Reunion Roundup
Tribute to Leonard DeLonga
DeLonga challenged his students personally as well as artistically. He and his wife, Sandy, welcomed them into their home and into their hearts. It is not surprising that many students remained in close touch with DeLonga until his untimely death at age 65 in 1991, and continue to enjoy a relationship with his wife today.
The Class of 1967’s tribute to Professor Leonard DeLonga was set in an exhibit of art by graduating seniors, and featured a digital presentation of alumnae artwork and a book of alumnae memories of DeLonga shared by former students. The Virtual Art Gallery DVD, developed by Laurie Cagnetta ’82, will eventually be able to be viewed online. Contact Laurie directly for more information. Louise Mitsuda Hillman ’67 was responsible for the Book of Memories. A limited number of copies of the Memories Book remain available from the event chair, Judith Wood Peck ’67. (Those who reserved prior to the event will be ensured copies.)
Shoba Narayan ’88, journalist, award winning author, and former DeLonga student, traveled from India to offer a personal tribute at the event. Speaking directly to DeLonga’s wife, Sandy, and his family, as well as to the many who had come to honor him, she said, “Leonard could not have envisioned the long ranging impact he would have . . . He was a wonderful sculptor and a remarkable human being . . . It would be fair to say there was no one like him.”
Those in attendance clearly resonated with Narayan’s comments. The atmosphere of love and esteem was palpable.
Note: More information about Shoba and her book can be viewed at http://www.shobanarayan.com. Some autographed copies of Monsoon Diary are also available for discounted purchase through Judith Peck.
Mount Holyoke Class of 1967 Tribute to Leonard DeLonga
Keynote Address by Shoba Narayan ’88
You know… it wasn't easy being DeLonga. I know this because I've tried to be him.
Here was a man who was an exemplary sculptor, an inspiring teacher, a doting husband and father. And he did all this with a sense of ease, a sense of joy, of playfulness, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, when in fact it is not, as any of us will attest.
Think about it: DeLonga operated in our world yet he was different. He had to work with the same people and the systems yet he never seemed to get bogged down by them. The rest of us meanwhile try to organize events and work with people—and the whole thing gets complicated. We resent people, we dislike their style, we can't stand somebody. I am sure we have all heard statements like, “You know, she has a great heart and she means well but god, she drives me nuts.”
So the question I had in mind was: How come DeLonga doesn't drive anyone nuts? How come nobody dislikes him? How come he is so revered by so many people? I thought long and hard about this as I prepared for this event and I think I have finally solved the mystery. I think I have finally discovered what I believe is the essence of DeLonga, what makes him tick (forgive me if I lapse occasionally into the present tense).
I think DeLonga is the way he is because he approaches the world like a child. When he looked at you, you knew he was taking you at face value, without any baggage, without any preconceptions or misconceptions. He simply accepted us and with his acceptance and love, he made us strive to become better. This got me to think: what is the simplest way that I can be like DeLonga?
His talent for art and sculpture are beyond my realm; his marriage and his lifelong love for Sandy set the standard for all our relationships. But was there a way I could live like him? I think I have figured out the answer intellectually; I am yet to live it however. The answer lies in one of the dictums of Zen Buddhism: Be Here Now. DeLonga always lived in the present. When he was dealing with his student, he was fully present, not reoccupied with airline schedules or lists of things to do, but fully available. And the best part is that this is something we can all do. Be Here Now. When you talk to someone, don't worry about how you are going to get to the airport tomorrow. Just breathe and be present. DeLonga taught with this sense of joy, with a sense of playfulness. He lived for the moment, for every moment.
The second part of DeLonga's life I would like to emulate is his lifelong love affair with Sandy. Sandy brought a smile to his eyes and a twinkle to his lips. He was bonkers about her. Now, I've been married 15 years and this afternoon when I went to see Sandy, I asked her what the secret of their magic was. She said a lot of wise and wonderful things but in essence she said that every time she wanted to say something hurtful to Leonard, she would open her mouth and simply close it. That she always put Leonard first and he put her first. That it took effort to sustain a loving relationship—leaving love notes, surprising the other person, and, most important for a feminist Mount Holyoke woman like me—submerging the ego and compromising. Not always thinking that you are right. Now, I have resolved to go back home and be like Sandy. My husband is going to be one happy man.
Lastly, I came to this reunion for a very selfish reason. In India, where I come from, we say that honoring one's teacher, one's guru is good karma. You get a lot of points from the cosmos for honoring your teacher. I came to see Sandy and because I loved DeLonga. But I also came because I couldn’t NOT come. I believe that good things will happen when you attend events like this. And I know that good things will happen to all of you when you go home. Some of you will win the lottery, get a promotion, go on a cruise, meet a soulmate. For me, I will write my next book. All because of DeLonga's blessings.
I thank you all for coming. I thank Judy Peck for initiating this. I thank Louise Hillman and Laurie Cagnetta for the wonderful keepsake booklets. Enjoy the rest of the evening.
