As a former student of hers at Duquesne University I was stunned when I stunned when I went on Slippery Rock's website and saw this. I always considered Dr. Balach one of my favorite professors. My fondest memory was when during one of our classes I joked around saying I never made ice cream in science when I was in high school. At the end of the semester she remembered that and brought in materials to make ice cream. She taught me that it is the relationships you build with students that make the difference and I will always treasure her teachings. Thank you Dr. Balach for helping me earn a rewarding career. My thoughts and prayers are with the Balach family.

Dear Mrs. Balach, I miss you. I didn't know you as well as I would have liked, but it seems like just yesterday I was eating lunch in your classroom, talking with you about the next PJAS project and hearing about careers in engineering. You've shaped my life in more ways than I care to list, but I'm sure you understand perfectly now. God bless you.

Claudia’s brilliance, passion, and energy for her work was obvious in every professional action she made in her life. I feel so fortunate to have witnessed her commitment to PDS, research, creating forums for collaboration, helping educators network, and the list goes on. Claudia became a friend over the last few years who I looked forward to seeing at professional meetings. She is a friend we will all dearly miss.

Simply put, without the great gift of having met Claudia I would not be where or who I am today. She had a contagious passion for learning, for inquiry, and for intellectual challenge and an uncanny way to know just when and how I needed to be pushed beyond what I thought I could do. Claudia was an inspiration, a role model, and modeled for me just what I want to be when I grow up. I was so fortunate to have Claudia as a member of my dissertation committee. Her input and insight were invaluable, and I credit at least a portion of my degree to her tutelage. My world and that of so many others is a better place for Claudia's having been in it, and she leaves a lasting legacy of learning for me and for countless others fortunate to have encountered her energy, intelligence, and enthusiasm.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Dr. Balach and her family. I am extremely blessed to have known this magnificent woman for the three years I have been enrolled in SRU. Without her help and guidance I would have had the amazing experiences I did. This year is going to be difficult without her. She will be missed...

I consider myself truly blessed to have had an opportunity to get to know and work with Claudia over the past year. She was always willing to make time for me when I sought an answer to any number of the many questions I had during my first year at SRU. She saw in people the positive qualities that they often do not see in themselves and she had a knack for bringing those qualities to the forefront. Selfishly, I will miss her ability to do that for me as much as anything else. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Ken and the rest of her family.

Dear Claudia: You will be missed by many of your colleagues like myself and students as well. You worked very diligently to establish an outstanding Professional Development School Network, and I am sure that your dedication will impact its continuance. I enjoyed the summer work we did together and feel that I learned and grew from the experience. Sincerely, Dr. Bernice G. Brown Slippery Rock University Elementary Education/Early Childhood Department

From the first time I met Claudia in 2003 at the EPLC monthly meetings in Harrisburg, to her joining us in the ELEC Department at SRU and until her untimely passing this summer, Claudia's energy, intelligence, committment and sense of humor helped me to see possibilities I didn't know existed. She was unwavering in her belief that all students could learn--from the children in the Professional Development Schools that she cherished to her own students in teacher education undergraduate and graduate courses. She helped me to be a better educator and a better person. I grieve for all of us who miss the positive energy of her influence or will not have the chance to experience it.

Kenny and Family - I am thrilled that I have had the opportunity to work with Claudia Balach these past three years. She was not only my colleague, but my dear friend. Her excitement and passion for teaching was contagious to all who came in contact with her. She changed my life in ways that I will never forget. She believed in me, listened to me, and supported me in all my endeavors. She got me excited about work. Now how many people can do that? She was a true leader. She lit a fire in me about working with Professional Development Schools (PDS) and I will continue to work in PDS to keep Claudia's dream alive and growing. Her legacy will live on at Slippery Rock University. Thank you for sharing Claudia with all of us.

Over the past few years, I had the opportunity to work closely with Claudia. She was a whirlwind of energy... always on the move and constantly working on behalf of her students. Claudia was so dedicated to her work, her students and her colleagues at the university. As busy as she was, she was always there to clarify issues, answer questions and serve as an advocate for others. I regret I will be unable to attend the memorial service this evening. Claudia has been in my thoughts regularly since her death. Please know I feel blessed for having known her, and that Slippery Rock is a better university because of Claudia's many contributions. Eliott Baker

Kenny and Family -- When I first met Claudia, I was so impressed with her that I knew immediately she was the person we needed at SRU to launch our fledgling Professional Development School approach. Her tireless work to improve the educational opportunities for all students, college and public school, has left a lasting impact on all with whom she worked. While we mourn her loss, we must continue the work she began. By doing so, we will let her memory live on...a most fitting memorial to a truly great person.

Kenny and family, Claudia has left an impact on all she encountered. She was amazing! It is still hard to understand why God needed her now. My prayers are with all of you daily and with time God will ease our pain.

In 1623 John Donne, English poet and preacher wrote "any person's death diminishes me, because I am involved in humankind, and therefore never send for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." I never felt this to be more true than when I heard of Claudia's passing. The world was made richer by her presence and is poorer because of her departure. She gave much, and I will chersih her memory in my heart.

Kenny and family, Tonight is the Memorial service. I have worked hard with the committee to plan every detail to honor Claudia's memory. I hope that you will also agree that it is a fitting tribute to a great lady. You continue in my thoughts and prayers. Gerri Jenny Memorial Service Chair