In Appreciation of Ted St. Antoine

As I began to think of what I might say this evening, it occurred to me that I was fortunate the occasion had not been billed as a roast. It would not be easy - and, indeed, might be sacrilegious - to direct attention to the foibles of a man whom thousands call "the Saint." That title, by which he has been known by generations of students, is, of course, a measure of their affection and their esteem for him. For more than three decades, Ted has been one of our most popular teachers. Although I have learned a great deal from him over the years - though probably not as much as I should have, and surely not as much as Ted thinks I should have - I have never observed his classes.

And so I must leave it to others to sing his praise as a teacher. Unfortunately, I am also not competent to comment on the importance of his scholarly achievements or on his many contributions to the profession, both as an arbitrator and as a leading member of the labor bar.