Dean Gage was my calculus prof for first year engineering (’64/’65). He made it very enjoyable while simplifying the subject matter. After introducing himself to students in the class he would remember their name. This seemed to include almost everyone’s name in a well attended class of over 100 held in the old civil engineering building. He’d often recognize younger brothers & sisters of engineering students from previous years – he’d also remember their names.
He obviously delighted in teaching math to young boisterous engineering students. The course was compulsory. As he walked around the lecture hall he had a regular habit of patting students on the shoulder and saying, “cheer up – the worst is yet to come”.
He also helped arrange scholarships & bursaries for needy students and it was common knowledge that he regularly dipped into his own pocket to supplement funding for students.
At the time he was heavily involved with administrative issues at UBC but still found time during his busy schedule to teach math to first year engineering students.
Don McDougald
BASc 1968
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