I was a student of Jo’s about 10 years ago. I am now a teacher and her influence shows through each and everyday in my work. I try to include my students and treat them with dignity and respect, just like her. She was by far the most influential professor I ever had. So much love for her and what she stood for. I will never forget her. Or her class discussions. Every student of her’s knows exactly what I am talking about.

I remember when I first met Jo. I worked with a student who had Asperger's syndrome. I was the director of the Disability Resource Services office at UWL. I remember first meeting with Jo and the student, she was so welcoming to him and made him so much more comfortable. I considered her to be a great human being as well as a great educator. She seemed to instinctively know how to work with this student. I was so saddened by her early death. The students who had her, as well as the students who would have her in the future are missing out on one of their great experiences.