from Janna Olson Gies, Kirk, Krista, Katherine, Chad, Austin, Emma, and Anderson
Twenty-four years,
many trips,
two weddings,
three grands,
many pounds later,
still fun and happy.
Thanks 4 all!!!
By Blake D. Morant
As a graduate of the University in the ‘70s, I never had the privilege and pleasure of studying Spanish with the incomparable David Gies. I did, however, meet him for the first time at the Dulles international Airport in the early ‘90s, when I took my wife to meet him and a group of teachers bound for one of his programs in Spain. Though my conversational Spanish was rudimentary, David graciously engaged me in such a manner, as I felt both comfortable and surprisingly credible. Right away I knew what a special teacher he must have been.
Over 20 years later, I, along with my wife Paulette, have had the privilege of becoming friends with him and his dear wife, Janna. As an educator myself, I appreciate the importance of teachers who possess academic competence as well empathy for the students you impact. After all, students constitute a teacher’s lasting legacy. That being the case, David remains an icon in higher education. He has educated a legion of individuals who have taken on the charge to advance not only Spanish, but also the love of learning that comes from both doctrine and experience. Little did he know that his example has been a wonderful motivator for me as a law professor.
David’s “shoes,” euphemistically of course, will be difficult to fill. He leaves a void at a time when higher education needs more teachers who possess his degree of commitment, intellect, and humanitarianism. Hopefully that legion of former students, together with individuals who, like me, took inspiration from his career, will step forward to fill that void.
I wish him well as he advances to this next chapter and extend my greatest appreciation for inspiring so many. His legacy will be everlasting.
Blake D. Morant
Dean and Robert Kramer Research Professor of Law
The George Washington University Law School
by Gretchen Shively
As one of David’s four sisters-in-law on Janna’s side of the family, I am writing to add to sister Kristin’s wonderful toast to David. Most of the accolades in this journal have been written by his former students and colleagues as a fabulous tribute to his role as a professor, mentor, and academic leader, of which we are well aware but didn’t experience ourselves. But there’s so much more to David than his abilities as a teacher. He is constantly energetic, funny, upbeat, spirited, caring, kind, and so generous with his time and friendship (and a fabulous cook as well). I’ve never known anyone who can get more done in any single 24-hour period, day after day. We so enjoy participating vicariously in Janna’s and his worldwide travels through his many pictures and reports of places they’ve been. Whenever my husband and I are going to a new part of the world, where David has inevitably already been, we ask for his advice and he writes a long reply with many travel tips, especially about the best restaurants in the area. He has been such a wonderful husband and partner to Janna, which will of course continue in his retirement. Also, on behalf of our 98-year-old mother, I want to express our appreciation to him for how loving and supportive he’s been to her over the years, including the time he took his own mom and ours on a fantastic 10-day trip to all his favorite places in Spain. Welcome to the world of retirement, David. I’m sure you will make the most of it, knowing you!
There once was a prof named Gies
Whose efforts would more than suffice.
He taught Spanish for years
And brought students to tears
With his knowledge of Spain and advice.
He travelled the world far and wide
With students and friends and his bride
He reported his trips
With multiple tips
On places to eat, drink and stride.
But now Gies is going to retire
Do we think he will really aspire?
To sitting at home
And being alone?
More likely he’d rather expire.
He isn’t that sort of man, is he?
Instead he will make us all dizzy
By talking and cooking
And writing and booking
And so he will always be busy.
Happy retirement, David!
From Gretchen and Chuck
By Kristin Carlson
My David Gies story is unique. I did not meet David in a classroom or in Spain, I do not speak Spanish and have never been on Semester at Sea. I love him as a brother as that is what he is to me!
I first met David through a phone call from my oldest (or shortest as she prefers to be described) sister, Janna. She called to tell me that she had met someone. Janna was working at the Virginia Quarterly Review and her boss, Staige, had a frequent visitor to the office. Supposedly, David was just writing reviews, but he was quite proficient in his reviews that fall. He also claimed Staige’s dog, who was always at the office, needed attention. Eventually, David asked Janna out for dinner and they began to get to know each other.
I am one of five sisters and although we live all over the world, we are very close. I was tasked with checking this man out to see if he was too good to be true. So, my Mom and I made the trip out to Charlottesville to meet David. We were staying at Janna’s and in the morning there was a knock on the door. There stood the distinguished professor with a jar of peanut butter in his hand. What a perfect introduction to this man who pays attention to details and somehow knew that my mother loves her peanut butter for breakfast. The next few days we experienced his hospitality in many ways. He gave us tours of the university, entertained us with his stories, invited us to attend one of his lectures and, of course, fed us his world renowned paella. And for dessert, he pulled a spaghetti maker out of his bread box and proceeded to make noodles out of ice cream topped with strawberry sauce for the spaghetti sauce!
When I got home from the trip, I immediately received phone calls from the other sisters and I very happily reported that yes, David Gies did get our rousing approval. Or, in movie review language, two thumbs up. In November of that year, Mom and Dad and all the sisters gathered in Charlottesville for Janna and David’s wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony on the UVA campus and we were all thrilled for them and the start of a new chapter in their lives.
In the years since then, my respect and love for David has continued to grow. I have so enjoyed living vicariously through their many adventures. I am pleased and proud to brag about my famous brother-in-law who has been knighted by the King of Spain, honored by the University of Virginia with many accolades, is the world’s foremost authority of 18th Century Spanish erotic literature (or some such thing), and has even been on Jeopardy. But I have to say that for me, the most important thing about David is his presence as a wonderful husband, step-father, grandfather (Lito), uncle to my kids, and my brother. Thank you, David, for enriching all of our lives.
From the Paramount Theater Staff
January 11, 2018
Congratulations, David and Janna!
We absolutely could not be more thrilled for you as you close out your final academic year and make the transition to retirement! Each and every one of us at the Theater is proud to call you a friend, loyal supporter of The Paramount’s mission, dedicated Board Member, and enthusiastic patron.
During the many years you have volunteered hours of service to The Paramount, we knew what a gem the University of Virginia found with you as a mentor and teacher for the students. Your unwavering enthusiastic support of our events, which you graciously shared with students and colleagues, showed us the confidence you have in our programming efforts. We are honored that our events could add another avenue of arts education for our UVA community. And, we hope along the way, we provided you with the academic thrill of diverse performances on our stage and screen!
The hours and support you have generously given to The Paramount over many years speak to your commitment to local arts in our community. Whether you are hosting Paramount Supporters pre-show making all feel like a treasured guest in your second home, to chatting with performers before the event, or running into performers at the airport (!), you are first to sing the praises of the Theater. We could not ask for a bigger champion for arts at The Paramount Theater than you. Your unwavering enthusiasm for all types of programming is contagious and we are grateful for the many friends you have introduced to the Theater. We are honored to call you our friend.
Cheers to all your retirement holds! We can’t wait to celebrate with you – and hope to see you even more at The Paramount, now that you will have so much free time!
The best is yet to come!
Chris Eure, Executive Director
and The Paramount Staff
Robert Benjamin, Technical Operations Manager
Melissa Collins, Marketing Assistant
Nikki Correll, Senior Administrative Assistant
Malcolm Dyson, Front of House Operations Manager
Chris Faulkner, Major Gifts Officer
Maran Garland, Director of Marketing
Gary Green, Audio & Systems Manager
Ian MacLaren, Accounting Assistant
Rosemary Miller, Assistant Director of Development
Ryan Peacher, Systems Specialist
Matthew Simon, Director of Operations and Programming
Eve Stavropoulos, Box Office Manager
Mical Tawney, Event Administrative Assistant
Cathy von Storch, Education and Outreach Manager
Megan Winter, Controller
Cade Wiberg, Front of House Manager
By Karen and Scott Knierim
