Frank Louis Day

I'm very late to this and not sure if it's still active. Professor Day mentored me as I shifted from a BS in chemical engineering to an MA in English. He was the main person who made such a shift possible. Among the many things he taught me were not to take myself so seriously and to take joy in my work. I now teach at the University of Central Florida, and I think about Professor Day often, striving to have the same kind of impact on my students that he had on me.

I have often wondered if Frank ever wrote that book he kept saying he was going to write. I asked him if I was going to be in it and he said definitely! I told him I certainly hoped it was something good and he said yes and he would give me a signed copy after he wrote it. Unfortunately, I was badly injured in 1984 while working as a Motorcycle Officer and retired in 1985 as disabled and never saw Frank again.

Frank Day was a professor of mine at Clemson -- probably my favorite professor from among a handful of greats. As an engineering student signed up for a 1981 World Literature survey course, I had no idea what I was getting into when I walked into his class. But from the first session, this large fellow with the intriguing, "Down East" accent charmed us with his endless stories, infectious wit, and impish demeanor. And his love and knowledge of literature. So much so that on the final day...

Frank rode with me during patrol with the Greenville, Police Dept. He was a great asset with his knowledge of human nature but he also soaked up new knowledge about people that most folks do not see, the poor or criminal types and what makes them tick. He loved to try and understand them. He also had my back and I never worried that he didn't. Miss those days and our long discussions while we worked together.

One day I hope that Frank and I will be able to 'see' each other again in Heaven and we can talk about his travels and the experiances he had. I loved our talks while patrolling the streets of Greenville discussing the reasons why certain people committed crimes etc.. Miss you Frank.

Remembering Frank--as a college professor, I continue to think of him each week. An editor for the Twayne series, he was responsible for my first book contract, and he also guided me through the rigors of academe with a smile and a joke. The best well-read man I ever knew, Frank had an incredible memory, and was the sort of professor in the classroom who just made everything better. I miss him, but he's always here with me.

Mr. Day was a powerful force in the classroom and a a trusted friend outside it. I am so sad he is gone, but he left behind a legacy of dedicated students and his friends, including me. RIP Frank.