Last week, the Department said farewell to its Executive Vice Chair Dr. Karl Thomas. A line stretched out the door of the Department conference room for many to shake his hand and to express just how much he would be missed. Dr. Joe Zabner, in typical fashion, mixed humor with sincerity in describing how long he has known Dr. Thomas as a member of his division. Department Chair Dr. Dale Abel echoed many of his sentiments here, emphasizing again how important Dr. Thomas was to him in this first year in the position. Each of them presented Dr. Thomas with gifts: a framed photograph from many years ago and an Iowa-inscribed desk chair, both of which we all hope keep us as close in spirit to Dr. Thomas as he will continue to be for us.