“How Could Anyone ‘Roast’ Jana?”: A Tribute to My Colleague Jana Singer

Donald G. Gifford

My friend and colleague Jana Singer is well-known for challenging her students to solve problems and think creatively. In a similar vein, a few weeks before her retirement luncheon, I think Jana took peevish delight in challenging me to “roast” her at the event in her honor. When I shared news of this invitation—and this challenge—with my wife Nancy, she responded, “How could anyone roast Jana Singer?” Nancy’s comment was spot on. For years, Jana has probably been the most universally respected and beloved member of our faculty. However, after only a moment’s thought, Nancy responded to her own question by saying, “Ask Josh.” She was referring to Josh Prada, one of the two outstanding sons Jana raised, who had been my student and my research assistant. When I asked Josh whether he had any suggestions as to how to “roast” his mother, he initially responded with great relish, “I’ve been waiting my entire life for an opportunity like this.” Yet a couple of days later, even Josh acknowledged that he had little to offer to assist me in “roasting” Jana.