Remembering Nash ’55 *64 and Flippin ’56

Recently Princeton has lost two of its finest graduates, Gary Nash ’55 *64 and Royce Flippin ’56.

Gary, who earned a Ph.D. at Princeton, moved on to UCLA. He was known throughout California by teachers in the public schools for his message that American history belonged to the people, that it was, indeed, about the people — by which he meant everyone, as his books condemning racism and exposing elitism made clear.

Royce, who is most often remembered for his superb athletic skill, was also — like Gary — a community leader, and as his career makes clear, a compassionate man who was loved by all who knew him.

I feel most fortunate to have known both of these men.