On February 21st, we gathered in the German Studies Seminar Room for a wide-ranging talk by Professor Dorothee Ostmeier (U. Oregon) in the memory of beloved Professor Diana Behler (1938-2024). The attendees, who were still inspired by the previous day’s field trip to the Sound Garden, listened as Prof. Ostmeier connected the dots between German Romanticism and the future of Artificial Intelligence.
Professor Dorothee Ostmeier with Sophia and Caroline Behler
A lively conversation followed, over which the intellectual and nurturing spirit of Prof. Behler palpably presided. Prof. Behler’s daughters were also in attendance. They shared delightful stories of growing up as professors’ kids, including how they would draw pictures and write messages on the blackboards in Denny Hall (which the children of current faculty love to do, as well!). We invited them to relive this experience on the whiteboard in Denny 359, so they imparted their wisdom to the newest generation of UW students.
Sophia and Caroline Behler leaving secret messages for students