those pictures come alive," he said.
More than half of those in attendance were former art history students who said their views on art history were sculpted by Quinn.
Internationally renowned Southwest folklorist Jim Griffith, a former student of Quinn's, said the professor made a big impact on the way he views art history.
"I am one of Bob's students because he molded the way I think about art history," Griffith said. "The man was a master storyteller."
Andy Rush, a former colleague of Quinn's, read a copy of the educator's last lecture at the ceremony.
Quinn, who taught more than 10,000 students during his tenure at the UA, said in his last class that being an educator was wholly fulfilling.
"I've tried to be stimulating and demanding, and I've tried to be scrupulous and fair," he said in his last class.
"A good teacher loves knowledge, he loves his subject; he is enchanted by it. Students are central to a true teacher's life. They are his monument, not his degrees, honors, books," he said. "They go forth and do things, and a part of the teacher goes with them."
After the eulogies, those at the memorial passed a microphone and swapped stories about the life of the man they fondly referred to as a "connoisseur of fine art, music and beer."
Nels Jensen, Quinn's cousin and only surviving relative, said that the memorial was intended to be a celebration of a wonderful life.
"We certainly came to honor his memory," Jensen said. "I'm certain that we've accomplished that."