Mexican Sunflower

I was fortunate to have been a colleague of hers at Mason and for all those years, she was my “go to” for guidance on all things research compliance—she was so very, very wise and one of the smartest people I ever knew.  I joked with her that I had her on “speed dial” because I relied on her so frequently.

One of my favorite memories was once when I was in her office, I admired a photo she had taken of her red Mexican sunflowers.  I had never seen a flower like that and was asking her about it.  Next thing I knew, there was a package red Mexican sunflower seeds in my campus mailbox.  She had found them on Amazon and had ordered me some.

This is just one of many small examples of her thoughtfulness—always putting others first and making us feel cared for.  Her loss as both a professional colleague and friend is immense to all of us who worked with her.  Our lives are better for her having been a part of them.

Eileen Gallagher, JD
Director of Contracts
Office of Sponsored Programs
George Mason University

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