Dr. Harry Peter Kroitor

"Oh I like that!" Dr. Kroiter would say when a student in his class made an erudite or incisive comment in his English 334 "Science Fiction Present and Past" class. I never had to read so much before but it was worth it! Great teacher, encouraged independent and critical thinking. A rare soul who inspired and molded the minds of his students in constructive ways.

HP, I was "born alive" in one of your Texas A&M freshman English classes in September 1960. You were the "best of the best," an outstanding professor, mentor, and life-changer. Rest in peace in that "hell of a good Universe next door," my friend.

I still treasure Dr. Kroiter's comments and notes from honors English, 30 years later. He reached my young mind in ways that still matter deeply today. His early encouragement was profoundly important and I wanted to thank him somehow.

Harry taught me how to write as a freshman physics student. He was also an outstanding role model as a playful and critical thinker. I will always be grateful for that.

Alan/George, my sympathies to you and your families. Harry was one of a kind. He was a teacher, mentor, and friend to me for nearly 50 years. He willingly shared his knowledge and understanding of literature and poetry, his perspective on great ideas and great works with his students, friends, and teaching associates. H.P. seemed to take a personal interest in everyone he met but especially his students. He could captivate a large Shakespeare class, a graduate seminar, or a small discussion group like no other professor I ever encountered. Each class was a memorable performance and he challenged us all to excel as students. He was a positive influence on all of us who knew and loved him, and he will be greatly missed.

Thanks, Harry, for all the years of friendship--for being a mentor way back when--for teaching me how to use my TRS-80 computer--for all the great discussions of poetry and life.

I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to know Harry. He became a great friend, and I enjoyed the time we spent together talking about ideas, literature, and life. I'll greatly miss our book group meetings. He brought such a great sense of humor and intelligence to our meetings. I miss my friend.

Harry was a good friend of mine. I enjoyed his sharing of his great knowledge and experience. I will sorely miss him, he had become quite a strength in my life.

There are a few professors who made a memorable impact in my life, Dr. Kroiter was one of them. He was a truly great teacher and will be remembered fondly.

Harry, You were the best English professor at TAMU. You will be missed.