Comments from Educators, Supporters, and Media
To read educators' comments for a particular year, just click on your chosen category from the list below. The "Back to List" link at the bottom of the page will return you to this list. You can also follow through each of the sections in order by clicking the "Next Section" link at the bottom of the page.
To read comments and accolades from many of the students to whom Gary has lectured from September 2002 to the present, visit the Comments from Students page. To read letters of support for Gary following PETA's decision not to fund his lecture tour, visit the page entitled Comments from Gary Yourofsky's Supporters. Click the link at right to read media clips about Gary Yourofsky.
Media Clips
"They travel to schools and towns all over the country to spread their message. They cite kindness to animals as the main reason for not eating meat or animal by-products, as well as health and environmental reasons. Their style is more informational than forced down your throat. They provide the information, aiming to open people's eyes, and then let the chips fall as they may." Jennifer Heaslip, Roanoke Daily Herald, 4/28/04
"Joe Blake, an Oakland U. freshman, attended one of Yourofsky's talks and described it as ’mind-blowing.’" Susan Bromley, The Oakland Post, 2/20/02
"Gary Yourofsky believes we are all living in a new Auschwitz. Make that a million times worse than the Nazi death camp. The way he sees it, the vast majority of us are participants in this holocaust. Yourofsky rarely sugarcoats it. He doesn't show his videotape of a cow having her ovaries ripped out—without anesthesia—to elementary kids. Otherwise, he's proudly, defiantly, deliberately, in your face." Jack Lessenberry, Hour Detroit Magazine, 5/02
"Yourofsky believes without a doubt that the circus is an animal slavery enterprise. Animals endure vicious beatings, endless confinement with chains or cages, forced trickery and tortuous hours of non air conditioned transportation. Last year, Yourofsky circulated a proposal to several cities asking that they outlaw circuses with animal acts. Detroit Zoo Director Ron Kagan endorsed that proposal, saying the travel and training of the animals is cruel." Kim North Shine, Detroit Free Press, 9/8/99
"Although just 29, Royal Oak's Gary Yourofsky has already experienced more than many people will, or ever will want to, in a lifetime. He's picketed prominent businesses, chained his neck to the axle of his car, been arrested at least 10 times and spent 77 days in a maximum security detention center—all in the name of animal rights. When Yourofsky speaks about animals, things change. An intensity surrounds him, his words come fast, yet firm, his arms wave often, and he barely stops to catch his breath between sentences. For the last two years, he has been, arguably, the most recognizable and talked about member of the animal rights movement in Michigan." Cathy Nelson, The Daily Tribune, 2/27/00
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Comments from Educators 2010
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Joe Krylow [Cecil College in MD]
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2010 6:22 PM
Remember the woman who after the lecture said she had to pray about what to do? Well god has spoken ... and he said -- "GO VEGAN." You got her man! Damn good work!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Bill Crain [City College-NY]
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 8:46 PM
Thank you so much for joining our class for two sessions. It got tense toward the end, but I am confident your visits will turn out to be one of the truly educational experiences of the students' college careers. I spoke informally with a few students afterward, and they agree with my assessment. In the fall, I'd like you to come back to lecture to my large Infancy and Childhood class--over 200 students. Keep up the inspired work.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Cecilia Moore-Cobb [Pitt Community College]
Sent: Saturday, April 03, 2010 3:44 PM
I can report that the meat of both four-legged and finned creatures hasn't crossed by lips in months. Virtually no cheese or eggs unless I'm eating them in something baked by someone else. I'm drinking almond "milk" and think it's wonderful. One of my colleagues is also using almond milk now as well as I've written about what I am doing. So what am I going to do over spring break? I'll be visiting my daughter who's pretty much vegan now, too. Continue to have such splendid successes!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Nicole Pitts [Oakland Community College-Southfield]
Sent: Friday, April 02, 2010 11:03 AM
Lots of people were moved by your presentation, and it's been great to be supportive of their new lifestyle choices.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Marina Veronica [San Francisco Art Academy]
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 4:24 PM
After meeting you at Miami Dade College, I gave up fish entirely. Pure vegetarian. I am trying to go vegan. Even if it is only for part of the week.
-----Original Message-----
From: Teacher Jean Schlitzkus [Mission Early H.S. in TX]
Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 12:12 PM
You are a trooper! Thanks so much for presenting 6 hours straight on Friday at MEHS. There is no doubt about your committment to the cause. The kids definitely had their eyes opened and I know your message will resonate. It was great to see you and I sincerely appreciate your speaking at the school.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Terry Carmon [Chattahoochee Tech Center]
Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 11:28 PM
You were great.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Ronnie Hawkins [UCF]
Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 9:14 AM
I just want to thank you for another series of stimulating presentations.
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Comments from Educators 2009
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Steven Varela [UTEP]
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 11:45 AM
Just wanted to say "Thanks" for the presentation Tuesday. The students responded extremely well, as always. I meant to tell you also, that the new video had a huge impact. I loved the fact that the sanctuary was included.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Cynthia Ganote [St. Mary's College in CA]
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 6:06 PM
Thanks *so* much for doing the presentation in my Social Problems class today! I thought it was *extremely* effective, and it left me and my students with a *lot* to think about. I really appreciate your generosity!
-----Original Message-----
From: Teacher Jennie Smith [Hialeah High School]
Sent: Saturday, November 07, 2009 6:17 PM
I'm a teacher at Hialeah High School in Miami, where you lectured this past week; I brought my students to your assembly. I just wanted to thank you for coming and for talking with us. Your lecture did make a big impression on many of them; I have taken other classes to two different "presentations" in the past month (on extremely different topics, granted) and yours is the only one where the children actually left the assembly discussing what they had heard (other than just making fun of the speaker). There was some debate, a lot of thoughts and feelings...it was obvious that they had been provoked to think about it, whether they end up actually making any immediate changes or not. So for that alone, thank you. As for myself, I am an animal-lover, with 3 cats at home (all strays) and abhor the idea of cruelty to them; the slaughterhouse footage was appalling and stomach-churning, and seeing that makes it very hard to think about eating meat. To be quite frank, I had a strong feeling that I would be easily convinced to go back to being vegetarian before I went to your lecture (knowing what your lecture would be about) since the idea of butchering and eating animals when it is not necessary for our survival was something that, as I said, I had already been quite conflicted about and only avoiding giving it much thought enabled me to continue eating meat. However, I very strongly doubted that anyone could ever convince me to give up dairy. (Eggs I have never much cared for; but, like you said during the presentation ... CHEESE). So congratulations! After your lecture, I have been effectively convinced to try going vegan. It's my 5th day. So far, so good, Thank you once again for the enlightening lecture. Know that you have made one more convert! Keep up the good work, and keep changing hearts and minds.
-----Original Message-----
From: Teacher Michel Estopinan, Michel [Hialeah High School]
Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 1:29 PM
My pastor suggested that next time you come, if you stay over a Sabbath, you could present at the church. At the church we can create an invite card and see if we can include some other churches. I spoke about you with my adult ESOL students, they would love to attend your next conference so I am going to keep those names for your next visit and see if we could put an open to public event together, or better yet, see if through the bilingual department for adult education and the parents academy we can do something in different night schools as well in an official way (we can basically do it related to the plant based diet alternative to healthy living-consumer education-compassionate treatment, of animals and the effects of factory farming on the environment) . I hope I can keep you on our School's Humane Honor Society Club guest speaker's schedule, so that you may come every year. Next time you are in Miami, I would like to invite you over for dinner and talk some more. I hope the rest of your lecturing tour goes as successful as I believe Miami was. Thanks once more for what you do to make the world a better place for all its living beings.
-----Original Message-----
From: Teacher Jeffrey Dearing [Miami Springs Senior High School]
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2009 10:04 AM
We cannot thank you enough for your outstanding presentation. The kids are still buzzing about it and sharing the experience with their friends. I'm afraid we may have to ask you to address an auditorium full of kids when you come back in the spring. You changed some lives yesterday.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Joe Krylow [Cecil College in MD]
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 3:50 PM
Thanks again for speaking to my students. I know you're going to change some of their lives like you've changed mine. When I talked to my brother Damion Saturday morning he said he had been up most of the night thinking about your speech. I know that your words were not lost on him and that he has realized that "there is nothing wrong with a little kindness and compassion for our animal brothers and sisters." My mom said he was quoting your speech yesterday as she took him to the airport, and that when she asked him if he wanted to get a crab cake before he left he declined, proudly showing her the vegan jerky we had bought from the co-op earlier in the day. Expect an email from him sometime soon.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Michael Johnson [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 9:24 PM
thanks again for coming into our class, we begin the ethics component tomorrow and your work will help us considerably as we discuss differing ethical perspectives, the relationships between ethical beliefs and action, and the many ethical dilemmas public school teachers face today as we try to do our work embedded in contemporary American society and culture with their dominant power relations and mostly unexamined values. Teaching another section of this class in the Spring in Orlando so I'll get in touch soon.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Jane L. Henning [U. of San Diego]
Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 2:14 PM
Thanks for coming again to USD and lecturing to my Animal Law class. As usual, I think you were quite effective in making the students think about some very important issues.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. John Burris [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 10:10 PM
Subject: Thought you might want this e-mail from Courtney Lynch, a former student of mine
Thank you very much! I agree that animal rights is a very important issue. I am trying to make Gary's lecture a large event and invite my two honor societies and a few others, as well as on-campus organizations related to animals. Please, please keep inviting him to speak to your classes. He had the most impact on me out of everything I learned while at UCF!!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Andrew Domzalski [Madonna U. in MI]
Sent: Friday, June 05, 2009 3:04 PM
Thank you again for speaking last week to our students at Madonna University. They all really liked you presentation. Some of them gave me their permission to share their reactions with you:
This lecture was both extremely controversial and truthful, what Gary spoke about was hard to listen to but necessary in the end. I will have to admit that I was completely skeptical when it came to this speaker. I didn't think he would have anything to offer me except a radial point of view. I was definitely proved wrong. After watching "Meet your meat", it would be an understatement to say that I was "scared for life", but after this speaker I realized that not only was the consuming of meat hard for me emotionally but hard for my body physically. Being a nursing student, osteoporosis and heart disease are two aspects of health that I hear a lot about. Gary showed how our society has been, not only consuming, but over consuming meat products and meat causing increased chances of heart disease due to cholesterol and the constant strain on our bodies on how to break down animal meat. I would go so far to say that I agreed with Gary on the aspect that our species wasn't meant to eat meat, but we have turned it into something that has been catastrophic to our society and health. The constant breakdown of this animal protein and the need for calcium from our bones to complete this task is very true, which is why calcium and vitamin D are huge necessities in people's lives today, to replace what has been taken out by our lifestyles and diet. What put me over the edge was the somatic cell count that Gary explained about and what was actually in our milk. Being lactose intolerant I very rarely drink milk, now it will be something that I never do from extreme disgust. I even looked this statement up on the FDA website and there it was. So far I have not been able to disprove one statement that Gary told our class, showing me that he was exactly what he said he was, a truth giver. This speaker changed my life on the path of becoming a vegetarian at least; I hope to get to being a vegan soon after altering my lifestyle.
Gary Yourofsky was an engaging and captivating speaker who shocked me in many ways. If someone had suggested to me that, by the end of his lecture I would be seriously considering veganism, I wouldn't have believed it. Gary made me question my behavior and attitude towards animals even more than the "Meet Your Meat" film. When he equated eating meat to a form of discrimination, that connection affected me deeply. It pains me to see people treating other people poorly based upon religion, skin-color, sexual orientation etc. I realize now that I cannot hope to avoid all forms of discrimination while still eating meat. The nasty attitude towards animals we transition to so easily after our childhood is fed to us through marketing campaigns and various other forms of propaganda. It is amazing that we adapt to these practices so effortlessly, but it makes sense considering how impressionable young people are. Eating meat is also a learned behavior from the parents. The child assumes his parents are exhibiting correct conduct. I really believe in this cause now. There are so many reasons not to eat meat including the effect it has on our bodies, the horrendous treatment of animals, the variety of good-tasting vegan food, the adverse reaction of our meat-eating practices on the environment etc. Although I now understand the reasons I would choose veganism or vegetarianism, I also know how difficult the journey will really be.
Our guest speaker for the week was amazing. Gary was a true treat. I was so caught up in his intense and sincere passion that he exhibited toward veganism and caring for animals. I have been talking about his presentation ever since Wednesday and I can not help but to exhibit some of that same passion that poured from him, while speaking about him. I think that this course is truly a wake up call for society and that Gary should have his own television series or something so that he can continue to spread the knowledge that he has in regards to being vegan. What captivated me about him was that he not only spoke from an ethical perspective, but also from a religious and scientific perspective as well. This holistic knowledge that Gary exhibited is what really sold me on looking into his views and learning more about what it means to truly care for all of God's creatures.
I absolutely enjoyed listening to Gary speak to our class, and I can see why you continue to have him as a guest speaker. Gary is a motivational speaker that can relate to us on a "college" level. First off, Gary was hilarious and I loved the humor he brought into it. The main thing that I was amazed by was how INTELLIGENT he is. He really knows his information, and was quick to back up any argument that meat-eaters might have. What I liked about his speech was that he brought up the opposing view and was able to back up his arguments. This speech was not just one-sided; he is well aware of the arguments of meat-eaters and is ready to debate any topic they may bring up. That is what it takes to persuade people, and that is what he did. Another thing I really liked was that Gary is an activist. He brings the sociological perspective into all of this. He talked about how people act like they are all about "peace and love," yet when it comes to animals they don't practice what they preach. Saying you are opposed to something or against something is one thing, but actually practicing it is another. I always thought of myself as a "peace and love" sort of person, but after him explaining this I felt like a hypocrite. I had no idea that eggs are hens' menstrual cycle, and that honey is bees' vomit. That really grossed me out and definitely will make me think twice about eating them in the future. I also had no idea that there is such a thing as vegan meat--meat where no animals had to suffer. I thought that was awesome. I always thought that vegan food consisted of things I didn't like to eat, but him showing us the variety of choices that is out there has made me want to try veganism. I believe for me it will not be an overnight thing, but it is something I am willing to definitely try. After hearing all of the possibilities, how can I not?
I truly do believe that people seriously have their blinders on. After hearing Gary speak I was so motivated to make a difference, and attempted to talk to some of my friends about it, but unfortunately they didn't want to hear it. The problem is that people are so closed-minded that they don't even want to hear it. It was ironic because all the arguments my friends had were the same arguments that Gary talked about and BACKED UP. So I was able to debate what they were saying. If anything, I learned a lot from Gary's visit and I am doing my best to spread the word and slowly but surely make the transition myself. Thanks for having such an awesome speaker!
At first I was a little put off by Gary. I had already committed myself and was practicing vegetarianism before he came to talk to us, but I couldn't understand his brashness and "preachy" or so I thought, attitude. But as the presentation went on I felt totally compelled by his presentation and ultimately thought that he made some pretty good points. When he said that people cringe and make comments about vegan diets saying things like, "That's absolutely disgusting" or "That sounds so unappealing", I totally understood where he was coming from. But really...what is more unappetizing than a dead carcass composed of blood, muscles, ligaments, etc. that is cooked and ready to eat. Since I have told people that I am choosing to become a vegetarian I have gotten comments like, "Wow, you are really becoming indoctrinated by this stuff, aren't you?" and "Yea I love animals...they're delicious!". Ultimately I know the reasons why I have chosen to become a vegetarian and therefore have to be comfortable with being made fun of since I am going against the mainstream attitude. I commend Gary for sticking to his values when so many people are set on dragging him down. That says a lot about his character!
Gary Yourofsky was a "right-in-your-face" enthusiastic speaker. His lecture was so informative that it really made me sit up and think. I only thought of vegans as abstaining from meat. I had no idea that it can also include what you wear. I know of people who are against wearing fur, but I had not even considered wearing leather as the same thing. He brought up so many valid points in regards to animals. For instance, children are raised up watching animals, reading about animals, having stuffed animals and naming animals. We naturally love them and are fascinated by them. That is why we go to zoos and animal attractions. The video we watched was horrific. Even though I presently eat meat, I find the cruel treatment and torture of these animals to be sadistic. I wonder what type of people could torture any living creature without cause. Even to supply meat, it does not require beating and torturing of these animals. Another valid point was how our bodies are made up as herbivores and not as carnivores. Our teeth, digestion and intestines are not made for eating and digesting meat. Another valid point is we should eat our nutrients directly, instead of feeding them to the animals and getting it through them. I had not even considered that is what we have been doing. Gary says veganism seems extreme, but the fact is, meat eating is extreme. I am seeing things in a completely new light and am considering at least vegetarianism. One-step at a time. My husband, on-the-other-hand, will need a little more convincing.
I was very moved by Gary's speech on veganism. I totally agree with hi view that we have blinders on. My mom won't even listen when I try to talk about animal abuse because she just wants to remain ignorant to what is really happening. I am going to slowly make the transition to vegetarianism, but because I'm in college I can't really afford to just throw out all of my food. However, I am going to buy the vegetarian food after this. I also think that he was right that we are healthier when we eat vegan.
I must admit that when the speaker started his talk yesterday, I was a little put-off. He was very brash at first and it didn't appeal to me. I thought he was just going to preach for an hour so I was not very receptive to what he had to say. He said upfront that he was not there to convert us or tell us how to live our lives. Even as he said that, I thought "Yeah, right. Converting me to veganism is exactly what you're here to do." After about 10 minutes, though, I decided to just open my mind and listen to what he had to say. I am so glad that I did. I already knew much of what he had to say but the new information was very enlightening and helpful. I never stopped to realize that all of our cholesterol comes from animal products and that eating these animals is actually killing us in different ways. I come from a family loaded with heart disease and cholesterol problems so those issues were already a concern for me. Seriously reducing my risk of heart disease by cutting animal products out of my diet seems like a pretty good trade-off to me! Even though I've tried (and enjoyed!) different vegetarian/vegan products before (like meat substitutes), I was still one of those people who thought that vegans were missing out on so much. Hearing about all of the new products on the market and how much better they are compared to years ago was really encouraging and good to know. Becoming a vegetarian or vegan seems a lot more possible now than it did before listening to this talk. So I have decided to make the change. I'm going to start by becoming a vegetarian, since I am nowhere near ready to cut cheese out of my life! I'm going to try the vegan cheese he recommended, though, and see how I like it. Even though it's a small step, I believe that it's not only going to make a big difference in my health and but also in the lives of a few animals that would have died for me to have a meal.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Zeke Finkelstein [CCNY]
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 9:33 AM
Thanks for the talk. Responses have been very positive. Will ask the students when we meet today to do the survey.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Jacklyn Janeksela [CCNY]
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 9:48 AM
It was nothing shy of a pleasure to meet you and to be witness to your wisdom and kindness. No doubt I will be requesting you to return to City College for my future classes. Thanks for enlightening me and my students. I'm convinced you made an impact on every single student, though it might take longer for some of them to come to the light side. I've been kicking your knowledge to my other classes and my family. And I've convinced my mother to stop drinking milk. One step in the right direction is better than no steps at all. I've also emailed my father, a devout Christian, your essay on The Bible and Jesus and can't wait to hear what he has to say. Best of luck fighting for all of God's creatures.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Bill Crain [CCNY]
Sent: Saturday, April 04, 2009 2:42 PM
Several are trying to become vegans and several got into a heated discussion two days later. They thought you did a great job.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Cheryl Baker Heller [UTEP]
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 10:20 AM
Thank you for such a great lecture. I'm not sure if I'll be teaching a section in the fall, but I plan to teach again in the spring. I look forward to seeing you again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Ronnie Hawkins [UCF]
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 4:05 PM
I have had a few students tell me that they have gone vegan since your talk. Keep up the good work!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Whitney Bauman [Florida International U.]
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 1:42 AM
Thanks so much for coming to speak to my classes, and for the public lecture that you gave. I really appreciate it and love your style of presentation. On a personal note, I have been a vegetarian since 1996, and your talk has inspired me to go further in my eating habits. I am going to commit myself to at least not buying anymore "free range eggs" and "free range cheese" products. Let me know if I can ever help your cause in some way.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. John Burris [UCF]
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 4:53 PM
You. You KICKED ASS. LOTS of great new data. Just a great bunch of intellectual, and existential, events. Excellence. How are you getting funded -- and what is the prognosis? This is a thing that has "meant to be" just stamped all over it.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Cecilia Moore-Cobb [Pitt Community College in NC]
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2009 10:28 AM
I was delighted with the opportunity to meet and hear you lecture last Friday. You certainly got them thinking, which is where we're going in a critical thinking class. One student said she hadn't eaten any meat since last Friday. Another said she lived next to a farm and saw the animals being carted off for slaughter, and that didn't bother her one bit. She was never going to give up meat. Another said he had just killed a deer last month, and he planned to eat every part that was eatable. Still another said she was really interested and was going to see what she could do to change her habits. Predictably, the ones who refused to leave their prejudices at the door are the ones that I can predict will not do well in the course and will wonder why. I've taught so long that I can pretty much predict success or failure after about three weeks with a class. Again, many thanks for that special opportunity to stretch those minds. The timing was great because I had just given them a writing assignment on the "Lesson of Nan-in". Our next course topic is what Richard Paul calls the universal intellectual virtues or traits of fair-mindedness, empathy, integrity, humility, courage, perseverance, and faith in reason. What a perfect fit! I hope to see you in the fall!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Courtney Rash [East Carolina U.]
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 8:25 AM
I just wanted to thank you again for coming and speaking with my class. It was a wonderful presentation and I really think you made an impression on the students. I definitely want you to come back and speak in my class next semester. I will also talk with the other dietitians on campus about doing a presentation campus-wide. I will be in touch!
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Comments from Educators 2008
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Steve Best [UTEP]
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 4:59 AM
(from one of his students)
When I registered for Environmental Ethics I thought this would be the easiest class in my schedule. I believed this class would be the same as every other ethics class I had taken, where the main focus would be on theories and concepts. However, I soon learned that this class would not be the same. In fact, I learned on the first day that this class would have the greatest impact on my life than any class I have ever taken in my entire college career. As days and weeks passed we were presented with information that would have a direct impact on our (student's) life whether we liked it or not. When Gary Yourofsky showed up to class on September 29, 2008, I realized that I was living a life of selfishness. Before that day I had always considered myself to be an animal lover, a person that had the greatest respect for all living creatures and an activist for those who did not have the ability to defend themselves against those who did not respect them. Ironically, I was not a true animal activist but in all actuality I was the problem of what was or rather what is wrong with the world today. I was only contributing to the inhuman torture that is going on all around us. However, soon after Gary delivered his heart filled presentation, my eyes where opened to new and greater opportunities, not only for myself but for others around me. After Gary's presentation my excitement of what was to happen from that point on began to grow and my enthusiasm for change not only in my life but also in the community around me began to flourish.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Bill Martin [DePaul]
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2008 11:44 PM
We had a good discussion in the department recently of my book Ethical Marxism (March 2008 was the release date), which has a big chapter on the animal question. If you read the chapter you would undoubtedly see your influence, and I do cite you at one point as well. Keep up the good fight.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Nicole Pitts [Oakland Community College]
Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2008 3:26 PM
As always, I am very thankful to you for coming to my classes. The impact you have on so many students is amazing to me and to the students, too. Here are some comments I wanted to share with you:
-- One student came with her mother to your presentation on Monday night because my student has adopted a vegan lifestyle and has encountered great opposition from her family. Now that her mother saw your presentation, she has a deeper understanding of her daughter's commitment to this new, healthier, more ethical diet. Also, my student feels as though her mother can pass this information on to other family members. I wish you could have seen the relief in her face when she shared this story with me!
-- Another student told me that even thought she didn't cry (outwardly) after the video you showed the class, she did feel very emotional afterward. She'd rejected invitations to watch similar videos from friends and family members including her own mother, so that Wednesday night was the first time she actually saw what animals endure. It has reinforced her resolve to reduce her animal consumption, and this is a woman who grew up on a farm! She thinks that God sent her a message through you!
You have had such a magnificent impact on me and my students. Thank you again for your passion!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Paul Bauer [Cecil College in MD]
Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2008 9:00 PM
Thought you might enjoy [this essay below]. The papers are still arriving and are still encouraging.
"Gary Yourofsky is an interesting and very informative man on an issue I had once or twice pondered, but never really considered as a dire issue of concern. I came into Gary's seminar thinking vegans are crazy eccentrics that were too obsessed with animal right's, and were almost all members or PETA. PETA, however, as such an extremist animal rights group, give people like Gary a bad reputation. The first concept I understood from Gary's seminar was that he was trying to bring us back to our years of toddlerhood and infancy, to when we loved animals. Gary was so moving with his concept on the fact that animals are in the early dynamics of a child's life. Gary was very informed with his information he brought forward to his audience, it may have seemed harsh at times, but mostly was with the greatest intentions to inform us that an injustice was being performed everyday for our own benefit. A intriguing idea he addressed, was that as human we are built as herbivores. I never knew that physically our bodies are designed like herbivores and very unlike carnivores. Yet it was not all these facts about our bodies anatomical make-up that began to make me see Gary's view alone, but it was his simplest thought in his whole concept on not eating any animal product. There was a phrase I had seen a couple of times in the news, and occasionally in articles that I was desensitized and agreed with the phrase just as society has manipulated us to. The phrase nowadays is that animals are being humanely killed. From a quick glance that seems like a justified act, however when Gary deconstructed the phrase I understood its problem. Humane as a word itself means civil, courteous and obliging acts towards humans and animals which has the synonms; compassion, consideration and benevolence. So, as Gary said, how can you put a word like humane infront of an atrocity? The answer automatically would be you cannot. But its easy to accept the idea of humane slaughter, however not so easy to accept humane rape, humane murder, or humane child molestation. We know these things are wrong because of our moral values, but we have been so decesitized to animal slaughter that we think there is a humane way of killing them. Killing is killing, whether its an innocent human life or an innocent animals life. Gary was right, something has to be done to stop this atotrocity. Nothing happens over night, especially when there are so many people committing this act, but if more people could know the turth that Gary vividly tells then there would be more affirmative action for this sin. In conclusion, Gary is probably the most inofmred man on a subject he was passionate for that I have ever heard speak. He was intuitve and harsh at the same time...Gary's message is a strong and moving one that touched me in a great way. I have days that I set aside where I do not eat meat and all, and I'm slowly trying to adapt myself to eat no meat and no animal product at all. I feel healtier as a result, and look better with my complextion. I get it, I understand, and I'm acting on what I found out. I love animals and had no idea I was single handedly promoiting an awful act of our culture. I heard Gary Yourofsky speak and I have every intention to act in favor of his movement ever since."
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Anthony Holsten [East Carolina U.]
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 10:12 AM
Thanks again for your presentation; a recent informal poll stated that a fairly good number of the students have gone veg, and two have gone vegan.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Paul Bauer [Cecil College in MD]
Sent: Sunday, November 09, 2008 6:59 PM
I have purposefully waited until now, nearly a month after your first lecture, to write. I wanted time for the papers on your talks to be turned in so I could give you some feedback. Of the over 120 papers I have received thus far, your impact is tremendous! About a dozen say that they have become vegan (and I know them well enough to know that it is true) and the vast majority have cut back on meat, chicken, fish, milk, etc. A handful, about 5-6, are critical of your position but their comments are more personal then academic or intellectual. Thus I can say without hesitation that you have made an impact at Cecil College. Students whom I do not even know are asking me when the "vegan man" will be back in the spring. I also waited to write to let you know how I am doing. It was three weeks ago this past Sunday that I made my pledge to the cows [never to eat them again]. Since then I have been 100% without meat, fish, chicken, milk, and honey. My only weakness still to be conquered is Breyer's ice cream, but Joe and Becca have given me the vegan version so I will be complete soon. I ran a marathon last Sunday, a week ago today, and, as I always do, pondered my life in the later miles. Around mile 20 or so, running along the C and D Canal watching the boats being tolled to Philly, I truly was thankful for the life I have had. Here I am running long distances, teaching to appreciative students (I hope), and being loved by those by whom I want to be loved by. You helped me make an important decision in my life and I sent you a silent thank you about mile 23. I will be 65 tomorrow and am going strong … stronger than I would have been without knowing you.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Steve Best [UTEP]
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 12:49 AM
(from one of his students)
Gary Yourofsky's speech was both informative and persuasive. I can speak for myself and others when I say that I didn't know a lot of these facts regarding animal cruelty. The most obvious argument against animal cruelty is of course, the despicable violence that is involved in the slaughtering of the animals. For example, I found out about chickens getting their beaks cut off, ducks being penetrated by rods, and other atrocities. I found out about chickens not even being able to see sunlight because they're stored in such dark and confined quarters. My opinion is that this guy (Yourofsky) defends what he believes in, and therefore has my respect. His ideals are logical and ethical in every sense, and he does an excellent job in convincing people and getting his point across. I'm personally trying to become a vegan, and starting by being vegan at least two days out of the week. He said that even by starting this way, hundreds of animals can still be saved. I think this guy is the shit.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Alexandra Cvejic [Queens College]
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 1:28 PM
Thank you so much for your always engaging and enlightening lecture. I will keep you posted re student comments.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Mel Seesholtz [PSU-Abington]
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 4:32 PM
Your talks and answers to questions never cease to inspire me. Today was no exception. I KNOW you reached more minds today than on 10/21 [when you gave the lecture] ... mine included.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Paul Bauer [Cecil College in MD]
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008 1:58 PM
(from one of his students)
Thanks so much for letting me sit in on class today - he was unbelievable to listen to. I've been a vegetarian on and off for the past 15 years, but I will never put a piece of meat in my mouth ever again and I'm pretty sure I'm not eating any more dairy (especially eggs). You may have a few stragglers from Student Services in the back of the room on Wednesday. I've been recommending everybody hears him speak, at least to open their minds. Do you have his email? I didn't write it down because I didn't have my glasses with me and couldn't see the board. I have a bunch of friends in Boston who would like to find out if he'll be around their area at some point.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Mel Seesholtz [PSU-Abington]
Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 2:21 PM
Subject: WOW!!!!
I REALLY liked the new talk...and its presentation! BRAVO, Bro!!! Interesting: the one student who was quite vocal last week about how she didn't care about the topic and that no matter what you said/showed, she intended to keep eating meat. Well, today, half way through the video, she turned away and, if I'm not mistaken, was wiping tears from her eyes. I'll give you a summary of what the class says on Thursday.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Steven Varela [UTEP]
Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2008 3:53 PM
As always, Gary, thanks for your presentations in the classrooms--the students really enjoyed them and learned a lot.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Steve Best [UTEP]
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 12:26 AM
(from one of his students)
Dr. Best, you were not kidding about Gary. He had us watch this 4 minute video. It was a gruesome short video about animals being murdered in slaughterhouses. I had tears in my eyes. Those images will always stay with me. Gary is a very talented, well spoken speaker that has his stuff together. It was a great choice to bring him here because it seemed by the quietness of our classroom that his message had impacted a lot of people, including me. It was a truly eye opening experience...one that I will never forget
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Ronnie Hawkins [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 12:06 PM
I had some feedback, finally, from the student who had raised the red flag in my class [arrest record, country banishments]. He admitted that you were a good speaker, humorous, and even partially persuasive to him! He did then go into a number of issues that you mentioned which he has apparently spent quite a bit of time researching, and I attempted to answer some of the points he brought up, coming from my own perspective; he may go on to email them to you directly. I'm also trying to get my husband to attend your 10:30 presentation tomorrow, if possible. And thanks again for your talks and all you do for the animals. If only there were more people of courage, and ethics, like you in the world, we could actually start solving some of our problems instead of continuing to make them worse!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Karen Braselton [U. of Southern Indiana]
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2008 3:33 PM
Take care and best of luck with your speaking tour. I will let my students know they can email you; a few of them have been talking about you non-stop since you were in our class. You made an impact on many of the students and that is a very good thing.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Anthony Holsten [East Carolina U.]
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2008 11:56 AM
I hope the funding goes well for next year, and I've passed your information along to my peers. Perhaps we can get an even wider audience for you!! Lightlife products are indeed tasty. Looking forward to my first Thanksgiving Tofurky in November.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Chad Tew [U. of Southern Indiana]
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2008 10:36 AM
Thanks for everything. I really admire your drive to educate our students and take off the blinders, including mine. Even though we disagree on the place for media in reaching that group and others, I do believe you are making a difference in the world. And A BIG Thank You! for being the "Poster" face for our free speech effort at USI!
-----Original Message-----
From: Retired Grossmont College Professor Mike Weinberg
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:18 PM
I tabled at Joy Zakarian's All Vegan / Last Chance for Animals booth at the San Diego Gay Pride Festival this past weekend. One of my booth mates was a teacher named Kathy Kavaklos. She said her son heard you speak a few years back at Grossmont College, became vegan, and convinced her and his wife to become vegan. Their infant, currently a breast-feeding vegan, was at the booth for a bit wearing an "Herbivore" shirt. What you're doing is reaping remarkable benefits. Keep it up!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Diane Kasunic [OCC-Auburn Hills]
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 12:47 PM
Great class Gary! Afterward, they guy who asked you about the taste of meat talked to me when class was over wanting to know more. He seemed confused. I then said that when his love of animals was stronger than his love of their taste, he would be vegan!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Luis F Sfeir-Younis [U. of Michigan]
Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:57 PM
The Spring term is over and I have had the chance to read students' evaluations of their growth in this course. The course was very well received and the results greater than expected. Your name is mentioned in most all evaluations as a challenging, honest, and transformative speaker. You were able to reach the heart and minds of even the most skeptic student on this issue. We all really appreciate your contributions. I am very aware of the effort and dedication all this requires and I thank you for that. 8 students become vegan or vegetarian and many more are seriously considering a change. My students, myself, and all the animals in the world thank you for your efforts.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Andrew Domzalski [Madonna U. - MI]
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 11:38 AM
Thank you for visiting our class. Your speech was received by the students very well. They overwhelmingly praised your enthusiastic delivery and informational content.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Lubna Aboosi [Int. Academy of Design & Technology - Mich.]
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 7:52 AM
Great job! You got to the students and to me as well. Great to meet you and please do come to another class!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Amanda Trefethen [Cal St.-Long Beach]
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 1:12 PM
Thank YOU! We really enjoyed your talk and while I am not teaching critical reasoning in the fall, I am considering working you into my Phil of Law class. I haven't figured out how yet, but I am working on it. In fact, I believe there is a place in our Morality and Law section that could work because it just so happens that you have been on campus the last two semesters on the day that I teach a chapter from Peter Singer's "One World." I take it as a sign that you should be talking to my Phil of Law class. I mean what are the odds that you at CSULB when I am teaching Singer? On a separate note, several of my students walk in to class everyday lately telling me that it is day #__ of their veganism! I also had them right a paper taking a position on whether or not a vegan or meat-eating diet is better and ninety percent of the class chose veganism. Now it's somewhere in their psyches forever. So thanks for coming and thanks for spreading the word, it is greatly appreciated (by all creatures great and small).
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Kristina Hancock [Cal Western Law]
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 7:55 PM
(from one of her students)
I want to thank you very much for your Animal Law class. I know this is a little late, but I wanted to give it time to totally sink in before giving you my reflections. I am now dedicated to cutting meat and diary out of my diet ... which is just absolutely crazy coming from my lifestyle before the class. I want you to know that you are making a difference. And a large part of my thanks to you is for exposing me to the speaker toward the end of the class. I think his name was Gary. I also want to thank you for introducing me to that slowly, because I imagine that his speech would not have had the same impact before taking your class and being forced to consider the ethics of food in a way I never had before. Anyway, my life is very different now after taking your class, and I realize I am much happier living consistently with the way I think. I am less anxious and much more joyful in my appreciation of food. I can't thank you enough. You have impacted my life in an amazing way.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor McKay Jenkins [U. of Delaware]
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2008 10:50 AM
One of my students made the following video, and asked that I send it along as a way of saying thanks. www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YwAx4ZFhCA
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Bill Crain [City College-NY]
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 9:37 PM
Your lectures today were fantastic. For several students, I'm certain they were live-changing. I apologize about brusquely ending your stay with the second class [due to time constraints]. It didn't make a difference. They wanted to keep talking about veganism. You had a tremendous impact. Deepest thanks.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Mel Seesholtz [Penn St.-Abington]
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 5:12 PM
Gotta say ... you were even more brilliant today than usual! Ran into several of our student in the halls after the class. They were still talking about your presentation. When I asked them "What are you having for dinner tonight?" one winced and said her family was having chicken... but didn't know how she was going to deal with that. You HIT ... Big Time.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. John Burris [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Saturday, March 01, 2008 8:28 PM
KILLER talks! If the students can't grasp it when you make it THAT accessible to them, then there's nothing else you can do. Thanks for you efforts. Having thought it all over more, I really see why you have chosen to take some of the emotional angles you have. But I still think the middle way is always the ticket, and I felt like you found that this time.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Jason Borenstein [Georgia Tech]
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 6:24 PM
Thank you again for coming to my classes today. It will certainly give the students much to think about.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Ronnie Hawkins [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:09 PM
Thanks again for your talks yesterday. Your impact on the students seems to be huge!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Kathleen Brennan [Western Carolina U.]
Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2008 11:37 AM
A big thank you to you. The students and I had a great discussion about your talk. They really enjoyed it for the most part. Even the 4 students who said they were angry at you during the speech (only 4!) said that you provided a lot of valuable information and they were glad that you came. So you are definitely welcome in my Social Problems course next semester. It is obvious from ur discussions and their exams that you reached most of the students in the class.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Lisa Briggs [Western Carolina U.]
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 9:52 AM
I actually went to the store yesterday and cooked with all meatless products last night. We had tacos and the fake bacon on a salad. I also talked to my husband about going meatless two days a week. He is in for it. Good luck with your tour and thanks for being so great in the classroom. I had several students personally thank me yesterday.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Andrew Buck [U. Southern Indiana]
Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 4:00 PM
Your lectures piqued student interest tremendously. Your message is one that students should be exposed to even if they might not adopt a vegan lifestyle. You are a great lecturer and deliver the message in a engaging way. In the fall semester I will be teaching two sections of Social Problems, so if you are coming to USI let's try it again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Ana McClanahan [Beaufort Comm. Co. in NC]
Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:15 AM
To: Professor Ken Robol [Beaufort Comm. Co. in NC]
I was really impressed with the speaker, Ken. Thank you. How often do you bring him around? Could you send me his contact information? Website? I was unprepared to make notes last night. When I got home, my son has grilled some Italian sausages and I was repulsed. I was already "in transition" to a vegetarian diet but am now more settled on it. Wow.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Donald N. Blakeley [Fresno St.]
Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2008 2:32 PM
Sorry about the delay in responding, but as I indicated to you I have been involved in moving to Hawaii. I want to thank you again for your willingness to come and speak to students in my classes. Your presentation has always been a very good contribution to the work of the semester. I sent a note to other faculty in the department to consider you as a guest speaker. So some of them may be contacting you. I do hope that you get adequate funding to help support your work. What you are doing and the way that you are doing it is important.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Kathleen Brennan [Western Carolina U.]
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 8:38 PM
I am looking forward to telling you about one of my class group's (from last semester) civic engagement projects on animal cruelty. They are trying to get a veg or vegan restaurant on campus (one sponsored by the university). It was by far the best civic engagement project of last semester and I expect them to continue with it this semester. I think you will like it, as it was undoubtedly influenced by your presentation.
^Back to List |Next Section >>
Comments from Educators 2007
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Aletia Droba [Wayne State & Oakland Comm. Co.]
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 10:52 PM
I just wanted to tell you how inspiring it is to hear you speak, again. Great class today!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Allen Andersen [Miramar College in SD]
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:21 PM
The blur of the semester is improving a bit, so I wanted to drop a line as you begin to make your plans for spring. First, I'd like to say a belated thank you for coming to my classes this semester. While the responses to your presentation were varied, all were moved and impressed by your passion and conviction. The writing I assigned my students after your visit was very successful and interesting, and it provided students an excellent opportunity for reflection and discussion. So, next semester I'd love to have you back.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Jean Schlitzkus [El Paso Comm. Co.]
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 2:56 PM
I believe your guest presentation was the most effective presentation my students saw this semester.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Kristina Hancock [Cal Western Law]
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 11:54 PM
One of the students today asked the class how many students were becoming vegetarian/vegan as a result of your speech (I didn't ask, a student did this on his own initiative) and seven or eight raised their hands (out of 28).
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Steven Coons [Miramar College]
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 7:10 PM
I always enjoy your informative and provocative presentations. You are well prepared, and deliver a lot of things for these young people to think about. In most of my classes, I try to employ a "critical thinking" component. Hence, this is good to combat the dominant and thoughtless corporate (profit-driven) perspective on reality. I would love to have you back next (Spring 2008) semester; in fact, as long as you can get your funding, and make the presentations I will continue to make time in my classes for you. I feel it is both a benefit and a service to all of us!!!! It is through efforts and work—such as yours—that our world will continue to change for the better. Indeed, it is a long struggle, and I'm sure—noting your passion & sincerity—not fast enough for you, but you, and many, many others—who struggle in other areas of abuse, exploitation, oppression, & wrongdoing—are making the world a better and more conscientious place! Keep Up The Good Work!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Mel Seesholtz [Penn St.-Abington]
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 4:06 PM
You never cease to amaze and inspire me...and others. You will ALWAYS be welcome in my classes, Gary. Period. Your presentation and Q&A session birthed quite a few new Conscious human beings who have sworn not to eat their fellow creatures. They REALLY responded to you're saying "we." Made them feel connected to you and that you weren't preaching "at them." They also greatly admired your blunt honesty. Even though some did not agree with certain points, all respected your honesty and especially you're DOING rather than just talking about. Remember the screaming overweight woman that walked out of your lecture several semesters ago? Well, I've kept in touch with Tiffany. She eventually went vegan and lost 125 pounds. In the last e-mail I got from her (in which I mentioned your pending lectures this semester), she asked me to tell you this: "God bless you...you saved my life and made me human..."
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Jean Schlitzkus [El Paso Comm. Co.]
Sent: Sunday, October 07, 2007 10:40 PM
The presentation was powerful! I have heard from several students who are considering a lifestyle change. In fact, I have yet to hear one disappointed audience member. Thank you so much for sharing your stories with such passion. I really enjoyed meeting you as well. I admire your courage.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Corrie Ort [Miramar College in SD]
Sent: Sunday, October 07, 2007 12:11 PM
I appreciated your lecture tremendously. I became a total vegan after the first lecture Tuesday evening. I hope very much you can come next semester. It would be a little bit better to have you come 3 or 4 weeks later into the semester because then we will already have covered forms of oppression and the economy. However, I'll take you any time you can talk.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Ian MacKinnon [U of Akron]
Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 9:01 AM
Apparently you grow on people. After your visit and the dust had settled a bit, your lecture became a reference point for many students throughout the remainder of the term. Several discussions concerning various issues were punctuated by things you had said. I guess those young minds are open some after all.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Steven Coons [Miramar College in SD]
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 2:06 PM
To: Professors William Puett, Corrie Ort, Parvine Ghaffari
Bill/Corrie/Parvine:
I just had another incredibly great presentation in two (2) of my classes from Gary Yourofsky. Gary, who is an amazing Lecturer, presented in all my classes several years ago, and I really learned a lot from those presentations. Since then, his presentations have even gotten more relevant and stronger. Gary has a real passion for the topic which is very evident once one experiences his lecture. I really admire Gary a lot! Students can learn a tremendous amount from his presentation. I would say his presentations are exceptional! Gary doesn't charge for his presentations, although they are worth a lot in terms of ethics, health, humanity, etc. He is merely trying to get the word out, to educate and teach compassion and understanding. Gary will be presenting in two (2) more of my classes this week, and I would like to invite you to attend. Feel free to bring your class if you could work it in. This presentation would be particularly beneficial to any Critical Thinking Class and/or class that is taught from a Critical Thinking standpoint.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Phildon Huffaker [Cal State-Long Beach]
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 12:35 PM
I want to thank you for your contribution to my ethics class this past Thursday. I know there were various responses to your presentation (which were very apparent in my students' body language) and I hope to find out a bit more about how my students responded to your ideas and the facts presented to them. I hope that you continue to find joy and success in your efforts. I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. But I want you to know how much I appreciated your efforts and kindness.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Mel Seesholtz [Penn State-Abington]
Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2007 3:52 PM
I forwarded it [article on the Netherlands giving health insurance discounts to vegetarians] to the class you spoke with ... about half of whom have not touched meat or dairy since your March 20 presentation which, by the way, was THE BEST yet!!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Aletia Droba [Wayne State U.]
Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2007 10:10 PM
It was inspiring to hear you speak. Your talk was all the students wanted to talk about on Friday! I am excited about trying to teach them how to find and retain the reasoning that sees one through the tough aspects of change. Many seem really committed to lowering their meat intake and I gave them several ways to do that. I will be teaching a summer class I would love to have you come to!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Mel Seesholtz [Penn State-Abington]
Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 4:01 PM
You were absolutely right: the best yet! Two students from my Medieval Lit class attended. I'd invited to whole class, along with my PHIL 435 class. They were talking about your presentation in my other two classes. You HIT, big time.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. DeAnna Varela [El Paso Community College]
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 5:25 PM
Thanks for speaking to my students at EPCC. I had FIVE students from Friday's class tell me they haven't eaten any meat since your presentation [and they want to keep it up]! Anyway, thanks for the great presentations.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Phil Hamlin [U of Tennessee]
Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 1:36 PM
Gary, I thought you did a fine job! And we'll do it again in the Fall. Let me know your address and I'll send you a copy of the chapter in the 242 text which addresses issues having to do with animals.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Nicole Pitts [Oakland Community College-Southfield (MI) Campus]
Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 8:22 PM
Just so you know at least two of my students are vegans and one is on the path because of your presentation; you really do make a difference in people's lives! In fact, just this evening I gave a student a copy of the video I made of you about three years ago so that her grandmother can see it. Your work is so important, and I can see the results in my life and the lives of students I've been in touch with.
^Back to List |Next Section >>
Comments from Educators 2006
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Ian MacKinnon [U of Akron]
Sent: Friday, December 08, 2006 10:03 AM
Your visit was the highlight of this Fall's classes.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Donald N. Blakeley [Fresno St.]
Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2006 12:31 AM
Just a note of thanks for your willingness to come and talk to the ethics class. They really enjoyed your presentation. A couple of people changed the topic of their final paper to veganism. Thank you again for making yourself available. It is much appreciated.
-----Original Message-----
From: Retired Prof. Gordon Michael Brown [Grossmont College]
Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 5:00 PM
Friday evening, December 1st, was the sixth time I've had the good fortune to hear and see your presentation. This one was one of the very best! I like how you have reincorporated the "edge" of your earlier presentations (ca. 2002), again without alienating students or berating them. Your approach always allows students to make the inference for themselves: "I share complicity in the enslavement, torture, and murder of animals!" Two high points for me: One was seeing you show enormous compassion for the mature woman who broke down in tears while she tried to formulate her question about her friend's llamas. That was epic! Wish we had caught it on video. The other was being seated next to two other heroic individuals, Dr. Jerry Vlasak and Pamelyn Ferdin. I was honored to be in the presence of not just one but three people who put their asses on the line every day for animals. Keep doing what you're doing, my friend...you are still THE MAN.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Alyssa Chen [U of Michigan]
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 1:27 AM
That was the best one I've seen yet--I loved it. I'm so glad you included us in your schedule. You were terrific, as always.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Jack Lessenberry [Wayne State U.]
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 5:08 PM
You were better than ever!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Maria Hollendonner [U of Akron]
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 10:29 AM
My sister has been an almost vegetarian for a while (occasionally eating fish or chicken), but after the lecture, she has decided to go back to being vegan (which she used to be). So, it worked! Thanks.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Elizabeth Wilson [U of Cinci]
Sent: Monday, November 06, 2006 9:11 AM
They loved your speech. Many of my students have not had meat since the lecture and are living a veg lifestyle.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof Mckay Jenkins [U of Delaware]
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 11:11 AM
Thanks for another excellent class yesterday. Inspiring, as always.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Lynn Gilden [UTEP]
Sent: Sunday, October 08, 2006 5:49 PM
Thanks for the lectures. We had some great discussions. You might be surprised at how many of them claim they are now reassessing their meet eating habits. One student, who is generally very critical, told me that he agreed with everything you said. In general, they seemed to be impressed with your presentation. I'm definitely interested in having you come again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof Chad Arnold [St. Mary's]
Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 1:19 PM
Your lecture was much improved from last year, and last year's was great.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Dave Wiles [U of Florida]
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 8:45 PM
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your presentation last Wednesday night [at UF]. Even though I have been studying animal rights for quite some time, your presentation brought me some new thoughts. More importantly, it gave me a much needed "energy boost" as I prepare to enter the animal rights section in the two classes I'm currently teaching (59 students!). Most importantly, though, you made me feel something Wednesday evening that I have not felt in a long time. Truly, I was not only in the company of someone I respected, but someone that I found myself looking upward toward. I felt admiration. It's sad to say (and I know you can relate to this), but people simply don't turn my head much anymore. I find myself increasing disinterested in most folks. Consequently, when I'm around people, I often find myself agitated, annoyed, or (most often) simply uninspired and thus over-ready to make my way back to the solitude at my little cabin in the woods. Mostly, when around people, I simply feel "flat lined." People are just people, and although my compassion for them often runs deep, they most often have little or nothing to provide me. Thus, I applaud you with a "standing O," my friend. You are doing it, man! Unlike the ordinary Joe, you have gotten up off your ass and are running all over the country making a difference. You're an excellent speaker (I'm sad to say that my friends told me that you're better than I am), and the passion floods out of your presentation. So, in short, I guess I'm saying, "thanks" to you. Thank you from me for the inspiration. And thank you from the suffering animals out there whose lives you are attempting to make better. You're a good man, Gary! It's nice to know there are some folks like you out there! The four friends I brought really enjoyed your lecture. Moreover, you really opened the eyes of my four students who were sitting in the back row! One of them has already jumped ahead in my last class lecture. He asked, "Shouldn't we be including animals in this theory too?"!! Don't slow down, Gary. You have people cheering you on, and you are very effectively creating benevolent change. Also know that you have touched some folks in Gainesville deeply!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Mark Lanier [UCF]
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 7:39 AM
Thanks again for coming to enlighten my students! You always have a huge impact on them—some still contact me years later to find out when your next talk is. Have safe travels my friend!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Ronnie Hawkins [UCF]
Sent: Sunday, September 24, 2006 7:36 AM
Thanks to YOU for all the wonderful work that you do. You seemed to have the students enthralled. One of my students came up to me afterwards to say your talk really opened his eyes and will lead to changes in his life; I'll probably hear something similar from more of my students in the days ahead. Thanks again, and keep up the good work!
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. John Burris [UCF]
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 2:53 PM
Tremendous effort yesterday. The tone of those talks, from my own subjective perspective, was the best I've ever seen. I personally enjoyed the first time I ever saw you the best just because I had not heard it all before, but yesterday just had a great feel to it. I felt like you were constantly stopping and reasoning in front of the students, which they like--a guy just trying to figure it all out in an honest and heartfelt way. And the conclusion really worked well. I also liked that you stopped and told them you were going to lighten it up a bit. I thought that was very effective.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Maurice Hamington [U of Southern Indiana]
Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 2:58 PM
It is always a pleasure to have you on campus. We debriefed on Friday and the most vocal people are the ones that disagree with you but as we scrutinized the arguments one-by-one they come to realize what a powerful case you make. Your work is really making a difference in this world in terms of reducing suffering. Best of luck on the tour and you are always welcome in my courses.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Kevin Bond [University of Tennessee-Knoxville]
Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 12:02 AM
Thank you for attending my class the other day. The students seemed very receptive to what you had to say. Several of them indicated that when they left the class they were seriously thinking about what you had said to them. For example, one woman commented that she felt so sick about it that she couldn't eat for the rest of the day. One of the men said that although he was an avid meat eater and hunter, that when he sat down to eat he suddenly really thought about what he was doing and wondered how long he could continue with it. Another woman said that on Monday night she had gotten a bunch of chicken wings from Hooters. But on Tuesday night she was unable to eat the leftovers. A handful of others were nodding their heads as these people spoke. Now, I admit that I am rather pessimistic about a lot of my classes. I feel that if I can reach about 5 students out of 25 that I am doing good. So for what its worth, by my standards I think you really started some people to seriously thinking about how they treat animals. I, for one, am going to start checking out the health food / vegetarian section of Kroger a bit more carefully. So once again, thank you for your visit. I look forward to seeing you again. If you are back in the area this semester and want a repeat, I'm sure my students would enjoy a longer Q&A session with you. Otherwise I hope to see you again in spring 2007.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Ian MacKinnon [U of Akron]
Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:28 AM
I thought your presentation excellent, especially in your readiness to respond to questions that can emerge from any number of directions.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Chuck Edwards [Penn State-State College]
Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 12:07 PM
Two of my student's group assignments made mention of your speech and material. There were several students that were touched.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Maria Hollendonner [U of Akron]
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 11:15 AM
I just wanted to write and let you know I liked the changes I noticed in the talk. My students did an extra credit paper on your talk and a couple of them mentioned the part about whether or not animals would choose an open field or the killing floor. This vivid illustration must have captured this issue for them. The guy in the back with all of the questions felt enlightened and decided to go vegetarian.
-----Original Message-----
From: Dr Frances B Woodford [Community College of Philadelphia]
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 3:41 PM
The response to your lectures was quite astounding in both classes! I have a number of students writing very good essays about your lecture, specifically, the effectiveness of your style.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Patrizia Longo [St. Mary’s College in CA]
Sent: Saturday, May 06, 2006 2:22 PM
Thank you so much for your energy, humor and dedication … your work is worthwhile. After your lecture five girls in my class (out of 14 students) decided to become vegetarian. Although they are not vegan (yet), this is a great success. Thank you again for all your work and positive energy. Let's definitely keep in touch and I will see you in the fall semester.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. David Skrbina [U of Michigan-Dearborn]
Sent: Saturday, April 22, 2006 5:15 PM
The feedback from the students was almost uniformly positive, some bordering on life-changing. So, once again, you did a fine job.
-----Original Message-----
From: Teacher Joel Thomas-Adams [Deerfield Academy in MA]
Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2006 11:58 PM
Lots of great buzz around here today. I arrived for dorm duty tonight to find a group of six girls waiting to talk to me: "We want to become vegans. How do we start?" Right on!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Frances Woodford [Community College of Philadelphia]
Sent: Thursday, April 13, 2006 1:44 PM
I thought you might like some writings from a couple of my students. They gave me permission to use their names. Kellie McFarlane wrote: "Gary Yourofsky is a very bright man with his head straight. He said that meat is a dead corpse cut up in pieces. This is nothing but the truth. When he said that, I realized that it is actually disgusting eating meat. I appreciate people like Gary in the world. I really like speeches that have a meaning to them, just like Gary's." Shyeema Robinson wrote: "Gary Yourofsky showed me that there are more animals to love other than my dog, Beezer, and my rabbit, Thumper. Every day thousands of animals and marine animals are slaughtered. These animals die violent deaths, but they should die of old age. These animals, who are taken to slaughterhouses created by humans, are torn to pieces there. Gary, who ate meat for twenty-five years became a vegan after experiencing slaughter house actions with his own eyes. After I saw the video, I became sick and irritated. I knew animals were killed and sold in the market, but like Gary said, ‘You are all blinded.’ I was blind as a bat and only had compassion for Beezer, Thumper, the bunnies in my yard, the possums in my trash, and the deer who walk toward the headlights of my car. I never once wondered about what happened to the frozen turkey, the chicken nuggets, or the thin sliced ham. Before I met Gary, meat was no problem to consume. It's been a week since Gary has talked with us and I haven't touched any meat. When I recently went to the market, I just looked at the meat that was packaged. Pictures of the slaughter house video still play in my mind. My stomach turns when I think of the video; it's like a nightmare. Gary inspired me to look beyond the animals I see every day and the love the ones who have died and will die. My mind has changed and now I love every worm to every huge scary beast.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Mel Seesholtz [PSU-Abington]
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006 5:57 PM
I showed your and Kate's DVD in class today. Amazing reaction. About a third of the students (female and male) cried during the "graphic footage." Me too, even though I've seen it many, many times before. Our common reaction was... "bonding"... You may be hearing from some of them.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Jessica Greenebaum [Central Conn. St. U.]
Sent: Friday, March 17, 2006 6:55 PM
Want to say thank you once again. You were great. You not only affected my students' life, you got the old vegan feeling radicalized again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Mel Seesholtz [PSU-Abington]
Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 1:31 PM
Hope the tour is going well this year. One of my students brought up in class that he's a trapper ... uses bear-claw traps. I guess my reaction caught the class's attention. So we took a break from the scheduled material and I showed your (and Kate’s) DVD today. Watching their faces said it all. Many blinders crashed to the ground. Some asked where they could get the DVD, so you may be hearing from them. Word spread, so later this month I'm showing the DVD in another class. We're calling it a "special topics" day. Thanks for everything.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Mark Lanier [UCF]
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 7:23 AM
Hey thanks to you once again. I really hope that you can secure funding to keep up the important work.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. John Burris [UCF]
Sent: Sunday, March 12, 2006 4:46 PM
If you don't get funding next term, it may well happen not long after. Hopefully you can stay afloat in a reasonable way if that happens. Regardless, it has been a profound and productive run as it has been--and when you keep looking at this environmental literature the whole thing can seem just a touch prophetic. If it is 50 years until we run into big problems it is still quite prophetic. If it is 20-25, then it really does change the scope of what has been going on in those classrooms from my end. The urgency of your presentation will seem a lot more on the point rather than anything else. Still, and obviously, the ethical angle is not based in time but is atemporal and the central point. Since you have always spoken in my classes within the context of ahimsa, I think I can say that we are fully aligned together on that point.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Ana S. Hill [OSU – Animal AG]
Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 1:48 PM
Thank you for coming into the class! I have received some excellent feedback from several students, with the common theme being that they appreciated your sharing your views and expressing your passion about the subjects presented. A lot of thinking is going on among them and I think that's a good beginning toward considering a new point of view. Thank you for taking your time to come visit us and I look forward to your speaking to a whole new group in the spring.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Priscilla K Sakezles [U of Akron]
Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 2:32 PM
You had an impact on a lot of them, as usual. I’m teaching this summer, so let me know if you’re still at it then.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Ana S. Hill [OSU – ANIMAL AG DEPT.]
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 7:01 PM
I know you haven't even had a chance to talk yet this quarter and the time has rolled around for me to invite you to come speak to our contemporary issues course on animal welfare for Spring Quarter now. Your presentation on veganism and ethical choices is always well received and the students benefit greatly from your input, ideas, information and commentary! Please let me know if you are willing to speak for us again and which Tuesdays would fit into your schedule.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Valerie Santos [Cal St.-Long Beach]
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 8:39 PM
Thanks again for a great presentation. As of today, my daughter is a former PETA Business Friend. I also stopped my support.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Kenneth Hansen [Fresno St.]
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006 11:46 AM
You're entirely welcome for the [$100] donation. It sounded like you'd gone through a rough time with PETA and all that. I'm glad somebody isn't afraid to exercise their free speech rights, so I figure I should put my money where my mouth is. They seem to be a pretty decent class, so I'm glad you enjoyed your visit. I'm trying to offer an intro to environmental politics class next semester. You're welcome to join us again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Mike Becker [Fresno St.]
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 2:45 PM
First off, whatever you said this time, keep it up. Best response ever by far. I had excellent--composed, constructive, good questions, informative--20 minute discussions in both classes. (They could have filled the entire class if I had time). Out of the blue several students said they were going vegetarian or vegan, and one vegetarian said he was going vegan. Thanks for your continuing work. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help keep you on the road and lecturing.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Stephen E Schmid [U. of Wisconsin-Janesville]
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006 10:49 AM
thanks for joining us. we spent a good part of the next class talking about the presentation and arguments. many students had spent the weekend thinking about the plight of animals and what they were eating.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. ELIZABETH WILSON [U. of Cincinnati]
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006 12:12 PM
After looking at the students’ assignments, it seemed like the majority of students really took to you. They really liked your speech and enjoyed their time with you.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Linda Morrison [Oakland University]
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2006 10:49 AM
The students thought you were great, too!! I think your new approach is even more effective. Some had seen you before and remarked on the contrast—they were impressed with the changes too and definitely support your efforts. And, I'm planning to try some of those vegan chewy protein products! I'll check out your site for recommendations. Thanks for coming, I'll hope to see you again in the fall.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Maurice Hamington [U of Southern Indiana]
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2006 10:13 AM
We are the ones who, of course, should be thanking you. I know that we never do enough for you. The lectures certainly enrich the lives of our students and make them think in ways that are exactly what a college experience should give them. You are always welcome in my classroom. Best of luck in the future and I hope that someone comes to their senses and funds your important work.
-----Original Message-----
From: Teacher Kevin Jordan [Oakland High School in CA]
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2006 6:04 PM
Hey Gary Thanks for giving the talks to our kids. I know you have reached a bunch of them. Some have decided to do a vegetarian spin of "supersize me" where they will only eat healthy no meat foods for a month. They are turning it into their senior project so if they contact you don't be surprised.
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Comments from Educators 2005
-----Original Message-----
From: Prof. Alyssa Chen [U. of Michigan]
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 5:07 PM
Thanks for today's AMAZING lecture. Thank you for teaching my students more in one day than I've been able to teach them all semester. Also, thanks for restoring my faith in human beings.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Jane Compson [Daytona Beach Community College]
Sent: Saturday, October 29, 2005 11:25 AM
No, thank YOU for coming at such short notice. Yes, the students did seem receptive, and I'm looking forward to hearing their reactions next week. I know my friend Karen has gone back to being veggie as a result of the talk. I'm trying to veganize myself more and more, but I'm not quite there yet. But I'm working on it. Thanks again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Alex Cvejic [Queens College]
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2005 5:00 PM
Thank you for once again delivering a wonderful, informative lecture. I think that it went really well and that you reached a bunch of them.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Andrea Efthymiou [Queens College]
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2005 3:05 PM
Thank you again for spending two days at Queens College informing our classes and
the way we conceive of the world. I will definitely try Tofutti on my bagel this
weekend. You really made me start thinking about a human's place in relation to
animals, and I've been thinking about how this relationship influences the way we
behave overall. While I have not made any formal plan of how exactly I will be
changing my lifestyle, I will begin by making small changes. (You have no idea how
much I love cheese! But I can't knock the other options until I try them.) I had a
veggie burger today. It was good. I'll email you with any questions I might have,
and I'll tell my students to do the same. It was great meeting you and thanks again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Bill Crain [City College-NY]
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2005 11:03 AM
Thanks so much for coming to our class. The students were inspired.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Brandon Judell [City College-NY]
Sent: Friday, October 07, 2005 6:55 PM
You were great again. Classes loved it.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Maurice Hamington [U. of Southern Indiana]
Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2005 5:41 PM
You were a wonderful speaker in my courses. If I weren't vegan already, I would have converted this week. You have given us much to discuss and reflect upon for the rest of the term. As far as I am concerned, you are always welcome in my class room. You are doing very important work, and I am honored to have met you.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mario Lamberti [OCC-Highland Lakes]
Sent: Sunday, August 07, 2005 3:02 PM
Thank you for a wonderful presentation! It really opened my eyes and enhanced my motivation to attempt the change. I also received a lot of positive comments from my students afterward about the lecture, I think you reached many of them. I will continue to support your cause and will spread the word among my colleagues.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Maria Hollendonner [U. of Akron]
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 3:10 PM
Thanks again for another moving presentation. Overall, I got the sense that people appreciated the discussion. I thought it interesting that you categorized your ethical position as an ethics of compassion. I wondered whether you were referring to the actual movement in ethics centered upon compassion, such as one finds in the recent work of Martha Nussbaum with respect to both animal rights and international justice. In her essay, "The Compassionate Response to Terror," she argues that an ethics of compassion is the best ethical theory, insofar as it is able to give a response to the "animal problem," in a way that no other ethical theory in the history of philosophy ever could. I think that there is a general misconception that animal rights activists are utilitarian in their ethical thinking. However, utilitarianism fails precisely in the way that you pointed out, namely that the "greatest happiness" might include the suffering of innocent creatures. I think the ethics of compassion does a better job of granting some privilege to our moral intuitions and emotions in the academic discussion of theoretical ethics. I find your vision of historical progress refreshing, and I applaud your effort to take responsibility for the realization of your vision. Unfortunately, the postmodern trend seems to be to deny responsibility and argue instead for an egoistic freedom.
P.S. Good news! One of my students just stopped by to tell me that he has decided to go vegan and also to spread the news to friends and fellow employees.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor John Burris [Rollins College in FL]
Sent: Friday, July 15, 2005 10:14 AM
That was a great class. The students all said they really wanted to go on with it. There were a lot of things I liked about that talk. The older guy who gave you a presentation critique is a pretty nice guy but he was completely out of line on that. The funky shit you have to put up with doing your job! You showed a lot of restraint in not trashing his ass. He grew up as a fundamentalist Christian though he is not one now. A few students have gone veg or are trying it also. I really liked that you made a few jokes and took a slightly more casual angle--perhaps just because you were tired. Although you have a serious subject, I think occasional relief and letting your guard down a bit will work very well for you in the modern classroom. Everything has gotten so much less formal.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Julie Jacobs [Lake Tahoe Community College]
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 9:06 PM
You both were so wonderful! Thanks for traveling to Tahoe and speaking to my Race and Ethnic Relations class. I felt that the students were impressed with your talk and responsive to your presentation. I myself have been a partial veggie when it has been convenient. Now, after your talk, I'm vegan.
You really touched my life. And, I hope, the lives of my students. Excellent activism!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Maria Hollendonner [U. of Akron]
Sent: Friday, April 22, 2005 1:33 PM
Thank you for your courage and commitment to the cause of non-suffering. As a vegan myself, I am thankful for the chance to see the best defense of veganism I have ever seen, heard or read anywhere.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Steven Coons [Miramar College in SD]
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2005 7:33 PM
Your and Kate's presentation was awesome. I think the following faculty may be interested in having a presentation next time: Corrie Ort, Parvine Ghaffari, & Bill Puett. I'm sure there are others that may be interested.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor McKay Jenkins [U. of Delaware]
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 1:14 PM
Thanks again for your powerful talk this week. My students and I were equally transfixed, and I can tell you for sure that your words burned into some brains, permanently. I very much hope you will come back and talk again next year, this time to both my classes. You're a gifted, vivid courageous speaker.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mike Weinberg [Grossmont College]
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 7:05 PM
I will say that you two are the most golden-voiced activists I've ever listened to. Your words and delivery keep the audience enthralled, and I learn something new every time I hear you speak. Keep up the great crusade!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Nicole Pitts [OCC-Southfield]
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2005 7:21 PM
Thank YOU so much for coming to my class. You and your co-presenter affected everyone in a dramatic way, including me. I bought some Tofurky and the Tuno you suggested, and although I've not yet opened the Tuno can, I liked the Tofurkey and fooled my husband with it last night. He would not have known the difference if I'd not told him after he finished eating it! That was such a wonderful lesson for him about soy-based meat substitutes. A student told me about how he bought some soy milk for his family and didn't tell his kids about the change. They didn't notice at all. Interestingly, he DID notice the difference after he'd been drinking the soy milk for a few days and tried to return to 2%. Needless to say, it was not a pleasant revelation for him. You'll be happy to know that more than 60% of my students plan to change their eating habits because of your presentation. Both you and your co-presenter do excellent jobs presenting this valuable information, and I and my students thank you both for your time. I can't wait to have you come to my classes in the fall and winter, so if I don't hear from you, you can be sure you'll hear from me! Thanks a million.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Marty Carcieri [U. of Tennessee-Knoxville]
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2005 3:47 PM
I appreciate your visit. Not only do I admire your commitment to your cause and the power of your arguments, but as I indicated, my wife and I were/are at a tipping point on this and we have already found that there are many tasty alternatives to meat at the store. We just hadn't seriously looked in a while. So whatever else happens, your visit had at least one concrete impact. I'm teaching American Political Thought again in the fall, so if you contact me in early August with the dates you'll be at UT, I'll incorporate you into the syllabus. Take care, and thanks again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Nathan Zook [U. of Tennessee-Knoxville]
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2005 1:59 PM
It was great to have you and Kate again. I don't know if you get up in the Wisconsin area, but I'll be teaching at University of Wisconsin—Rock County in Janesville, WI next year. If that's within your area, I'd love to have you both come speak to my classes there.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Steven Varela [UTEP]
Sent: Sunday, March 13, 2005 11:45 AM
Fall semester sounds great--just let me know. I may have other colleagues who might be interested in you presenting in their classes too. It was a pleasure!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Alex Cvejic [Queens College]
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2005 12:05 PM
I just wanted to share a few brief excerpts from the [student] essays I am currently reading that address your lecture:
"I found myself sitting at the edge of my seat, wanting to know more and more. [regarding the big red story] the feeling of sympathy overcame me. including real life experiences in a presentation, such as this, again makes me want to learn more about the vegan way of life. After sitting through such an impressive presentation, I will think twice about what I consume and make an effort to change my daily diet."
"Gary and Kate had a great impact on me. I can never eat meat again."
"Lab-coats and men with dollar signs in their eyes have succeeded in desensitizing the public from the evil being inflicted, but people like Gary and Kate are avidly trying to remove the blinders that people have built up over the years. Armed with the facts, it is the general public's turn to resist the temptation of the taste of flesh and to revert to a diet from the ground."
"It is time that we turn to the many alternatives that we have which don't involve the torture of animals. It is time that we stop thinking just of ourselves and begin to think about the environment around us that is harmed due to factory farming and most of all, we must think of the millions of animals that are slaughtered, all just to fulfill our appetites for flesh."
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Bill Crain [City College-NY]
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 9:33 AM
Many thanks to you for the outstanding presentation you and Kate gave.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Richard Kaye [Hunter-CUNY]
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 3:33 PM
Thanks so much to you and Kate for your splendid presentations. You both were great together and the students thought you were wonderfully provocative. I appreciated your talking to some of them long after the class ended. We also spent the next class talking about your talk, so it went on and on. I will certainly be thinking of you for future classes.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Priscilla Sakezles [University of Akron]
Sent: Saturday, February 19, 2005 2:31 PM
You two did a fantastic job, I'll have you back to do every class I teach as far as your schedule permits. I read all the students' essays on your talk, and you opened a lot of eyes and minds. I couldn't even keep count of the kids who said they never knew the animals they eat were treated like that, and they would seriously consider going veg. So keep up the good work, people have to change one by one. On a personal note, I was picking up cat food today and couldn't resist adopting another cat (#4 for me). She was rescued from the pound just before euthanasia time. I know your talk contributed to my decision.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Elizabeth Wilson [Miami-Ohio]
Sent: Saturday, February 19, 2005 11:02 AM
It was so nice of you to come see my class again. I appreciate your time and passion. We had a good discussion about the lecture the next class period, and you opened many people's eyes, and while it was uncomfortable for them, they explained it was beneficial and they were glad to be aware.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor David Zartman [Ohio State U.]
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2005 10:05 AM
The classes were more attentive yesterday. I also saw you as more academic in your presentation, stirring reasoned contemplation rather than raw emotion in the students. I have not spoken to Dr. Boyles yet today to learn his plans for the spring and summer quarters. I do invite you and Kate to return to my class this fall. We are restructuring the class to serve more students and to ease the life of our guest lecturers, weary from doing lectures twice for the two sections of the course. We will have three sections this fall with 60 students in each section for 180 total students. They will all meet in mass on Tuesdays and the three sections will meet separately on Thursdays. Guest lecturers will be asked to come on Tuesday and thus do only one presentation. Therefore, will you please identify a Tuesday in late October or early November when you can come?
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Jane Compson [UCF/Daytona Beach Community/Seminole Comm.]
Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2005 12:01 AM
Thursday's lecture was GREAT. I've already had lots of messages from students who have decided to give up meat or who went home and emptied out all the milk in their fridges!! What has amazed me more than anything is that my parents were seriously talking about trying to be vegetarian—perhaps even vegan—and have decided to give up eating meat for lent and to see how it goes. I can't even begin to tell you what a shock that is—I would never have seen it coming. So that is a real testament to the job that you and Kate did!! More later, but thanks so much!! I hope you get a few days rest now! You guys were great.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Leslie Paul Thiele [U. of Florida]
Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2005 4:56 PM
Thanks for coming. You both were great. The students responded very favorably, though clearly your message shakes their world.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Michael Strawser [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2005 10:18 PM
Thank YOU for the lecture. I really liked the changes and thought that the Big Red story worked very well--it provided a moment of peaceful calm amidst a storm of suffering. I also had positive discussions with three students after class. I'm scheduled to teach Intro again in summer A and would be happy to have you back.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Ronnie Hawkins [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 7:02 PM
Thanks AGAIN to you two for getting the message out--your talks seem to be getting better and better! Do keep in touch for next semester.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Andrew Domzalski [Madonna University in MI]
Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 12:05 PM
It was a pleasure to have you in our class. Your presentation was highly informative and delivered in an engaging manner. I hope you will be able to visit us again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Sherry Wynn [Oakland University in MI]
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 7:44 PM
Thank you for coming and sharing your passion with us. I will have students post their assessment of your lecture by next Monday.
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Comments from Educators 2004
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mary Lyn Stoll [Muskingum College in OH]
Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2004 5:43 PM
Thanks again so much for your talk. I had at least a half dozen students who claimed that they were going to become vegan or at least vegetarian and who had been successful for at least the last couple of weeks since your talk.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Manuel Velasquez [Santa Clara U.]
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2004 5:23 PM
I'm sorry I did not get back to you earlier. The students by and large liked Kate's presentation this Fall, although, as you know, they were somewhat polarized in their views: they seem either to have hated the presentation (about a third of the students) or to have very much liked it (the others), and very little in between. Kate was convincing enough that five of my students (out of about 30) told me afterwards that they had decided to become vegetarians. There may have been others who did not see me. Please let me know if you will be in California before March 11, as I would very much like to have you speak to my business ethics class again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor John Simecek [Oakland U. in M]
Sent: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 12:32 PM
Many [of my students] are beginning to come out of the woodwork, "admitting" that they've been "pretty much" vegetarian thanks to you, Kate, and me.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Todd Lekan [Muskingum College in OH]
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2004 1:38 PM
I'm just beginning to look over the written responses to your talk. I'll send some your way as soon as I get a chance (I'm swamped with grading right now). Suffice to say, you made an impact--the written comments are very encouraging.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor William FitzPatrick [Virginia Tech]
Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2004 11:00 AM
I want to thank you again for the stimulating and passionate presentation you and Kate made to my class last week. There was a lot of very well-presented, useful information, and I know it succeeded in both engaging and challenging the students. I found the discussion of whether homo sapiens are natural omnivores or not particularly interesting (not that it establishes anything one way or the other about the ethics of eating meat, but it's useful at least in combating the old argument that it's unnatural for us *not* to eat meat and therefore unreasonable to expect that of us). On the whole, you make a very good case for veganism. In terms of focus, I thought the presentation was very good as a device for advocacy: if you want to convince people to become vegan, then use all the different arguments that might support that decision--from ethical arguments to considerations of health to the 'yuk factor' involving milk pus and hen periods.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Grace Anne Flisser [Community College of Philadelphia]
Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2004 5:39 PM
First, I have been horribly remiss in not being in contact with you to thank you for your presentation. You totally hooked the students, who brought up the issues for several weeks after your talk, and I know that some of them followed up in contacting you or moving towards vegetarianism. I was delighted that they were so thoroughly engaged, and that, more important, they became informed about the issues. So thanks so much. Thank you again for the good energy—and I wish you a good holiday.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Brad Kelley [Virginia Tech]
Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2004 1:33 PM
We had a tremendous discussion on Wednesday (after your Monday lecture). I was really impressed with many of the student's ability to sort out and analyze the issues. I teach them to look at all moral issues as involving the weighing of complex evidence on both sides. Your presentation was clear -- 1) environmental, 2) human health, and 3) concerns intrinsic to animals, a) life, and b) pain and suffering. Once we get this model, it becomes clearer how the various things you offered us "fit." I look forward to having you next semester. Thanks again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Jane Henning [U. of San Diego]
Sent: Saturday, November 20, 2004 12:53 PM
My students really enjoyed your presentation and continued to talk about it after class. It certainly made an impression on the class. Our next class, which is the last class of the semester, we will begin by further discussing student reactions to your lecture. I hope that USD's law school decides to offer an Animal Law class next year. If I am chosen to teach it, I would certainly like to have both of you return and give the presentation again. Thanks so much for coming to USD and offering the students many things to think about how they conduct their daily lives.
-----Original Message-----
From: Teacher Gary Handley [The Meadows H.S. in Vegas]
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 5:15 PM
As a teacher at The Meadows School, thanks for your visit. I enjoyed your remarks.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mike Becker [Fresno St.]
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2004 11:00 AM
An excellent talk. I could tell how affected many of my students were. Peace and thank you for keeping up the struggle for the voiceless.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Claudia McIsaac [Santa Clara U.]
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2004 1:38 PM
Thank you so much for the fascinating and deeply moving presentation. Several students have e-mailed that they enjoyed it and one mentioned she is probably going to become a vegan. I'll see my class tomorrow for the first time since the talk and we'll spend a lot of time discussing it, so I'll let you know the larger whole group comments later. Again, I so appreciate the time you and Kate took coming to Santa Clara.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mike Weinberg [Grossmont College in CA]
Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2004 4:47 PM
You continue to astound with your cogent, informative, and passionate lectures on behalf of animals! Your presentations just keep getting better and better. I especially appreciate your insistence that, besides the tremendous health and environment benefits, the most powerful and only necessary reason to embrace veganism is ethical--it's simply the right thing to do. Most humans abhor killing for pleasure. Your talks work wonders in convincing people that having animals suffer and die for human pleasure is morally bankrupt--it's just common sense not to kill if you don't have to. Keep up the great work!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mark Somma [Fresno St.]
Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2004 2:33 PM
Your speech was GREAT, GREAT! Better than ever. We had standing room only, students sitting on the floor, standing in the doorway, every chair filled, lots and lots of questions. We adjourned at 9:30 after starting at 7:00, but we could have stayed until midnight. So many students stayed to ask questions and talk.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Arvilla Taylor [Midwestern State U. in TX]
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 12:52 PM
I think your lectures were quite successful. I found positive feedback from most of the students, and the few who objected are busily trying to defend themselves, especially concerning the brutality toward the animal world.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor David Zartman [Ohio State U.]
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 1:33 PM
I want to tell you that you and Kate made a powerful team presentation here in Columbus. She has added a certain quality to your subject that the students appreciated. Her calmness and presentation excellence matched with your speaking skill and passion result in a compelling message. The students complemented your presentation skills as a team. Your visit will be the talk-piece of the student community for a long time. Students are already registering and joining a very long wait-list for the winter quarter, anticipating the energy of your expected visit. I look forward to seeing you and Kate in the winter.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Elizabeth Wilson [Miami-Ohio]
Sent: Tuesday, November 02, 2004 11:08 AM
Thank you again for taking the time to come to my class and share this very powerful speech. I liked what Kate brought to the speech, and it was interesting to see a double presentation. I look forward to seeing you again soon! Travel safe on your road trip!
-----Original Message-----
From: Brandee Matthews [U. of Tennessee-Knoxville]
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2004 12:30 PM
Dr. Presser and Dr. Cable said that you were wonderful speakers in their classes. I was hoping that you could speak to my Introductory Sociology class sometime in November. I teach on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:15 until 12:05. Do you think that might be possible?
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Carrie Shea [Wayne State U.]
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 9:17 AM
No need to thank me, I believe in the message, and think everyone needs to hear it and make a change in their lifestyles for the sake of these animals. I can't thank you two enough for bringing the message to us. I hope that PETA truly recognizes your value, and it seems that with the new video, they do! The speech was great, I like the changes. I just wish you could talk for 3 hours about all the injustices and inhumanity out there, but with time constraints, I know you cannot do that.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Elysa Koppelman [Oakland U. in MI]
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 11:35 AM
It was wonderful—what a great speech. The students were captivated. We are going to talk about the talk today (they had a midterm on Thursday). And then they are going to write for extra credit a short response paper. I will forward some highlights from those papers—as soon as I get them. Next semester I have two sections of introduction to ethics—both on Tues/Thurs—that I would like to invite you to.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Lewis Moyse [U. of Tennessee-Knoxville]
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 6:31 PM
My students enjoyed you and Kate, and had some observations, namely that you two were too "evangelical." A couple said they thought the point was to make them feel bad for eating meat(real wisdom there) and a couple thought you guys were making yourselves out to be morally superior to non-vegans. I told them you may well be. What they most enjoyed was Kate's section about 'chicken periods' et. al. You guys were favorably received and your passion for your cause is obvious and obviously genuine. I'd have you in again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Michael Strawser [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 4:33 PM
Thanks again to you and Kate for coming and speaking in my classes. I had one of my classes evaluate the lecture. They were asked to respond anonymously to the statement "The guest lecture was a valuable educational experience" with one of the following numbers and then provide comments: 5=strongly agree; 4=agree; 3=neutral; 2=disagree; 1=strongly disagree. The 9:30 class responded as follows: 20 strongly agreed, 12 agreed, 6 neutral, 3 disagreed, and 2 strongly disagreed. This means that in the 9:30 class 74% of the students viewed the lecture positively, and only 12% negatively.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Spike Peterson [U. of Arizona]
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 3:21 PM
This is Talianna Kattan, I was in 2 of your classes 3 semesters ago. I wanted to ask if you knew the name of a movie that we viewed in your class? The movie was about animal cruelty. It had scenes of a slaughterhouse where the cows throat was cut while hanging upside down, and scenes of chickens getting their heads cut off. A speaker from PETA was there the same day. SPIKE'S RESPONSE: I don't recall the name of the video but it was presented by Gary Yourofsky as part of his very effective presentation protesting the abuse of animals.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Lois Presser [U. of Tennessee-Knoxville]
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2004 10:02 AM
I think you guys are great. I'm on Day 3 of veganism as a direct result of your
presentation. My TA, who was in the room, has given up meat-eating. I thought it
was good that you presented the vegan/animal rights movement as non-partisan. I
liked the order of the presentation. The video was great. Adrien, one of my
students, was VERY moved by the facts you delivered about violence toward animals,
and the analogy of their situation to a holocaust. Many thanks for what you do.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Nathan Zook [U. of Tennessee-Knoxville]
Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 12:59 AM
Thanks so much for your presentation. I'd be delighted to have you back in 2005.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor John Nolt [U. of Tennessee-Knoxville]
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 3:52 PM
Thanks for coming to the class and for the work you do. There was a lot of information in the presentation and both of you were very good at delivering it. I think the class was generally sympathetic to your cause. The video was moving and powerful.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mark Lanier [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2004 7:25 AM
Thanks again for enlightening my students. I really liked the new speech but still think you need some personal stories, reasons and examples from your life. I know Kate does not have the same colorful radical background as you do, but she could serve a "balance" and a "normal" example of how it is done. In the past my students liked the exposure to a radical liberator. The new clean speech cold be given by any professor. It was still excellent and you are both terrific speakers and wonderful people. Here are 15 comments from some of my students:
Denise Speer: "I enjoyed listening to the presentation and thought it was very informative. I am a cancer patient, so I was very interested in another way to stay healthy. After listening to this presentation, I'm seriously thinking of cutting out meat, milk and other things out of my diet to stay healthy. I'm glad I heard everything they had to say and they did a wonderful job of speaking."
Steve Bautista: "I never knew about the cruel treatment of animals in the meat/dairy industry. I took time out and went to the Meet Your Meat website and was disgusted by the inhumane treatment of these farm animals. The figures they gave about the deaths and diseases were eye opening. I think the PETA organization should do more to get the message out. I believe if more of the population knew these facts and figures, things would change."
Damaris Hopkins: "I thought the presentation was awesome. It was very insightful, informative and interesting. The video of animals being butchered brought tears to my eyes. I like how they also injected humor into their presentation to lighten it up a bit. I had no idea that animals were treated that cruelly so the presentation really opened my eyes and I think it is horrible what is done to animals just so we can eat meat. I also thought it was disturbing to find that there is pus in my milk. All in all, I loved the presentation and since class on Thursday morning (9/30) when I had my last meat meal at McDonald's, I have not eaten anything made from meat, eggs or dairy products."
Kiersten Plummer: "I thought the presentation was informative. As soon as I got home I told all my friends the percentage of pus in their milk and as a result my roommate and I are going to stop drinking milk and eating meat. We aren't going to quit cold turkey but we are going to buy some Boca burgers this weekend."
Corinne Kay: "I learned a lot about how many animals are killed for our food and the conditions they have to live in and endure. It certainly made me think about what I eat."
Keith Loben: "They have factual information about animal rights or the lack thereof. I found the information about free range animals and humans being herbivores to be most interesting."
Jim Basile: "Their in depth knowledge of the subject matter was fantastic. It would be nice if other speakers could be as well versed as they are."
Stefanie Nation: "It was nice to see that they had eaten meat almost all of their lives and converted to veganism. That proves that it can be done. I felt the presentation was effective."
Melissa Arias: "The presentation definitely messed up my appetite. I keep seeing images of the chicks being dumped down the funnel to be grinded. The video was very effective. The images are constantly haunting me during meal time. The presenters gave a wonderful, influential presentation that had great organization. The presentation did decrease the amount of meat I eat. I am motivated to eat more earth-friendly foods such as grains, tofu and vegetables. Soy milk is now replacing my skim milk."
Renee Clayton: "I really liked the presentation. Some of the best parts were the comments about how eggs are basically a hen's period and that once a year we use a turkey's butt as a pressure cooker for stuffing. They really made me think about what I was eating. Also, a fact that grossed me out was the pus count in milk. I will never look at milk the same again. "
Kelly Hansen: "I thought the presentation was great. It makes me think every time I look at animal products. I am attempting to become a vegetarian. The presentation brought up so many good points such as health reasons, cruelty reasons and biological reasons. I find it remarkable that both speakers have devoted so much to this cause. That more than anything else is making me reconsider animal products. I brought seven friends to hear them speak and two of them have already decided to become vegan. They should keep up the good work. Everyone will see their passion for this cause and hopefully join."
Jonathon Nieves: "Filled with statistics and examples, they made a clear case for people to consider going vegan. They did make me rethink my eating habits. Health-wise it is a good move."
David Rida: "I brought two friends to the presentation and both were equally disturbed with the video. Both were also impressed with the information, stats and facts of the presentation. I am sure Kate and Gary had given the speech countless times but they still acted like it mattered to them and it came off that way in their presentation. Neither of my two friends has touched meat or milk since the presentation so I guess they did a good job."
Brian Rulise: "I think they both did an awesome job. I did not enjoy the presentation but only because of the topic ... watching animals being abused is not my cup of tea. I will try to eat less meat and I do thank them for informing me."
Angela Gerard: "After sitting through Gary and Kate's presentation on the vegan lifestyle, I have really stopped to think about just what my family and I are consuming. In fact, I haven't had a drop of milk since I went onto the milksucks.com website. They brought many interesting facts to my attention and proof enough that humans are not meant to eat meat—we are not carnivores. They provided us with additional sources that enabled me to seek answers to the questions I had. I was shocked to find out just how many celebrities follow the vegans!"
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Catherine Meyer [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Sunday, October 03, 2004 9:49 AM
It was a pleasure to have you in my classes. I enjoyed very much the new changes you made to the speech. The nutrition part is excellent as well and the dynamic of both presenters—one male and one female—is perfect. Kate is wonderful and you are too. Thank you for coming and remind us of how violent we are as a society and it is time for us to realize it.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Steve Ethridge [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Saturday, October 02, 2004 11:38 AM
I thought the new speech, condensed but interactive, was a nice shift. I remarked to Kate how the addition of a song to the video had more emotional impact, but I also thought that your original voice-over technique was more informative regarding the treatment of the animals and the industry intent behind it. Either message had its own way of reaching the audience. Thanks again for providing some material for my writing classes, but also your message concerning rights and human decency.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mary Summers [U. of Penn]
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 11:09 AM
You and Kate are talented speakers and clearly gave our students a well-crafted exposition of an animal rights perspective. We are glad that you not only gave our students exposure to the ideas and arguments of a passionate political movement, but also sparked debate and discussion that will undoubtedly continue on campus for some time to come.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Alex Cvejic [Queens College]
Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2004 4:37 PM
I hope that this note finds you in good spirits as you travel the country doing this most important work of raising people from the mire of ignorance! The lecture was extremely informative and well delivered. We were all very engaged and I think that the students were very receptive. Some of their written responses to the readings and the lecture revealed profound disgust with the practices of corporate farms. One student affirmed that she is going vegan and several others suggested that it would not be easy for them to eat meat again. In short, there did not appear to be any resistance to the information, but mostly anger directed at the institutions that allow such treatment of fellow beings. And while we were doing some peer reviews of responses that my composition class wrote, a few of my students were profoundly affected by the lecture and the readings. One, who was not a vegetarian, stated in response to someone else's paper, that it is not an acceptable solution to give the animals more room because they still face torture and death. Regarding your question about the new speech: I did not notice what was cut out (except for some video footage, it seems the content is the same, perhaps condensed), but I did notice some things that were added, reflecting your awareness of new studies (I am thinking particularly of the Alzheimer's issue and other health issues). The video segment was shorter, well done and of course moving. I thought the music that was added was a nice touch. I wish you both the best with the rest of the vegan tour and may you continue to enlighten minds throughout this troubled nation!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Brandon Judell [City College-NY]
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2004 9:55 PM
Your speech moved many in my class. Here is one comment I received from one of my students: "All meat-consuming people have the blood of thousands of animals on their hands; they are nothing more than—according to our two esteemed speakers—walking animal graveyards. The speakers were not as zealous as I had anticipated, which was good. They spoke reasonably and used different types of logic to appeal to everyone in the audience. One of the things that I thought was interesting was how they kept arguing how animals have feelings and so people should become vegans to spare the animals the pain. They gave an interesting presentation and used interesting terminology (i.e. eggs are a hen's period). While they have not convinced me to give up the life of a brutish meat-consuming animal for the sake of the poor animals' feelings, I am making the switch simply because I want to lead a healthier life."
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Peter Crabb [Penn State-Abington]
Sent: Saturday, September 18, 2004 1:22 PM
Thanks so much for your talk in my Applied Social Psychology class on Wednesday. Overall, the response was favorable. You made 2 converts to veganism, out of 22 students! The information and organization were excellent. So was the video clip.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Chuck Edwards [Penn State-University Park]
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2004 4:08 PM
Actually, I should thank you. I appreciate your passion and professionalism.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Bill Crain [City College-NY]
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 9:50 PM
You two are a great inspiration to me, and I'm sure to many, many people.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Gregg Morris [Hunter-CUNY]
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2004 12:17 PM
Remember those four difficult students from my class in the spring semester? I truly believe you got to them no matter how wacky they were. I based that on subsequent comments and interactions with them well after the class ended. I really believe that you and Kate plant seeds that take root in ways that eases knowledge into their consciousness and sub-consciousness, and subverts their cantankerousness. Your presentation is always awesome and you accomplish much even with the most irascible of the students. I mean, how many guest lecturers come to a class and provide students with knowledge and information that can save their lives and the lives of their families and friends? Look forward to seeing you in the fall. And thanks for everything.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mark Lanier [UCF]
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 7:41 AM
I just wanted to thank the two of you once again for coming to UCF and lecturing to my classes. You are always the highlight of the semester for my students.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Carrie Sewell [Virginia Tech]
Sent: Saturday, June 26, 2004 5:25 PM
Thank you so much for coming to speak in our classes—your and Kate's presentation was a great supplement to class discussions. I sincerely believe that they are more prepared to make informed ethical choices having attended your presentation.
-----Original Message-----
From: Teacher Cyndi Williams [Mt. Horeb H.S. in WI]
Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 6:13 PM
Thank you once again for your wonderful presentation. It is very apparent that you are dedicated to and well-educated about your beliefs. The students found your lesson thought- provoking. Many reacted negatively, but others did see the possibility of many of the points you made. I believe you have enlightened them and even though they may continue to consume meat, they will now have a much better perspective of what may actually be going on. You are making a difference! I look forward to hearing from you next year. Thanks again!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Stephen Boyles [Ohio State U.]
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2004 6:38 AM
Thanks so much for your presentation. Kate did a very fine job as well. I was wondering if you could do a repeat performance this summer. How does July the 27th work in you schedule? Thanks again for your presentation this spring.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Brandon Judell [City College in NY]
Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2004 4:22 PM
Both your presentations were terrific. I already have another professor who wants you for the fall, Kalindi Handler.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Frank Perez [UTEP]
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 12:08 PM
Just thought I'd let you know that my students enjoyed your presentations. Most had only positive things to say and enjoyed having you in class. You are more than welcome to return to my classes after my research project is over in spring '05. Hope you are doing well and that you'll visit again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Tom Ruggiero [UTEP]
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2004 4:00 PM
Always a pleasure to have you visit our campus and "enlighten" the students about animal rights. It is always gratifying when I hear several of the students say they are disgusted at the thought of eating animal flesh after your presentation. Keep up the good work and thank Kate for a great presentation!!! See you next fall, Tom
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Sandra Dwyer [Georgia State]
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 3:25 PM
Dear Kate and Gary, forgive me for taking so long to write to you. I want to thank you both for coming to talk to my classes last week. You definitely stirred them up. You have worked up a very impressive lecture. In particular, I liked the way you organized your reasons in to moral arguments, health and physiological arguments, and environmental concerns. Thanks again and good luck in your endeavors.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Ben Gorman [Montgomery County Comm. Co. in PA]
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 3:24 PM
Thank you for speaking again. I think that you had an impact on each of the students. I look forward to having you speak again in the fall.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Hugh Gusterson [Georgia Tech]
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2004 11:56 PM
Thanks very much again for coming through at such short notice and for giving such a polished and provocative talk.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Hans Klein [Georgia Tech]
Sent: Saturday, April 10, 2004 12:37 AM
Many thanks to you and to Kate for taking the time and expense of coming to Georgia Tech and giving a very fine guest lecture. You touched on many of the themes in the class, and we had a lively discussion about the issues in a later class. Here is a [recommendation] that you are free to distribute as you wish: "I invited Gary Yourofsky and Kate Timko to lecture in my Georgia Tech philosophy class, "Science, Technology and Human Values", and they gave a lively and thought-provoking presentation. I wanted students to be exposed to the idea of right, not as something that already exists in practice and that may be considered natural or self-evident, but as something that is created through advocacy and that requires evaluation and justification. Their presentation did just that. They employed a fascinating array of arguments based on pragmatism, appeals to rational self-interest, scientistic claims about nature and human physiology, emotional provocation through language and multimedia documentation, and classical arguments about rights and categorical imperatives. The subsequent discussion sessions were among the liveliest of the semester. I enthusiastically recommend their lecture to anyone teaching philosophy, politics, sociology, or any class dealing with ethics, values, or policy."
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Jeffrey Moriarty [Cal State-Long Beach]
Sent: Sunday, April 04, 2004 12:07 PM
I enjoyed your talk. Best of luck with your other lectures this fall. The energy you and Kate have is impressive!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Valerie Santos [Cal State-Long Beach]
Sent: Saturday, April 03, 2004 6:53 PM
Kate and you did a good job. I have an email from a student requesting vegan recipes and help locating vegan food at Trader Joe's. She thanks us all for enlightening her. Another student who missed the lecture is emailing you regarding a copy of the lecture; she needs it for the midterm. I am teaching at the University of San Diego this spring as well. Thank you again for your work.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mike Weinberg [Grossmont College in CA]
Sent: Friday, April 02, 2004 4:10 AM
I praise you both for the impact you are having on campuses throughout the nation! As we supped at the [veg restaurant] on the evening before your presentation, I had visions of meals taken by prominent folks in earlier historical social movements. Thanks for your dedication to the cause!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Gordon Brown [Grossmont College in CA]
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 11:13 PM
I'm still buzzing, still on a high from the presentation you gave at Grossmont College on March 31st! This was the third one from Gary at this college, and the first to be co-presented by Kate. The first two drew about 25 and 70 students respectively, and this time we got 130, with standing-room-only for about a dozen. Better still, we attracted about ten people from faculty, a sharp improvement over the two that we got last December besides Mike and me.
I was so impressed, and so proud once again, to hear you speak. Kate is every bit as superb a monologist and public speaker as Gary is. She makes even more persuasive the passages that reveal the historical confluences of the human feminist and animal-rights movements, and her presence should alert women everywhere to the abuse of female animals as "breeding machines" for the production of food, furs and leather.
I continue to be impressed by how you have constantly revised and "fine-tuned" your presentation while keeping it substantially the same, and "on topic." Two friends of mine, who came to hear you speak for the first time, and who are vegans of long standing, were effusive in their praise for both of you. My friend Mitch exclaimed, "These are exactly the kinds of speakers that we need to reach younger audiences. As great a human being as John Robbins is, I doubt that he could connect with an audience like this one." My thoughts exactly.
I wish that I could arrange several of your presentations in a single semester, and have a different group of 130 or so showing up each time. I can't wait until the two of you come back for the fall semester. Keep up the great fight, and don't ever let your enemies grind you down!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor John A. Berteaux [San Diego State U.]
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 9:38 PM
Hi Gary and Kate. I wanted you to know that the students really enjoyed the classes. It led to a lot of heated debate today. Plus there are always the students who say that they just went out and bought a quart of milk that they won't drink now. Anyway wonderful job. Your talks really set up the Animal Rights part of the course. Thanks again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Kristina Hancock [Cal Western Law]
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2004 4:25 PM
Thank YOU so much for coming to speak to my students at Cal Western Law! It was the perfect speech to end our semester. I very much look forward to having you speak to my classes in the future. It's such a pleasure for me meeting all the wonderful and colorful "soldiers" in this little army of people working to make things better for the animals. Till we meet again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mark Somma [Fresno St.]
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2004 11:45 AM
As always, I enjoyed your talk and Kate's collaboration with you. I'm already looking forward to your next visit.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Ronnie Hawkins [University of Central Florida]
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 11:46 AM
So sorry I haven't gotten back to you in so long! But I really want to thank you for your presentations in my classes, and to report that you made quite an impression on some of my students. Several of them have told me that they have become vegans as a result of hearing you talk, and some have gone on to other animal-related activities. Please do let me know when you will be coming back to do some classroom speaking again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Linda Schott [Eastern Michigan U.]
Sent: Friday, March 19, 2004 10:40 AM
You and Kate really live up to your billing as fantastic speakers. Thanks for joining us.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mike Whitty [University of Detroit-Mercy]
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 7:02 PM
It was a rare moment for our students! Thank you for again coming to my classes.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Carole Bennett [Oakland Community College-Orchard Ridge Campus]
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 9:02 PM
Thank you again for coming and talking to our small group. I look forward to talking to you at the end of August. Please thank Kate too. It was wonderful to have her voice included.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Carrie Shea [Wayne State University]
Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2004 12:23 PM
Indeed, I should be thanking you. I'll be visiting many a website today to learn of more healthy and vegan alternatives. I really should have known better (blinders be damned!!!). My point is thank you, thank you so much. Your talk has enlightened me and made me a far better person morally, and I am so grateful. You are honest, empathetic, consistent (hey, I'm a philosophy prof, had to throw that one in there), moving, passionate, and a true, real person.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Elysa Koppelman [Oakland University]
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2004 11:28 AM
I was so impressed with your speech that I would definitely invite you back to future classes-- including this summer. It was a pleasure to meet both of you. When I get their extra credit assignments back I will share some of their thoughts with you.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor John R.Volk [New Jersey City University]
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2004 11:23 PM
It was great to see you both last week at NJCU on Monday and Wednesday. Keep up the great work, Kate, you were fantastic. I told Prof. Roehr that I wanted to attend all 3 lectures because I was confident that I would learn something different at each one, and I did. I value all of the information you passed on to me this time. Well, I won't miss the opportunity to tell you how much both of you have changed my life. Thanks again. Best regards to you both.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Sherry Wynn [(Oakland University]
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2004 3:22 PM
I greatly appreciated your team's rhetorical skills. I will forward my students' rhetorical analysis e-class postings as soon as they are complete. I can truly say that I had my mind expanded yesterday, or at least that I was motivated to truly consider the horrors of what I have already learned about animal product industries. Good luck with the cause. I seem to have lost my apathy about animal products. I think I will join my daughter in a meatless lifestyle, and work more diligently to embrace a Vegan lifestyle. I appreciated your empathy with those of us who haven't yet "crossed over," and I will keep you updated on my progress.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Jim Hallemann [Oakland Community College-Waterford Campus]
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 11:27 AM
I'm looking forward to your talks on March 17. I hadn't eaten meat for five days until I had some pork sausage for breakfast this morning, and now I feel tired . . . Just thought that I'd let you know that your efforts aren't being performed in a vacuum. Last semester I had a student research vegetarianism for his research paper, and he concluded that for the most part what you presented to the room was accurate.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Linda Morrison [Oakland University]
Sent: Monday, March 08, 2004 6:16 PM
Sorry I had to leave [so quickly after the lecture], I didn't want to interrupt your conversation with the students and I had a meeting to attend. I want to thank you and Kate for speaking in class today. As I mentioned to Kate, my goal is to help them see different approaches to various "social problems" and I think this topic fit in very well. Your direct and provocative approach delivers a powerful punch. I'm glad you were able to present to my class.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Gregg Morris [Hunter-CUNY]
To: Kate Timko at Kittytruelove@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2004 10:09 AM
[About your speech]...I don't believe in tampering with success. But if I was going to make a suggestion, it would be for me not to make a suggestion. I thought everything worked. You and Gary covered a lot of territory in your presentation and Q&A.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Gregg Morris [Hunter-CUNY]
Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2004 9:46 AM
Hunter-CUNY is the most ethnically and culturally diverse college at CUNY and probably the most diverse college on the Atlantic seaboard; the mean age is about 23 or 24. The fact that you only had five [opposing views] in that class of 35 is surprising. That 35-student class most reflects the Department of Film and Media Studies; the news reporting classes don't—these classes attract the best students. So, what I am saying is that you're dealing with very, very diverse students and yet can find common ground with many them on one of the few subjects/topics that they seem to come together on collectively. Look forward to seeing you in the fall.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Alexandra Cvejic [Queens College]
Sent: Friday, March 05, 2004 6:32 PM
You guys made my semester! I feel so incredibly lucky to have met you both and the timing was truly fate. You are amazing lecturers. You are both charismatic, energetic, and extremely knowledgeable. I think that all of us can learn something from you about transmitting info to undergraduates in a way that is engaging and profoundly thought-provoking. I could see that my students were engaged and moved in a way that they might not have been solely from reading the material. I will not be surprised if some will rethink their personal habits as a result. If they don't change now, perhaps they will eventually. What is most important is that the seeds of Truth have been planted. They are no longer ignorant.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Elizabeth Wilson [Miami-Ohio]
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 9:57 AM
Well, you converted me! After your lecture I went home gave all of my meat, egg, milk based products to my boyfriend and became vegan. I went to the store and took your advice to get vegan products and had my first vegan meal this morning. You are a very effective speaker, and everything you said made sense to me. I look forward to being a vegan and living a much healthier life, along with the idea that I now know I am truly respecting the animals that I claimed before to love so much. Thanks for opening my eyes, and I am sure I'll be in touch, as this is all new to me. I would love to have you or Kate come speak to my classes next semester, and I do want to thank you so much again for your time.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor David Zartman [Ohio State U.—Animal Ag Dept.]
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 4:39 PM
I am always grateful for your effort to enrich this class with your genuine presentation. It is very critical to valid instruction to have legitimate experiences for the students. Both sections were benefited by experience. The second section, while seemingly frenetic, was just as valid as the first. I hope I can count on you to return this fall and next winter.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Frances Blake [Community College of Philadelphia]
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 7:47 AM
Thank you for coming and presenting! You are an excellent speaker (and teacher), and you have a lot of good energy. My students were much more interactive than they are for other classes with their other professors, so that was a good sign. On a personal note, I learned quite a bit. I've been vegetarian for about 15 years, but not vegan. I wanted to take that next step after hearing your talk, and I was able to find most products (like soy cream for coffee) right in the supermarket. That wasn't possible 15 years ago! About next semester, I won't be teaching until next year this time cuz I'll be on sabbatical. I'd love to have you back when you're in town!
-----Original Message-----
From: Teaching Asst. Matt Benson [Valley Forge Christian College]
Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2004 6:08 PM
Thank you for coming and sharing with my ethics class and Dr. Marino's Christian Thought class your views on animal rights. I greatly enjoyed your lecture in the ethics class and found your points challenging. I am not a vegetarian but I do admit you are making me revaluate my views, for that I say thank you. Most of all I admired your passion and dedication to this cause. I do not believe we often see people who are passionate about what they feel and believe, so it was very encouraging to see it. I also wanted to let you know that your lectures made many students think about animal rights beyond what they had before. I have heard many students talking about the issue days after you came. I hope your lectures continue to go well and if possible to have you come back to Valley Forge in the future.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Bruce Marino [Valley Forge Christian College]
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2004 4:11 PM
I very much appreciated your contribution to our students' education, your passion, and your concern for a profoundly important issue. A little heated discussion is a great thing and I am not at all sorry. Light often comes from the clash of ideas. So great job! Hope we can do it again this fall. Much to talk about, but for now, personal and professional thanks. You are appreciated. Blessings!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mel Seesholtz [Penn State-Abington]
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2004 2:08 PM
Well, you got 'em all in the first period class. *Everyone* in the class said the same thing: "I can't eat meat anymore." One girl said she got physically ill when her mother put a roasted chicken on the table that night. I'd guess about 85% in the afternoon class. But even those who said they still intended to eat meat also said the lecture made them think ... Bravo, my Friend!!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mel Seesholtz [Penn State-Abington]
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2004 4:35 PM
What can I say ... thank You for another set of inspiring talks.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor John Burris [Rollins College in FL]
Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2004 1:02 AM
Both of your lectures ROCKED. Only a barbarian could have missed it. This whole process with you and PETA gives me some faith in America, though I have no concept of patriotism whatsoever. I am with you in that this is the next major human revolution. You have done Rollins, and me, a great service. Thanks.
^Back to List |Next Section >>
Comments from Educators 2003
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mark Somma [Fresno State]
Sent: Friday, December 05, 2003 11:53 AM
You have a genuine gift for reaching college-age students. Distinct from most college lectures, you communicate from the heart at a gut level and students respond very positively. Several found me yesterday to thank me for bringing you to class and suggested that I continue to schedule you to give lectures.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Gordon Brown [Grossmont College]
Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2003 11:11 PM
What can I say, Gary, but yet another stellar presentation! If anything, this one was even better than the one you gave last spring, because you injected more humor and repartee, and made the students feel very much at ease while shocking the hell out of them! It's not easy to speak of animal cruelty in humorous terms and still "stay on point" without diluting one's message, but you did just that, and so masterfully to boot. As you know, on occasions like this one it's typical for many students to respond by saying "This is just a bunch of bullshit, and I really don't care." Yet it made me so proud to see none of that issuing from the students at Grossmont; indeed I was amazed and gratified to see so many of them eagerly snapping up your videos, and donating money to help the cause.
Immediately after your presentation we went back to the classroom for Symbolic Logic as usual, but nevertheless spent a few precious moments reflecting on what you had said. One student in the class was particularly praiseful; she claimed that "I like the way he 'talked straight' to us, and didn't preach, didn't rant, didn't moralize, and didn't berate us for being 'miserable, meat-eating sinners.'"
Were there any disappointments for me? One. Outside of Mike and me, only two people on the faculty of Grossmont College thought it worth their while to attend your presentation. That doesn't speak well for certain learned adults who purport to be better-educated, better-informed, more mature, and less afraid of the truth than their students. However, I wanted to let you know that we had our annual Philosophy Dept. Christmas get-together this weekend, and on the buffet spread there were positively no meat dishes anywhere. Not vegan, perhaps, but there was no meat on that table. Zoe Close, the department chair, explained to me that after hearing your presentation she could not, in good conscience, celebrate Christmas by presenting meat at the party table.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mel Seesholtz [Penn State-Abington]
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2003 5:45 PM
Just wanted to let you know that your time with my 8 a.m. class had a profound impact the other day ... PROFOUND. About half the class said they haven't been able to eat meat or consumed dairy since 11/25 ... and have had somewhat heated "discussions" with their parents. Jessica, who works at a day care center, almost cried when she told of how she just couldn't tell all those kids to "drink their milk" during snack time. Only a few said something like, "Yea, he made sense, but I'm still gonna eat meat. I like it, and it much more 'convenient' than hunting for veggie-stuff..." or "I just don't care..."
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Margaret Betz Hull [PSU-Abington]
Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2003 7:27 AM
You did an excellent job of conveying the general message of the animal rights philosophy: the horrific suffering experienced by animals in factory farms, the impact on the environment, the contribution of meat eating to world hunger, the the health effects of a meat-based diet. You were so thorough and well-versed on many things I even didn't know, and I am a vegetarian of eight years and a philosopher of animal issues. Your delivery was clear and respectful, and powerfully persuasive. It is my belief that you are right in your assessment: this is the most promising way to turn people on to the cause.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Sonia Love [U. of North Texas]
Sent: Friday, November 14, 2003 12:34 AM
Well, you really made a believer out of me! Your talks were great. I know that you could tell the students really enjoyed it. I thoroughly got into hearing your "second talk" too when you were conversing with some of the students after class. I was serious about your making a believer out of me, and I am really trying the vegetarian part already. Thanks for broadening my life a bit more. Thanks again for sharing your time with us.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Jack Lessenberry [Wayne State U.]
Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2003 8:45 PM
Gary -- You were better and more effective than ever. You changed some hearts and minds today.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Gregg Morris [Hunter-CUNY]
Sent: Friday, October 24, 2003 6:13 AM
The presentation was excellent. Best guest speaking lecture I've ever had. There is nothing I can suggest to make it better.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Peter Crabb [Penn State-Abington]
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 8:34 AM
Your presentations fit well with the week's topic of psychological issues concerning food. Your presentation was very compelling. The video clips you showed were horrific (but I think could have been worse!). Your command of information was impressive. My students were highly engaged during the presentation and question and answer session, and several of them told me later that they were seriously considering becoming vegetarians, if not vegans. In sum, my students and I found your visit to be very rewarding.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mel Seesholtz [Penn State-Abington]
Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2003 5:15 PM
Today was EXCELLENT! Your narration of the video and the extended Q&A, which seemed to make the wealth of information you present more "personal" since it came in response to direct questions, worked well indeed. What particularly hit me was the "simplicity" theme (especially when the one student started over-intellectualizing). To inflict such horrors is ... simply wrong. Period. End of debate. Made me think of "The Matrix": how some, even when they knew it was a lie, would still defend it, absolutely.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Catherine F. Meyer [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2003 10:02 AM
I am unable to express myself on the fabulous work you did in my classes on Monday the eighth. I was simply overwhelmed with the outstanding presentation and your ability to really provoke some deep thinking. I was so deeply moved that I lost my ability to express myself verbally. It was superb and the reactions of the 80 students were very encouraging. The visuals were very convincing, I thank you for coming and I am inviting you again next semester.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Gail Radley [Stetson U.]
Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2003 5:57 PM
Thank YOU. You gave them "food for thought"! It was great to see them so stirred up about an issue, even to the point of doing some non required outside research, and no doubt many of them will write passionately--pro and con--about what you shared. I'm sure many will ponder it for a long time to come, and some will make changes in their lives as well. I'll look forward to hearing from you in December.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Jane Compson [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2003 9:50 AM
THANK YOU for coming to talk to the class. It really was a great presentation, and I'm so impressed that you could be so dynamic and engaging at the end of such a long day. My brother and I spent a lot of time talking about your presentation yesterday, and it has really given me a lot to think about. I'm sure the students feel the same, and I'll report back after next week's class on what they thought. I could see, as I'm sure you could, that they were challenged and stimulated by it; and that's all you can ask for when you're teaching! So thanks very much, especially for stepping in at the last minute. I really appreciate it, and would love to know when you are next back on tour in this neck of the woods. Your presentation was very challenging, but never crossed the boundary of appropriateness. I would highly recommend your presentation to other colleagues.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Linda Musante [U. of Tampa]
Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2003 8:02 AM
You touched me and many of my students and I thank you. That is what education is all about.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Michael Strawser [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 4:01 PM
Overall I was very impressed...the quality of your presentation was outstanding. I am very happy that I invited you to come and I intend to invite you back next semester. I have already recommended you to my colleagues. The students responded very well to your talk, and when I asked them whether they would recommend you to speak to future philosophy classes, they responded with an overwhelming YES. I asked the students to write briefly about what they found most interesting/provocative/etc., and it is clear that you caused significant individual reflection. For example, I was very surprised to hear that a good number of students are now going vegan or have stopped drinking milk, etc. While I cannot adequately summarize the student responses, here is one quote from a student paper: "I thoroughly enjoyed Gary's lecture on veganism. He is a phenomenal animal rights activist and clearly explained all of his points in great detail....Gary was an excellent speaker that I will always remember."
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Frank Perez [UTEP]
Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2003 12:38 PM
My students enjoyed your presentations, and I heard several positive remarks from my colleagues yesterday as well. I really enjoyed meeting you. Your presentations were among the best I've hosted. You are a dynamic speaker who conveys a lot of enthusiasm for the topic. You are also very knowledgeable and approachable. My students' comments were very positive and some of them expressed an interest in becoming/considering vegetarianism or veganism. Although I am neither of these, your presentation made me decide to lower my consumption of all meats. You impacted my students, and I would be glad to have you return.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Sherry Lewis [UTEP]
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2003 6:27 PM
Thank you for a job well done! I know how difficult it can be to repeat a lecture/presentation so many times in one day. Hurray to you for not only getting through it, but with the same level of interest and energy as you had at 7:30. Congratulations to you. I hope we can do it all again in the spring. If I can arrange it, would you like to do El Paso Community College as well? Otherwise, I hope your trip turns out the way you want it to. Good luck and God speed. We certainly learned a lot from you. The student's responses have been varied; what I love is that they have opinions strong enough to feel compelled to express them. This is one of the barriers I fight as a public speaking teacher; getting them to realize there are things they care about so strongly that they are worth talking about out loud. Whether or not you can claim a slew of converts to veganism from my classes, you inspired them to care. That's a lot.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mary Gomrad [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2003 7:57 PM
Thank you so much for such a great lecture. The thematic component I use for my composition courses is social justice and civic responsibility. I try to get my students to understand that we are all--animal kingdom and human societies--interconnected and our behaviors relate (both positively and negatively) to the environment and the many problems we as a society have. Your lecture was certainly informative and I am sure my students benefited tremendously.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Claire Magaha [Stetson University in FL]
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2003 12:38 PM
THANK YOU! I cannot express how eye-opening and transformative your talk was. I really appreciated your work today and I am already changing my diet. Wow! To those who are open, you are going to make an incredible impact. To those who are not, you at least give them the exposure, thus the possibility for change in the future. By the way, you should know that I was totally preaching to my coworkers about what I learned today. You are doing a great thing!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Gary Calore (Penn State-Abington)
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2003 12:43 PM
Thank you for your informative and uplifting presentation on the 18th. In my view, you are the consummate "animal rights" educator and I have yet to witness my class in so rapt a state of attention. Your expose of the animal exploitation practices of our culture will fit nicely into the class discussion of interspecies ethics. Keep up the great work! As for the summer, my course runs Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30-11:00 a.m. from May 19th to June 12th. Sometime in early June would be best for a return visit. But I'll wait to hear from you before putting together the course syllabus.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mel Seesholtz (Penn State-Abington)
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2003 5:49 PM
What can I say? Beyond excellent. Truly. You have changed my life.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Jill-Anne Fowler (Westminster College in MO)
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2003 12:51 PM
Thank you so much for coming last week! It was a fun day, and it was great seeing people so interested in what you had to say. I wanted to let you know that a student here at Westminster is going to start an animal rights group! An email was sent out yesterday asking everyone interested in veganism, vegetarianism, and animal rights to contact the student named Aimee Brower. I guess about 20 people responded, and Student Activities and Counseling and Health Services are going to support this group! So I think you should list this as another success!!!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Rich Geenen
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2003 3:19 PM
I met you last night at your presentation for Veganism at Westminster College. My name is Rich Geenen and I am the philosophy teacher here at the college. I enjoyed your talk and found it very informative. You provide a lot of style to your presentation that is rhetorically effective and carries a great deal of impact. I would imagine it has a profound effect on many people's lives and that is quite admirable. I also agree with the vast majority of your position and many of your arguments. You are an admirable speaker with an admirable cause.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Victoria Johnson (Missouri-Columbia)
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 2:45 PM
I really enjoyed your presentation at UMC. It takes a lot of courage to take on people in the Midwest on these issues. Do contact me over the summer. If I don't hear from you, I will be in contact to work out details for your presentation during fall semester. Thanks for all of your great work and the information!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Julie Andrzejewski (St. Cloud State U. in Minnesota)
Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2003 8:45 AM
You were just excellent and, although I have been laying some foundation (like having my students read 101 Reasons Why I Am a Vegetarian), a few of my (male) students were offended and angry that I was "pushing" this issue. I think you may have made a dent in them—as a couple of the most resistant stayed for the entire lecture and most of the Q and A. Anyway, that would really be an accomplishment. Thanks a bunch—you have a great approach—I loved the stuff about being herbivores.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Gordon Brown (Grossmont College in El Cajon, Cal.)
Sent: Friday, February 21, 2003 2:02 PM
Subject: Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Just a note to tell you that although I have seen many presentations on this topic, I was especially moved, and shaken, by yours. I greatly admire the way you presented your message. From what I had been hearing, I imagined that you might be "in your face," that you'd fly off the handle, rant, be a little combative perhaps, etc., but I never got that impression from you. You have a gift for imparting your message with passion and conviction, yet with just the right amount of self-control.
As I mentioned when we spoke, I believe that this movement is populated by too many speakers with good intentions but no public-speaking skills. I wish we had more speakers of the kind like you. Look forward to seeing you again in the fall. You truly are an educator AND a liberator, in the best sense of both words. KEEP IT GOING!!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor David Zartman (in the Ohio State U. Animal Agriculture Dept.)
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 10:52 AM
My students have voted with a large majority that your presentation is appropriate to the class and that you should be invited to appear in future classes. Many students applauded the spirit and presentation skills you possess. Not so many are in full approval of the message, but they respect your position and commitment. I am glad we have become acquainted. Is it possible to book you for an appearance again in the fall quarter when I will be teaching this class again? I suggest the date of Tuesday, Oct. 28. If a different Tuesday or Thursday works better, please advise me. We will follow the same schedule as this quarter with sections at 1:30 and 4:30 for two hours each.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Steve Boyles (Ohio State U.)
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2003 10:51 AM
Subject: Presentation in Animal Issues Class at Ohio State
You provided a thought provoking presentation in Dr. Zartman's class last week (2/6/03). I would like to prevail upon you to do a similar presentation in the Spring Quarter version of the same class. Would you be available May 1st, 6th or 8th?
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Karin Best (U. of New Hampshire)
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2003 10:31 AM
Sounds as though the speaking circuit is going quite well for you and that you are very busy! I am happy to hear that! Thank you for the DVD (that was VERY nice of you!) ... it was amazing and eye-opening. I am looking forward to seeing your presentation in person at UNH this semester. I wish you lots of luck. See you in April.
-----Original Message-----
From: Eisenhower High School Teacher Rich Linden
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 10:08 AM
Thank you again for a very stimulating presentation on animal rights and veganism yesterday. Personally, I have been thinking about your message, and I will be making significant adjustments. Your dedication and sacrifices not only help animals without a voice, but they indirectly help all of us who benefit from environmental improvements that come with the reduced dependence of animals as a food source. I do want to repeat my gratitude for your great sacrifices and efforts.
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Comments from Educators 2002
-----Original Message-----
From: Cathy Comstock [Professor at CU-Boulder]
Sent: Friday, December 20, 2002 10:28 PM
Your return visit on April 14 works perfectly. I've put the finishing touches on the schedule, and I want to thank you again for your flexibility with the 'Gandhi' class. And speaking of that, I keep having the immense pleasure of having students in that class tell me one by one--sometimes they sneak to my office to say it quietly, other times it's in a note on a paper--that they've been vegetarian ever since your visit. (A few good souls had converted earlier due to the Animal Liberation and Diet for a New America readings, but they are especially appreciative that your visit strongly confirmed their decision and kept it going.)
-----Original Message-----
From: Arvilla Taylor (Professor at Midwestern State)
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 4:48 PM
We would be glad for a return visit. I had very positive feedback from my students and some of the townspeople who drifted in. At the very least, you made a dint in meat consumption if not a total abstinence. Even the session I missed that had the altercation generated favorable commentary from some of the students. Thanks for the drama and the logic. You had both of them going your way.
-----Original Message-----
From: Millie Gore (Midwestern State U. Professor)
Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 1:07 PM
Thanks to Gary's program, today is my seventh meatless day. I feel like an addict in a 12-step program: Hello. My name is Millie and I'm a carnivore. Today is my one week anniversary on the wagon. I bought a book called "This Can't Be Tofu!". (Luckily, I've always liked tofu.) I'm still doing eggs and dairy, but Rome wasn't built in a day.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Chris Schadler (U. of New Hampshire)
Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2002 4:35 PM
I pledged to never eat an animal again, and I haven't, and I won't. And I'm not alone in this since your visit. Powerful stuff.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lindsay Ann Landgraf (teaching fellow at U. of North Texas)
Sent: Wednesday, December 04, 2002 11:02 AM
You will be happy to know that you have several converts, some to vegetarianism (including me) and a few to veganism. All in all I think that most of them will never be able to drink milk again. In their response papers there were several comments about what an engaging speaker you were and that you got their attention, and many of them admired your conviction, even if they didn't agree. Of course there were grumblings about your tactics, but that is to be expected. I was very surprised how many of my students had no idea where their meat came from and how it got to their table. I will e-mail Jay this week and let him know how well it went and I can give him some direct quotes from students' papers. Thanks for coming, it was a lot of fun, and I hope to see you next semester.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jan Herzog (elementary school teacher)
Sent: Monday, December 02, 2002 8:26 PM
I've been a vegetarian for 18 years, a vegan for about the last 10 of those, and have considered myself an animal rights activist all my life. I've heard quite a few speakers on the subject of animal rights, and I have to say you are one of the most persuasive, passionate and eloquent of them. You were certainly preaching to the choir WITH ME at Midwestern State U. -- I was already aware of the issues and realities of factory farming, circuses, dog and cat overpopulation, furs, etc. However, your hard-hitting videos were hard even for a seasoned veteran like me to watch. I find it hard to imagine sitting through one of your presentations and not being changed, unless you are completely heartless and/or brain dead.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Sue Henson (Midwestern State U.)
Sent: Friday, November 29, 2002 9:12 PM
It was great to have you. I would say all four of your sessions were very worthwhile. Thanks for opening up the dialogue with our students. I hope you'll visit our campus again.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Ken Robol (Halifax Comm. C. in Weldon, NC)
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2002 9:14 PM
You were the best! Please keep up the good fight!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Mel Seesholtz (Penn St.-Abington)
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 4:15 PM
I just wanted to thank you again for a brilliantly delivered, mind-opening, inspiring presentation. I've been to many lectures and presentations in my career, but NONE was as moving, as thought-provoking as yours. As soon as I get my spring semester schedule, I'll be in touch about arranging another lecture. The Campus will be purchasing the DVD version of your presentation as soon as I complete the paper work. As I mentioned, your message will be the focus of the class's last research paper of the semester. I'll keep you posted. Again, sincere thanks and warmest wishes. FYI: I was "unable" to teach my 9:30 class, because my mind is still whirling. THANK YOU!!
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Irwin Sperber (SUNY-New Paltz)
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2002 4:56 PM
I greatly appreciated you presentation about PETA in my class last week; there were many important issues covered, and the students are certainly well-served by hearing what you had to say. Again, my thanks! Please feel free to pass the above message on to the folks at PETA to use same in any manner you deem appropriate.
-----Original Message-----
From: Kate York (teaching asst. at UNH)
Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 5:54 PM
Thank you so much...I wish I could tell you all that I am left thinking...and I held a discussion section with some of the students following your presentation--there were many good questions, some tears, and a long talk about eggs and the poultry industry, which is something else I am particularly interested in. You are a very powerful presence, and I could see the effect you have on students...I guess we all contribute in our own ways, yours being high profile and mine being small scale education...but on every level, it counts...and I am very pleased to have had the chance to meet you. I would have enjoyed talking to you more. I WILL KEEP IN TOUCH! Because I think you have a wonderful way of presenting some very difficult information, and more and more people need to hear it. table has become rather popular too.
-----Original Message-----
From: Linsey Ann Cuti
Sent: Fri 10/25/2002 6:04 PM
I am a graduate student and instructor at Illinois State University. I want to start by saying Thank You for being such an inspiration this afternoon; (I obviously attended your discussion at ISU). Your job as an animal rights educator is my dream job. Don't get me wrong, I am not dreaming of arrests and gaining repulsive undercover footage; I am however dreaming of raising people's awareness to these issues on a larger scale. Though I educate on these issues any time the situation arises by speaking up in social situations, writing editorials, and writing protest letters, it never seems enough. I have been teaching writing at the college level for four years now and am currently working on my Ph.D. in rhetoric and composition. Gary, you are one of my heroes I can't possibly express to you how much I appreciate and respet what you do. You are an amazing speaker that made me feel more powerful leaving that classroom today. That is, more powerful in the sense that my individual actions can have an affect and that I need to spread what you shared with us today to as many people as possible.
-----Original Message-----
From: Kerry Murray
Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 6:13 PM
My name is Kerry and I was one of the TAs for the INDV 101 course you spoke to on Wednesday, October 16th at the University of Arizona. I wanted to thank you for your talk and let you know that your message had a serious impact on me. As a grad student in Cultural Studies, I do my work in discourse analysis and am very aware of the nature of power, dominance and ideology that is at work in the way our country deals with food production and consumption. I have a very soft heart where animals are concerned, I dote on my rescued dog, and have shied away from info on factory farming because I just didn't want to know. Though, repeatedly through my travels, my reading and my own work the information has been surfacing, which has forced me to keep coming back to the inconsistency between how I feel about my dog and how the food I eat made it to my plate. After your talk, the big picture (ecological, moral, health, political issues) fell in to place. What really motivates me is the personal and I keep coming back to the glaring inconsistency between how I feel about my dog and how I (don't) deal with the casualties of factory farming. I realize that I can no longer live with that inconsistency and am taking the steps necessary to become fully vegan. I just needed a good kick in the pants from the likes of you. Again, because my own work is discourse analysis, I found your talk fascinating as much for how you made your presentation, as for your content (though the content obviously had a big effect on me). I don't have the time or space to go in to the whole critique but your sophisticated arguments that preempted every rebuttal reflected well on your message, your organization, and radical activism. Thank you for your time and your passion—you have made a convert (who will probably make more over time as I subtly influence my friends and family.) I wish you the best in your future work.
-----Original Message-----
From: Professor Alex Green (St. Mary's College in CA)
Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2002 2:38 AM
First, let me just say thank-you for being so generous with your time. My class at St. Mary's was electrified!! It's clear that you really made a difference. They were impressed and genuinely moved by the presentation. They all agreed that you changed the way they thought about many different things--marvelous work!! I'll be sending you some of the final papers in December for you to read, if you're cool with that. Man, it was so great having you in class--let's keep in touch. You always have a friend in me!!
-----Original Message-----
From: Administrator Geraldine Grunow (HFCC)
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 11:47 AM
Many thanks for your fine presentation at Henry Ford Comm. College. Several students I spoke with afterwards said they were very moved by it.