CSPA celebrated 60 years today, and after four instructors, including Larry, were inducted into the CSPA Hall of Fame, different people got up to share their CSPA memories. Larry was asked if he wanted to get up and say something. “I’m just here to enjoy the day,” he said, happily enough it seemed.
And that’s Larry. At least Week One, CSPA Larry.
Different instructors bring different things to their lectures. Many bring dry wit, or they go off on tangents to hold the class’s attention. Larry doesn’t. His earnest manner, his wealth of experience, his calm demeanor, all seem to command that attention. No gimmicks necessary.
Larry Welborn is not an entertainer. He doesn’t need to be. It’s rare, the respect that he commands from all of us in the classroom, and today’s reunion made it clear that respect is shared by everyone involved with the CSPA community. For all the talk of Ralph and Millie, undoubtedly incredible individuals, Larry seems to have continued the CSPA legacy for the past 30 years or so.
While a generation of CSPAers will remember Ralph and Millie as the folks who made possible their careers, a new generation will remember Larry, along with the others inducted today into the Hall of Fame. Maybe because of his modesty Larry doesn’t get the credit he deserves, but on behalf of this year of students, all of whom I talked to agree about this, Larry has made possible a workshop that is having a profound effect on us as young journalists.