Branches

BY JOSHUA GATES, TUFTS STUDENT 1995-1999, ACTOR, LOS ANGELES, CA
I have so many memories of Tony that I'm sure I could fill up this entire website myself (our trip to Venezuela comes to mind....more on that later) For now I'll just write about my graduation from Tufts. Looking at the photo below, which my mother came upon last week, so many memories come flooding back to me. I met Tony shortly after I arrived at Tufts in 1995 and I really can't think of what my four years there would have been like without him. He cast me in his Fall show that season ("Stage Door") and immediately became a wonderful and positive force in my life. He ushered me into the Drama department and with his help and support I acted in over a dozen productions and became the president of the student drama club.

Standing in between myself and Aaron Kleven, I look at this photo and remember how proud he was of us at graduation. He knew that he had been such an influence on us, confident in the ways he shaped us, and acted like a proud parent with his children. I've known a few teachers in my high school and college who I would call friends, but only one who was a truly a mentor.

The branches of so many of Tony's friends have become irrevocably intertwined with my own. Sensing that I knew few people in L.A., Tony insisted that I meet and spend time with my now great friend Paul Gutrecht from Cornell. I dine at the charming and delicious restaurant "Off Vine," owned by Nick Salamone, a friend I would never have known without Tony. Linda and I continue to e-mail and keep in touch across the Atlantic and now Michael Shepley and Kate Blakeslee are coming into my life through the creation of this website.

My prayers and best wishes for Tony and his family. I owe him so many thank you's for so many kindnesses, laughs and especially for so many fine introductions to terrific strangers on the long road of our friendship.