Iman Chahine

September 12, 2011

A Tribute to Joan

Iman Chahine

Georgia State University

Atlanta, GA

For such people who believe He has written Faith in their hearts, and He has strengthened them with a spirit from Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to live in there (forever).

*Quran [Al-Mujadila, 58:22]

To an educator extraordinaire on all aspects of philosophy and culture, ardent scholar and inspirational teacher,

To one of the gentlest and kindest of friends,

To Joan… I dedicate a few words.

Ever since I knew Joan, my appreciation for her character, wisdom and humanity has grown tremendously.

There is erudition, there is grace, there is simplicity in her demeanor; humor twinkled ceaselessly in eyes fixed always upon the endless pursuit of knowledge. I can tell from Joan’s relationships with friends and colleagues that her living example inspired lifestyles of voluntary simplicity in so many who know her.

It’s actually not only her scintillated intellect that captured my admiration, no, what fascinated me about Joan was the quality of her opinions, fluid and unconventional narratives that melted into each other with a deep understanding of human character  and a great appreciation for the nobility of ordinary life.

 After my first encounter with Joan,  I formulated the naive hypothesis that her brain, blessed with exceptional memory and curiosity, was not only guided by her kind and generous heart but was driven by a very caring and warm persona unmatched by a majority of contemporary educators  I have come across.

And to me, this points to her greatest quality, her honesty. Above all, she is honest with others and with herself. Her simplicity is the simplicity of someone who has nothing to hide. Her originality and wisdom were the consequences of a sharp intellect and a radiant acceptance of all living beings that God created. Her humility and compassion constantly arose despite her valiant and stellar contributions to her profession and to the institution that she served fearlessly, wisely and with great integrity.

For all the lives that you touched and changed simply by virtue of being a human being, I wish you Joan an everlasting joy and great happiness.

Joan Conolly… I am so glad we met.

During my last visit to Durban July, 2011



Joan and MPRites with Iman Chahine