The ongoing impact of Professors Abbott, Johnson and Yulo

When graduates think back on their college education, many smile as they reflect on memorable professors who positively impacted their careers as well as their personal lives. For alumni who graduated in the second half of the 20th century, storied Professors Jacqueline Abbott, Arthur Johnson and Ralph Yulo Jr. may come to mind.

Jacqueline Abbott

Education Professor Emeritus Jacqueline Abbott taught at Eastern for 29 years from 1966 to 1995. Over her decorated career, she mentored countless future teachers and ultimately became teacher-certification officer and chair of the Education Department.

In 2007, Abbott was awarded the Hermann Beckert “Friend of the University” Award for her outstanding contributions to Eastern, among them the establishment of the Dr. Jacqueline Abbott Endowed Scholar- ship. She continues to donate to the fund, which benefits nontraditional students who aspire to pursue careers in the field of education.

“I can’t thank you enough, Dr. Abbott, for awarding a scholarship to me,” said Elizabeth Grieder ’09, who is now a special education teacher for Regional School District 4 in Essex.

Abbott’s colleagues love and remember her as well. In 1980, Abbott hired now-retired Education Professor Leslie Ricklin for a part-time teaching position, which morphed into a full-time job. Ricklin said Abbott was tireless in maintaining high standards of ethical behavior.

“She mentored me through tenure and promotion, as well as in how to be a colleague in a very busy academic department,” said Ricklin. “Her strong sense of service to students, the department, and to her profession was my model as I progressed from junior to senior faculty. She never wavered in helping students strive for excellence. I always felt that the Education Department was in good hands with Jackie at the helm.”

Professor Emeritus Jeffrey Trawick-Smith said that as a new faculty member, Abbott provided immediate mentorship. “She encouraged, guided and protected me. She was so generous with her time, kindness, and emotional support — a true mentor.”

Trawick-Smith added, “Perhaps her greatest contribution to my development as a professor was her support of my teaching. She would take time to observe my classes, sit with me to invite feedback from students about my teaching and look over my syllabi. She showed how small group work, simulation, and highly interactive class discourse could elevate a college class into an unforgettable experience for college students. Simply stated, Jackie was a teacher’s teacher, par excellence!”

These days, Abbott loves spending time with her adopted son Alvin and four-year-old grandson. She lives on Bolton Lake and keeps busy reading, volunteering with her church, chairing the Greater Manchester Peace and Justice Committee and serving on the Curriculum of Hope for a Peaceful World Committee. 

Arthur Johnson

Sociology Professor Arthur Johnson taught at Eastern for 30 years from 1969 until is his death in 1999 at the age of 81. In addition to being a beloved educator, Johnson was an accomplished author, orator, journalist, Tuskegee Airman and civil rights icon. “Simply put, Art Johnson was a brilliant Renaissance man,” said news reporter Lew Brown.

As a lifetime member of the national NAACP, Johnson fought for voting rights and desegregation throughout the civil rights movement. He participated in the March on Washington in 1963, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Locally, Johnson served as president of the Hartford NAACP chapter, executive director of Hartford’s Human Relations Commission and attended UConn Law School. He was the president of WKND-AM Radio, host of a public affairs show on WFSB-TV, a columnist for the Hartford Inquirer and author of poetry for more than 60 years.

In the classroom, former student Laura Tordenti ’81 recalled, “Art was very knowledgeable and passionate about his field and had tremendous real-life experiences, such that he was able to create a dynamic learning environment that truly engaged the class as we discussed weighty issues, from racism to drug abuse.”

Johnson also served as former Eastern President David G. Carter’s personal assistant. “Art raised the consciousness of government leaders, corporate executives, educators and social services workers across the state,” said Carter. “Art led an exemplary life of giving back. What I really love about him is that not once did he sacrifice his integrity.”

In 2000, Eastern named its Unity Center in honor of Johnson. The Center, which originally opened on High Street in 1997, served as a gathering place for a wide range of diverse student groups. When the Student Center was renovated in 2008, the Unity Center was relocated and dubbed the Arthur L. Johnson Unity Wing.

Johnson was well-known for reaching into his own pocket to help students in need of money for books, food and rent. Following his death, Johnson’s late wife Marie Love Johnson established the Dr. Arthur L. Johnson Unity Endowed Fund in 2000.

“For someone to pour their heart out to help the next generation in honor of their husband, to complete strangers, is mind-boggling,” wrote scholarship recipient Ronald Lee ’15 in a thank-you letter to Marie Love. “Your husband is the epitome of the limitless good that can be done in this world.”

Ralph Yulo

Education Professor Emeritus Ralph Yulo Jr. taught at Eastern for 25 years from 1967 to 1992. Not only was he a brilliant teacher, he was a beloved friend who had an enormous influence on students’ understanding of how science and education interconnect. He worked with pre-service teachers, imparting an inquiry-oriented approach to teaching science and instilling in them an understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

“Dr. Yulo’s classroom in the old Shafer Hall had a homemade poster that read ‘Chance Favors the Prepared Mind,’” said James Palmer ’74, referencing a quote from the legendary French chemist Louis Pasteur. “After almost 50 years of personal and professional association with Ralph Yulo, I know that he embodies those words like no one else.”

Yulo was Palmer’s faculty advisor and favorite teacher. After graduation, Yulo kept a watchful eye on Palmer and continued to guide his career. “He was instrumental in my enrolling at Harvard and Boston Universities, providing counsel that expanded horizons previously unimaginable,” said Palmer, now a retired school administrator.

“Four years later, Ralph served as a committee member for my doctoral dissertation. Most importantly — the best gift of all — he continues to be a revered friend. I can confidently say that Ralph Yulo in his unpretentious way is the most supportive, intelligent, well-rounded, compassionate, insightfully prepared person I have ever met.”

Yulo was honored in 1994 with the establishment of the NRY Scholarship, which also honors long-time education faculty members David Rand and the late Joe Narotsky.

During his illustrious career, Yulo has received numerous awards, including Eastern’s Distinguished Teaching Award; Eastern’s Hermann Beckert “Friend of the University” Award; the Connecticut Science Supervisors Association Joint Award; the Connecticut Science Educators Association Fellow Award; an award by the Connecticut Science Teachers Association; and others.

Yulo is a lifetime member of numerous science education-related organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science; National Science Teachers Association; and the American Biology Teachers Association.

“The pandemic has put a crimp on many activities, but I continue to labor in the vineyard,” joked Yulo, who presently serves on numerous boards of directors for professional science education associations and commissions. As he puts it, “I am happiest when I am teaching.”