Previous recipients of this award have noted that it is the highest honor that they have received. That is certainly true of me today. I am deeply honored and moved by this award, and I thank you very much.

Previous recipients have also acknowledged that the award would not have been possible without the help of others: family, teachers, mentors, colleagues, students, and, let us not forget, a loyal staff. Once again, I can attest to that-most emphatically, I might add. I would like to name all those who have been so instrumental in my career, but I cannot; the list is far too long and I would inevitably leave out important helpers and friends. There is one person, however, whom I want to acknowledge by name, not only because she has been so important to me, but because she represents a group rarely honored: our spouses. (Parenthetically, I am happy to note that in the future, the spouses of Howland awardees will not all be women!) Without Muriel's support, good humor, child-rearing skills, willingness to sacrifice early in our marriage, and her love, I would not be here today.

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