Girard-DiCarlo, David F.

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Dean Reuschlein - The Light of the World

Villanova University School of Law: Digital Repository

Volume 45 Issue 1 Article 7 2000 Dean Reuschlein - The Light of the World David F. Girard-DiCarlo Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.law.villanova.edu/vlr  Part of the Legal Biography Commons Recommended Citation David F. Girard-DiCarlo, Dean Reuschlein - The Light of the World, 45 Vill. L. Rev. 17 (2000). Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.villanova.edu/vlr/vol45/iss1/7 This Tribute is brought to you for free and open access by Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Villanova Law Review by an authorized editor of Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law Digital Repository. 20001DEAN REUSCHLEIN-THE LIGHT OF THE WORLDDAVID F. GIRARD-DICARLO*IT is a distinct honor and privilege to offer my remarks in tribute toDean Harold Gill Reuschlein. He was a singular man of distinction whomade a positive difference in all that he did and who influenced positivelythe lives of so many, many people.I do not know how many of you have seen or are familiar with therecent movie "Sliding Doors." "Sliding Doors" is a British film producedby Sydney Pollock. The premise of the movie is the differences that occurin the life of a young woman who, having been fired from her job, seeks toreturn to her home by taking the London underground. The movietracks her life along dual paths-one path taken results from her makingthe subway train; the other path taken results from her not being able tomake the train because the sliding subway doors close before she canenter.The movie depicts how different her life turns out by that seeminglyunimportant event.How many of us would have had a very different life, and I submit, aless enriched and successful life, had we not had the blessing of beingtouched by Dean Reuschlein?Permit me to share with you the profound impact the Dean had uponme. During my law school days, I confronted a very difficult personal chal-lenge, a challenge that created serious doubt about my ability to continuein school. I was without adequate financial resources. And, with greatanxiety and apprehension, I made an appointment to see the Dean toinform him that I could not return to school. Upon visiting with him andhaving explained my circumstances, the Dean reassured me and told me"not to worry, young man" and that he would get back to me.A short time later, at the Dean's request, I returned to visit with himagain. At that second visit, I was informed that I was the recipient of whatI later learned was the first Reuschlein Scholarship.I have never forgotten the lesson learned that no matter what oneaccomplishes in life, somebody helps you. No one succeeds on their own.In the Book of Matthew, there is this passage:Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on the hill can notbe hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel,but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the* J.D. 1973, Villanova University School of Law; Editor-in-Chief, Villanova LawReview, 1972-73. Mr. David F. Girard-diCarlo is presently the Managing Partner ofBlank Rome Comisky & McCauley.(17)1Girard-DiCarlo: Dean Reuschlein - The Light of the WorldPublished by Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law Digital Repository, 2000VILLANOVA LAW REVIEWhouse. Let your light so shine before men; that they may seeyour good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.'Harold Gill Reuschlein was a man whose shining light guided somany. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments. But, we will miss hisintellect, his humor, his compassion and his faith-his faith in God andhis faith in the goodness of people.Those of us who are charged with. playing a role in assisting the lawschool to reach new levels of achievement and success must do so with akeen awareness of the high standards set by Dean Reuschlein. Eventhough he will no longer be available to us for counsel as we struggle tomeet each new challenge, we realize that his presence lives on through us.Therefore, while it is fitting and proper that we mourn his passing, itis nonetheless fitting and proper that we celebrate the gift he gave us-thegift of having been touched by greatness. We are all the better because ofhim. And that, my friends and colleagues, is worthy of celebration.Thank you very much.1. Matthew 5:14-16.[Vol. 45: p. 172Villanova Law Review, Vol. 45, Iss. 1 [2000], Art. 7https://digitalcommons.law.villanova.edu/vlr/vol45/iss1/7

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Dean Reuschlein - The Light of the World

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