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I know my title says deepest sympathy, but it’s the only words I could think of at a moment when I heard of Dr Chris’s passing. I know I speak for myself when I regret the opportunities I had and never acted on them because I always thought you were going to be there. I remember the time when you sent me your comments on one of my papers and it was in all caps. At first I thought you were yelling at me. Only an hour later you sent another message saying you didn’t realize the all caps was on. Then you were laughing at what you did. So, I’m regretting the times I will miss sitting in your office sorting out my data. In closing, my emotions are all over the place. I will miss her deeply! My our Heavenly Father bless you into the kingdom of heaven.

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Dr. Christine, you will be GREATLY MISSED!! Dr. Christine was extremely knowledgeable and thorough in all of her work. She always took the time to give thoughtful and helpful feedback. I sometimes wondered how she was able to read through so many students’ work and still give such detailed, quick feedback! I don’t know how she did it! I remember that she would always say “A finished dissertation is better than a perfect dissertation.” She was a hard worker and helped me a lot with the dissertation process! No one could take take Dr. Christine’s place—she is one-of-kind! Praying for her family.🙏❤️
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Alicia Balcombe

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Dr. Christine Sorensen

You are one phenomenal woman.  Thank you for everything you have done for me. You have pushed me throughout this program , few more steps and now you're not here. I truly miss you Dr. Chris. Til we meet again!

Much Alofas Dr. Chris
Alititaiolemoana L. Sagapolutele

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Dear Christine,
Not only were you an awesome teacher, you were the best advisor. I loved how our conversations at the beginning of each term took a turn (after business was done-of course) to life. I think I will miss that part a lot, along with your guidance through our program. I will miss you dearly.
A hui hou,
Jose

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Chris was my role model for my entire PhD journey. She was always so thoughtful, caring, critical and hardworking that I couldn't imagine a better person to emulate. Chris took the time to write book chapters with me, to help me see past my own biases, and to constantly push me to be better. She was a pleasure to be around and a friend when the walls were crashing in. To say I will miss her doesn't adequetly express the pain. You will always be a star to me Chris and I hope to continue living up to your example.

Jonathan Kevan,
2013 PhD Cohort

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I learned so much from Dr. Chris. She challenged me as a student which made me a better learner and researcher because of it. Her work was tough but that's what makes Dr. Chris someone I'll never forget as part of my PhD journey in LTEC. She pushed me to work hard and always bring my "A" game (there's definitely no slacking in her classes)! I appreciated her detailed feedback and suggestions on my assignments. I can see why there's a reason she chaired so many PhD student committees. I'm honored and humbled to have been taught by you.

Aloha Dr. Chris. Rest in paradise.

-Jessica Chillingworth
2021 PhD Cohort

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I am heartbroken and find it difficult to write this without being overwhelmed with emotion. I had the honor of being in several of her courses at the start of my cohort 2019 journey. Dr. Chris did everything she could to set us up for success. Although the volume and specificity of her feedback was sometimes overwhelming, I knew that I was fortunate to have her on my dissertation committee. Her knowledge, as well as the depth and breadth of her experiences, were inspirational. I feel blessed to have known her. She has a special place in my heart and she will be missed. It is said that the depth of our grief is a reflection of how much we loved someone. I hope that Dr. Chris knows how much she was loved and appreciated.
-Robin Watson
2019 PhD Cohort

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It saddens me so much to write these words. Dr. Chris was such a special person to me. She is a human being that I feel so lucky to have had in my life and has been a pillar of strength and inspiration in so many ways. She was so open and honest and I felt I could ask her anything. She always had a word of encouragement and a story to share. As a mom myself, constantly figuring out how to balance a full-time career, graduate school, family life, and several moves, I remember her telling me years ago, kids can do just fine on a crock pot of food and leftovers, the house does not always have to be clean and she would tell me stories of when she was progressing through her dissertation with young kids. I learned so much from her, as she was always so incredibly thorough and fast with providing feedback. I would even emulate her method of booking focus time at a hotel room occasionally to advance my writing when needed. My younger son was born the same year as her grandson (2015) and we would always keep each other up to date on how our families were doing. After 10 years of knowing Dr. Chris, and seeing her still shining after wins and losses, I want to wish her peace and rest.  She truly was one-of-a-kind and I really miss her.

Natalie Gauvin,
2013 PhD Cohort

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I learned so much about teaching, mentoring, leading, and just being a good person from Christine—more than anyone would ever know. I sought her counsel numerous times on many issues and she never failed to provide the most thoughtful, honest, and empathetic feedback, taking time and energy and going out of her way to help and guide me. It won't be the same in our department without her...a wonderful lantern of humanity has been extinguished and the rest of us can only labor hard to live up to her lofty yet kind expectations. Aloha, Christine.
--Mike Menchaca

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Words cannot describe the void left by Dr. Chris’ passing. She continues to inspire and motivate me to continue onward because that is what she believed and expected from each and every one of us. She exemplified professionalism and standards of excellence with a heart of gold. She would state the obvious without making me feel oblivious to the facts, and she always ended her emphasis of a point with a laugh-she had a great laugh. I’m forever grateful to her guidance and patience and I know she’ll be cheering us on. Blessings and love to Dr. Chris❤️

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In Loving Memory of Dr. Christine Sorensen Irvine

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In Loving Memory of Dr. Christine Sorensen Irvine

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I was heartbroken when I learned of Dr. Chris’s passing. You had a brilliant mind, a stellar work ethic and the warmest heart. She deeply cared so much about her students and her work, and I will always be grateful for everything she has taught me over the past several years. She was a special person that I will miss very much.

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I was devastated to learn of Dr. Chris's passing. Her research classes were as productive as they were tough. I learned so much from her and quite frankly am still in the process of internalizing and applying the lessons she provided. She is leaving behind a great legacy of learning and her students will all miss her laser-like ability to cut to the chase and give amazing feedback. As my advisor, she was a weather vane keeping me on course and heading in the right direction, in spite of stormy seas like the pandemic. She will be sorely missed by me and by all the students she guided and helped.
-Elizabeth Ratliff
2018 PhD Cohort

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We miss you Christine.  Thank you for your genuine love and care for UH and our community.  You will always be remembered in all of our hearts.  Your boldness, knowledge and willingness to assist along with your bright smile and humor always made working with you such a pleasure.  With much love and aloha to you ... and your family.

Deb Ishii

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It has been difficult to imagine LTEC without Dr. Chris’s presence. She was an amazing professor, encouraged us by example, and always made time for us, her students. She was empathetic and sought to make a learning environment that met our needs while providing direct and tough mentorship that encouraged us to grow beyond where we thought possible. I would say that she was able to envision the scholars we were capable of becoming, even when we couldn’t quite see it yet. She taught me that I could ask questions without being afraid and that not understanding something the first time just meant that it was an opportunity for me to learn. I grew so much as a person and student because of her. She will be sorely missed.

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It's safe to say that I wouldn't be in my current position if not for Chris. When I expressed some interest in eventually, perhaps, taking on some leadership responsibilities, she gave me some tasks and then selected me to participate in the College Leadership Education Opportunity (CLEO) program at NIU that she devised to prepare the next gen of college/institutional leaders. It was the start of a different half of my career. Without question, Chris was the smartest dean that I've worked under (not just because she saw some potential in me). And probably the best dancer--though I've never tested that hypothesis.
M Cecil Smith
Dean, School of Education
Southern Illinois University Carbondale

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Committee chair for many of my fellow 2011 cohortees. Now happy graduates of LTEC, with doctoral degrees.

A dedicated teacher, mentor, and guide.

Her passion and her leadership fill COE with pride.

Her feedback was so thorough, done with accuracy and speed. How she managed remains a mystery, with all the pages she had to read.

Qualitative analysis, is a course rather difficult to teach. She made it simple, fun, and easy, so more students she could reach.

At the time of my rehearsal, her critique did not feel so nice. Made corrections, and passed my defense, because I heeded her advice.

Dear doctoral students, when you're tired or engaged in procrastination. Remember her wise words, "The best dissertation is a done dissertation."

Yahna Kawa'a

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Dr. Chris cared about each student deeply and she intentionally fostered community between students so we never felt alone on our academic journey. In recognizing the power of social learning, she structured classes with regular opportunities for recent graduates to come back as guest speakers, for us to engage in ongoing peer feedback, and for us to connect outside of traditional class settings during happy hour. Although she had an enormous workload from managing grants, teaching courses, and being the advisor to numerous students, she always found time to help us crunch our data and revise draft....after draft....after draft of our papers.  As my chair, she even opened up her home to me at night to help me reflect and identify next steps. She held students to an extremely high standard of excellence because she believed in us, and because she provided the support we need to truly attain our best work. She helped shape us on an individual level, as well as the entire Learning Design and Technology program on a systemic level. She will forever be a role model.  - Candice Frontiera

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Dear Chris,
You will live in my heart - and the hearts of so many - forever. You taught me so much, about the policies, practices, and quirks, of this wonderful university. And you were a big part of making it a special place. I always admired your insights and your understanding of academic administration. Above all, I will always remember the kind and generous ways in which you shared your knowledge.
Your colleague forever,
Michael Bruno

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Dr. Chris was a true champion for all her students and had a heart of gold. At my PhD interview, shaking with nerves and anticipation, she dug in and asked me the hard questions about why I wanted a doctorate, but also reiterated that with hard work and dedication, anything was possible. I knew right then and there that if I were lucky enough to get accepted, I wanted Dr. Chris to be my chair. She always offered suggestions, supportive words of wisdom, laughs to break the tension, and that little push I needed to move forward with my dreams.

During one of our most recent Zoom meetings, I unexpectedly told her I loved her and afterward felt silly for letting that awkwardly slip. Now, as I look back on those final moments with her, not realizing they were the last, I am so grateful she knew how much I adored her. I remember as a fledgling doctoral student she told the class, “You don’t know what you don’t know” and those words of wisdom stuck with me. They also ring true because I don’t know how we will navigate these waters without her. I do know that her beautiful energy and light will shine down and guide us to the finish line, and on the day of my hooding, a moment I have been dreaming of, she will find a way to be there in spirit. I love and miss you Dr. Chris. Thank you for being an incredible mentor and an inspiration to us all.

Amy Var

2019 PhD Cohort

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"The research questions should drive the study" -- I hear Dr. Chris's voice every time I think about research. Mahalo for sharing your wisdom with us, pushing us to excellence, and for your never-ending care. It's hard to imagine an LTEC PhD program without Dr. Chris --her masterful coding, extensive feedback, and yummy cooking on face-to-face weekends. As COE faculty, I appreciated her leadership and unapologetic advocacy for the COE. Dr. Chris will forever be a legend of LTEC. Love & aloha to you and your ʻohana.

Waynele Yu, 2017 PhD Cohort

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I vividly remember being so intimidated by Dr. Chris in my PhD interview and in the 665 class. It wasn't until committee chair interviews that I really got to know her. I'll never forget that interview as it was a pivotal moment both academically and professionally. I learned that so many of the initiatives I had come to know in my time working at UHM were because of her. She wasn't recognized as much as I think she should have been.

I'd never spoken to a faculty member for that long about something other than coursework either. She was so generous in sharing her educational journey, working in higher education, and her personal journey. I knew immediately that I was going to ask her to be my chair. But I also now know what kind of leader I want to work with. I have so much respect for how she treats team members, endeavors to help them grow, and has persisted through her incredible life.

Dr. Chris, I am humbled to have had the chance to learn from you and will miss you so much. I will try my absolute hardest to persevere in your honor.

--Shauna Sibonga 2020 PhD Cohort

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It is with deep sadness to write this message. Christine lives in my heart forever. 💜 She was not only a respected scholar and educator, but also an amazing mentor, advisor, and friend to many of us. She made a profound impact on my life and the lives of countless others, both inside and outside the academic community. Her unwavering commitment to her students and her passion for LTEC field inspired me a lot to pursue my own academic and professional goals. I will always be grateful for the guidance and support she provided me throughout my PhD journey.

Christine will be remembered for her numerous contributions to our department, UH System, and LTEC field, her commitment to student success, and her kind and generous spirit. She will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. May she rest in peace. 🫶🙏

Youxin Zhang
2011 PhD Cohort

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When I decided that I would approach Dr. Chris to be my dissertation chair, I knew that it wasn’t going to be an easy journey. Having been her student in multiple courses I was familiar with the type of educator she was, firm, extremely knowledgeable, blunt, fair, and most of all, kind.

I knew that she would bring the best out of me. I don't necessarily feel that she demanded excellence from me, but she guided me in a way that made me demand it of myself.

As my PhD journey continues, her impact on me and my research will live on.

Dr. Chris, it was an honor and privilege to have known you and I will miss you immensely.

Dave

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I am grateful for the research fundamentals that I learned from Dr. Chris. She was amazing in every way. She pushed me to do great work, she gave me hope and guidance all along this journey. I love how Kahealani said that she was all about getting you to the finish line because she really has. Her work ethic was astounding and I still think about how she finished her dissertation by renting a hotel room all weekend long to write. Dr. Chris, I can’t thank you enough for your feedback and support. Until we meet again…                                                 Tialei Scanlan, 2019 PhD Cohort 

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I am grateful for the research fundamentals that I learned from Dr. Chris. She was amazing in every way. She pushed me to do great work, she gave me hope and guidance all along this journey. I love how Kahealani said that she was all about getting you to the finish line because she really has. Her work ethic was astounding and I still think about how she finished her dissertation by renting a hotel room all weekend long to write. Dr. Chris, I can’t thank you enough for your feedback and support. Until we meet again…                                                 Tialei Scanlan, 2019 PhD Cohort 

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I was in the LTEC PhD cohort program and was very thankful and blessed to have Dr. Chris as my supervisor, counselor, instructor, mentor, dissertation committee chair and friend. The PhD journey wasn't easy, and I struggled to stay the course.  Dr. Chris never gave up on me! When I wasn't submitting work or not showing up to class, she would always email to let me know that she didn't see me in class or ask if I was ok.  If I didn't reply, she would continue to email me to remind me that I had chapter assignments due. Thank you Dr. Chris for never giving up on me.  Dr. Chris was an amazing human being, an amazing teacher, and an amazing mentor who always motivated me to give my best. Your leadership, mentorship, and guidance made me a better person. I am going to reminisce about this forever.  December 15 was that last email I received from you.  You just had to make sure that I submitted the Earned Doctorate Survey or I wouldn't graduate.  You were such a caring person who looked out for your students.  I dedicate my accomplishments to you!  Rest in Peace Dr. Chris.

Laura Laolagi
2015 American Samoa PhD Cohort

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Whenever I thought of Dr. Chris, the first word that came to mind was Superwoman. She was such a knowledgeable, hard-working, efficient, and caring professor. She is impossible to replace and will be greatly missed. Thank you, Dr. Chris, for sharing your wisdom and time with all of us. May you rest in peace knowing you've positively impacted so many people.

Jaymi Urashima, 2017 PhD Cohort

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Dr. Chris was an amazing teacher, inspiring confidence in us while requiring excellence. It was such a gift to have had Dr. Chris as a teacher and mentor. You are sorely missed Dr. Chris. Love and prayers, with gratitude, admiration and thanks- Dan B.

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I am so grateful for Dr. Chris. I was a nervous grad student who wanted to increase my instructional design skills so my friend took me to see Dr. Chris. She was polite, kind and clear. Dr. Chris explained the difference between the M.Ed. program and the Ph.D. program. I quickly recognized the M.Ed. program was the right fit so I applied & was accepted. I wasn't embarrassed that this would be my second masters. I  wanted the knowledge to take back to my department. I struggled that first semester so who do I call? Dr. Chris. We met at a Starbucks in Aiea for 2 hours and she clarified things. I was so thankful. I wrapped up the M.Ed. and I thought, "hey, maybe go for the PhD." Well, my confidence was shot down because I didn't score well on the GREs. Guess who I run into out of the blue in Manoa valley the day I got my scores back? Dr. Chris. I told her it's hard for me to score well because my papers were all in Hawaiian for my bachelors as well as my masters degree. Everything was in Hawaiian from sophomore year. Dr. Chris told me this, "Now I want you to re-take them. It's not over. Get the GRE study guide, spend time going through it and re-take the GREs. You have some time so if you want it, you gotta do the work. Now, we know you can complete the PhD. We just gotta get you through this part." I was near tears walking away. Dr. Chris never gave up on students. She never judged me for lacking confidence, not doing as well as other and needing that extra support. Dr. Chris was all about getting you to the finish line and doing high quality work while in the program. I am so thankful to have met Dr. Chris and I will never forgot her generosity and encouragement. She is an excellent example on how to treat people.

Kahealani Lono
2019 M.Ed. Cohort

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Discover & share this Design Jord Sticker for iOS and Android. Bring your texts and messages to life with our collection of GIPHY Stickers.

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Dr. Chris, you left us all too soon. I will always cherish our collegial discussions. Priceless memories. Now the conversation is over, and the void is felt. You had a beautiful voice. I know you will be singing with the angels. 😥

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Mahalo and rest in peace Dr. Chris. I truly enjoyed working with you and learned so much about being a faculty member from your example. 

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Mahalo and rest in peace Dr. Chris. I truly enjoyed working with you and learned so much about being a faculty member from your example. 

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Psalm 91:4 NIV "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

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For 7 years, Dr. Christine Sorensen Irvine has walked along side me in my Ph.D.  journey.  I was fortunate to know you professionally, and saw how hard you worked for the College of Education Senate (COE). Kumu Chris sat on many COE Committees taking on responsiblities that provide equity and access to quality education through new initiatives and programs, like the new alternative Ph.D. 2015 program.   I miss you Dr. Christine, you were my mentor, my professor, a part of my committee, you were kind, hard working, fun, caring, and one of the most intelligent person I have ever met. I will continue to "Kulia ika nu`u" to strive for the highest" as you gave me hope that I too can do this.  So much love abounds, thankful God gave me this time with you, Rest in Love Dr. Christine Sorensen Irvine, Ph.D. I miss you...
~Vera Liane Glushenko~Ph.D. Student
2015 Learning Design & Technology (LTEC) Alternative Program

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When I was first contemplating jumping into the PhD pool, I met with Christine to explore what the experience would entail. Of course, she was realistic - but encouraging. I remember, as we parted, she said, "Of course you can do this. It'll be an awful lot of work, but just think of everything exciting that you'll learn along the way!" That statement exemplified Christine perfectly. She was an extremely hard worker, and she expected her students to follow that example. Yet she was encouraging and believed in us. Her guidance along the way was such a gift. And finally, Christine also liked to have fun. I couldn't have asked for a more dedicated, professional, or caring professor or advisor. Christine, you will be sorely missed!!

Beth Tillinghast,
2015 PhD Cohort

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As I was a new member of the Senate Executive Committee this past year just getting my footing, Christine was kind enough to meet with me for phone meetings over the weekend to offer advice about how to best be of service.  And the more I hear, this was just the way she was with many people, offering to help support their growth, with a great deal of care and patience. I didn't get the chance to know her very long but was inspired by the way she served on the SEC. Every question she asked always seemed to reflect a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of institutional history, keen practical insight on how to solve problems, and also her unwavering, selfless concern for what was best for our learning community.  She certainly set the bar high on how to serve. Peace. Love. Aloha.
-Raphael

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Thank you for being such a kind, caring, and compassionate professor. You were always willing to help and never hesitated to share, support, and help. You were and continue to be one of the smartest individuals I have had the pleasure to learn from. Thank you for your endless encouragement and constructive support over the years. It’s been such a privilege to get to learn and grow from you! Thinking and praying for all those who call you family, friend, and professor. You are missed, Dr. Chris! Until we meet again, sending love and aloha!

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At every step along my educational journey, I always run in blindly, thinking that I am so ready for anything. Graduate studies have really showed me that I need to be more humble - you don't know what you don't know. And man, was there a lot that I did not know. After starting the LTEC PhD program, I sometimes felt like I was put through a wringer, cramming as much knowledge about research methodologies into my brain as possible, critiquing the articles that I had long believed to be great as they were, and searching key phrase after key phrase trying to find more and more literature. Our cohort went through trials, to say the least, but the gains we made from that time were astronomical and were all thanks to Dr. Chris. She really set us up for success. Thank you for making me a better academic.

-Diana Thompson, 2019 PhD Cohort

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I remember meeting Chris before I started the PhD program at a gathering at COE. She loved to dance and we had a lot of fun. Sure, she was not everyone's cup of tea, but neither am I. I appreciated her straightforwardness. She did not sugarcoat things but was also very understanding and empathetic to an issue I was having a few years ago. I will miss her.

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Christine was an amazing colleague, friend, advisor, and teacher. She is irreplaceable. It was really a pleasure to work with Christine, she could always be relied on for expertise, insight, and helpful guidance.  Christine will be sorely missed.

- Paul McKimmy

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If there was a word to describe Dr. Chris it would be: amazing. If it were less refined, I would say bada**. She truly was inspiring and such a wonderful teacher and human being. One saying she shared that will stick with me as I continue on in my doctoral journey is “I’ve always loved learning, but never liked school”. You rock Dr. Chris! Till we meet again.