Andrew Robert Lee Cayton

Dear Dr. Cayton,
Hello--we've never met, but your husband was my absolute favorite professor during my time at Miami University in the early 2000s. I was just flipping through the latest issue of my alumni magazine and saw the terribly sad news about his passing late last year, and I just wanted to reach out to you to tell you how sorry I was to hear it and to let you know what fond memories I have of his classes. I had him in History 111 my freshman year and pretty much took every class...

I took Dr. Cayton's American History course as a non-traditional student. It was a required course, and I had some bad memories of history courses taken long ago because I am dyslexic. That first session was an eye-opener. Dr. Cayton was able to settle down some of the rowdier young males with wicked humor and it just gotr better from there! That course was one of the most memorable I took at Miami and left me with a major thirst for history!

Dr. Cayton,
I was a student of yours and of Drew's in the early 1990s. I remember his lectures to this day. History came alive as he spoke. After graduation, I taught high school in Compton, CA through Teach for America, and tried to impart to my students the spirit of US History that Drew had revealed to me. You also were a wonderful teacher, as well as an insightful advisor. Seeing your marriage to Drew was the first time I had the chance to see a real marriage of equals, with...

You may not know me, my sister, Jennifer (Bailey) Humphrey, told me about the passing of your husband. You met with my son, Andy, when he was at Miami U. My/our condolences to you and your family at such a difficult time.
Maryellyn Kress
Columbus, Ohio

Dear Mary,

Amy and I send our condolences to you, Elizabeth and Hannah on the passing of Drew. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Jason and Amy Roberts

The years Drew and I spent working together at Ball State were energizing. I will miss my friend.

Dear Dr. Cayton,
I was saddened and shocked to hear of your loss. Drew was my thesis adviser at Ball State and I've always considered him my mentor. His passion for teaching has inspired me as I've moved through my career. I will always be grateful to him for his encouragement, good humor and faith in me. My sympathy is extended to you and your family.

Dear Mary, I feel sorrow at the depths of my being for your loss. Drew was a tremendous scholar, gifted teacher, loyal friend, and--most important--wonderful father and husband to you and your "girls." I can't believe that such a wise and loving being is gone.
Will see you on the 28th.

I'm so sad for you, Mary.