(Read by Brad Cunningham at Memorial Service, July 1, 2003)

I am extremely thankful for having known Dr. Fidler, as he was quite a help during my academic career. I struggled a lot in undergrad, particularly when I was an undeclared major. Dr. Fidler was always there with an encouraging word or two since he was my undergrad advisor.

I dropped out of USC for three years, and when I finally decided to go back Dr. Fidler was instrumental in helping me through the admissions process. He was also an expert at academic advice, which I readily heeded. I am very thankful for his help in getting me through undergraduate school. (No small accomplishment for a mediocre student)

His help did not stop there. He sent many character references and recommendations for me when I was applying for jobs. When the job market wasn't treating me so well, he was instrumental in writing letters of recommendation as I applied to law school. I did my first year of law school in Alabama, but transferred back to USC for the final two years. When I returned to campus, the first thing I did was visit Dr. Fidler in his office at the Russell House. We had a nice chat and I spoke about how far we had come "together" in my academic and career pursuits. It was nice to have him on my side pulling for me. Dr. Fidler is one of the very fond memories I have about my years at USC, and I was very pleased to attend his retirement party (with my wife, Marcella and daughter Lauren) where I learned he was an even greater man than I had anticipated.

Dr. Fidler's years of service to USC mean a lot to me, as I love the school as well. It doesn't seem the same when I go there now (since he retired) because I always stopped by to see him. To me, Dr. Fidler was just a part of USC and Columbia that I had come to expect would always be there. This is really a blow to me, because at times I felt perhaps Dr. Fidler was the only one at USC who believed in me academically. I think it is fair to say that perhaps he had a profound effect on my life and will be the "academic advisor/teacher/administrator" I will always remember most.

Paul and Cheryl, you can be very proud of your dad. And Dorothy, you can be very proud of your husband, as I know you all are. If, as they say, it is the goal of those in the academic field to help shape, mold and have a positive effect on the lives of young people then Dr. Fidler has succeeded in a big way.  I have always held him in high esteem and will continue to do so.  His passing leaves me sad, but in some ways thankful that at least his suffering has ended. I continue to hold all of you up in prayer, and hope that you know I would be delighted to help you in any way possible. God bless everyone!