It was a great honor to have Professor Ashcroft as my Ph.D. advisor. I have fond memories of our weekly meetings where he would patiently explain classical works, giving me a deep appreciation for the rich literature of the field. He would often direct me to the appropriate section of "a certain book", which was always a good entry point for deeper investigation. Professor Mermin would occasionally drop by; it was a real delight to be a fly on the wall listening to these titans recollect.

I remember most of all Professor Ashcroft's sense of humor and his commitment to science and service. He was a great role model; I think of him often, and the strength of his character remains an inspiration to this day.