Jon is resting in peace. He called me at least once a year for more years than I recall to talk with his classes about the changing world of market research. He was unusual in the academic community in that he saw to it that his students went off campus as often as possible to learn about what advertising, marketing and journalism professionals do in their jobs. Although I sometimes went to his classroom, more often he brought the students to my office.

He remembered every detail of what we talked about from one time to the next. We had an extended conversation about the role of research in achieving marketing goals. He always began each class where I was the guest speaker with the story of his seeing my picture in Advertising Age, boosting my ego, saying how fortunate he and the students were to know someone who appeared in this publication. Everyone who spoke to Jon's classes was, according to Jon, the most brilliant and esteemed person in the industry.

I learned from Jon in every phone call and meeting and was lifted up by the joy he saw in public relations, advertising research, his students, and in life.

I am a former student of Jon Wardrip’s.  I graduated in 2002 and when I heard of the recent news I was shocked!  Jon was a such a wonderful professor!  My major was Marketing and minor was in Advertising, however, I can honestly say I have never had such an inspirational professor to work with in my minor!  Many admired him!  He made you laugh and he made you work!  He will never be forgotten and he will always live in my college memories as a wonderful teacher and role model!

I first laid eyes on Jon when he sauntered into Miss Gement's class--that wasn't some J-school, that was first grade. He arrived as a self-assured "older man" of nearly 7; he'd missed the previous school year due to illness. And there--Knapp School, Racine, Wisconsin--Jon picked up the first tools of his trade, as we lit into learning to read. He and I chaired the "Bluebird" group, comprising kids who caught on fastest to Dick and Jane. (No p.c. in 1946, no making every child feel special; Miss Gement ran a meritocracy.)

From the very first day--and for the next 12 years--Jon was our icon of fineness. Even as a little boy, he radiated kindness and grace. As a big one, he did the same.

For a too-short string of May Sundays, Jon, our high-school classmate Carol Caton (a Columbia professor), and I crammed memories, philosophies, and jokes into Jon's few free hours in New York. That was our own sweet Maymester.

What can I say about a wonderful professor who inspired us to learn so much more than just journalism. He took the time with each and every student to make sure we thought about our careers after college. Although, I did not exactly end up being the PR Director or ad executive, I develop my own advertising and public relations to help grow my business in the sales industry. I often have other coworkers ask me to help them with their advertising. I do not say this to boast in any way, but to thank the J-School and all of its counterparts!

Now that you are one man down from when I graduated in May of 2002, you are keeping him alive by continuing the Maymester trip to NYC. I went on the trip in 2001 and had a great time! I did contract a stomach virus which I passed on to others and Jon Wardrip. After I graduated, I would see him and his wife at church and around town. We would chat and he would say, "Dottie you remember Kara, right? She was "the carrier" when we went to New York! She got everyone sick!" He never let me forget that!

We will miss you so much, Professor Wardrip!!

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