Terry R. Light – 50th Reunion Essay

Terry R. Light

714 Columbian Avenue

Oak Park, IL 60302

tlight@lumc.edu

708-899-6687

Spouse(s): Holly Smith (1978)

Child(ren): Rebecca Anne (1983), Jennie Rose (1989)

Education: Chicago Medical School, MD, 1973

Career: Orthopaedic Surgery Resident and Faculty, Yale-New Haven (1973–1980); Faculty Stritch School of Medicine Loyola University Chicago (1980–present), Dr William Scholl Professor and Chair (1991–2016), Interim Dean (2017)

Avocations: Architecture, American Arts and Crafts pottery (www.MarbleheadPottery.net), MG-TD restoration, Chicago Blackhawks

College: Trumbull

I am proud of my strong Yale connections. After Yale College and medical school in Chicago I completed a surgical internship and orthopedic surgery residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital and was on the Yale medical school faculty for four years. I met my wife of 40 years, Holly, at Yale-New Haven. As short-term memory fades, I cherish my vivid memories of earlier life in New Haven.

My life has turned out better than my younger self had any reason to imagine. I have found remarkable satisfaction in my life’s work and am supported by a terrific family, a talented wife, and two wonderful daughters and a son-in-law. Ten years ago, we agreed to support an uneducated 13-year-old orphan working in a Cambodian garbage dump. Today she is a vibrant college student in Chicago.

Jerry Seinfeld mused that fans of a professional team are simply cheering for “laundry” worn by paid employees. When I cheer for a Yale team, what is the basis for my allegiance? I no longer know any of the players. Am I simply cheering for the current laundry? No, I think that our Yale education had unique value and that current students enjoy an expanded and enriched version of that privilege.

In 1965, as now, the trickiest hurdle in graduating from Yale was gaining admission. Most who apply are capable of graduating. We felt fortunate to join the Class of 1969. As freshmen first we came to Yale and were greeted by Kingman Brewster’s command to become “One Thousand Male Leaders of America.” We were encouraged to use life’s opportunities to serve others. I have enjoyed the chance to teach and lead medical students, orthopedic residents and hand surgery fellows for more than 40 years. Interacting with colleagues throughout the world has enriched my life and enlarged my perspective in ways that my younger self would never have imagined.

Most of our teachers and role models are no longer on the university payroll. Yet, the ideas that they opened us up to still are paying dividends in our enriched approach to the world. As a science major who recognized the value of a liberal arts education, I switched to American studies/urban studies at the end of sophomore year. A passion for American architecture was born from Scully’s 20th Century American Architecture course. My Yale education nurtured my interest in the built environment. I have embraced professional opportunities to travel and explore the cities of the world. We live in a prairie style home a few blocks from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park home and studio. I enjoy volunteering with local and national historic preservation groups.

I treasure the friendships made at Yale with roommates, classmates and teammates and have kept up with many friends. We enrich, inspire and encourage each other. Sadly, many wonderful classmates have passed away short of our 50th reunion. I will particularly miss Dov Ospovat, Max Derbes and Bob Bucholz.

My life grows richer from experiences, ideas and friendships I gained at Yale.