Stopping the line, if that's what it takes

To declare that Dr. William Taylor's impact on Michigan's fisheries is substantial is not only an understatement, but it is also without recognition of his personal influence that he had on me, my career in fisheries, and the careers of countless students in natural resources. Of course, Dr. Taylor was a leader in many endeavors that made monumental advancements in fisheries research and management including, but not fully encompassing, initiatives such as DNR-MSU Partnership for Ecosystem Research and Management (PERM), the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust Scientific Advisory Team, the Board of Technical Experts for the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, initiating Diversity and Equity and Inclusion efforts in our field, etc. However, it is often those unseen, rather nuanced moments of influence that had a cascading, butterfly-like effect on the future of fisheries and natural resource professionals. With Bill, it often came as a personal connection, a statement of curiosity in your interests and happenings, or a moment of support and encouragement that many fisheries professionals speak of and share immense appreciation for, and so it is true for me.As an undergraduate at Michigan State University and in search of my path, I did as many undergraduates have done by switching my focus several times, from veterinary medicine to forestry to wildlife management and finally consideration of fisheries research and management. Although busy with teaching, research, and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife duties, Bill took the time to check in with me, provide support and direction, but even more importantly help to build my confidence through his enduring approach and enthusiasm in my career path. As graduation approached, I still had interest in a multitude of topics from economics to natural resources. My academic advisor at the time, Dr. Darrell King, had worked with me to set up some visits for potential graduate school assistantships at various universities across the Midwest. As graduation was rapidly approaching, I was continuing to deliberate on what I was going to do, and unbeknownst to me, Bill was aware of this.I had decided to attend and walk in the graduation ceremony at MSU with several family members and friends attending. However, the experience felt a little like a factory as I stood in a long, long line to shake hands with some Department chairs, provosts, and University leadership only to receive a blank piece of rolled up paper that was only meant to give the appearance of a diploma. We were given firm directions to keep the line moving as we approached the stage and move across it. Much to my pleasant surprise, there was Dr. Taylor in a long line of university representatives shaking hands with the many, likely hundreds if not thousands, of graduates. However, my surprise turned to panic when I reached Dr. Taylor and I held out my hand to shake his, as he grabbed mine with both of his and wouldn't let go. As you can imagine, the line stopped and backed up. He enthusiastically asked if I had decided on graduate school, and I replied yes, then he wanted to know what school and my future advisors name. The space between me and the student in front of me felt like a mile. My family and friends must have thought that they were not going to let me receive my diploma. But this moment encapsulates the Dr. Taylor that I know and the impact that he had on many, many fisheries professionals. How could I not go into fisheries and natural resources after he stopped the line? So, I thank you, Bill, for all that you have done for our fisheries and for so many of us.