Winter 2004 -- Vol. 57, No. 1

Among the legendary voices in Clemson's history, few speak so clearly as that of beloved English professor John Dewey Lane. His influence still resounds today on the campus where he devoted his life's work, and many seasoned alumni recall his name in admiration.

Originally from Lamar, Lane came to Clemson in 1924 after completing his undergraduate studies at Newberry College and earning a master's degree from Columbia University in New York. Lane joined the Clemson faculty as an assistant professor of English. His prowess in the classroom soon made him one of the most popular professors on campus.

He taught with a visible and infectious passion. Often referred to as the "one-man journalism department," Lane laid the groundwork for Clemson's success in producing outstanding authors and editors. He was so influential that 10 years after his death, there were 12 newspaper editors in major cities around the nation who had been his journalism students, including Pulitzer Prize winner Harry Ashmore '37.

His own writing was also recognized as excellent, indicated by the success of his series of English-instruction books including Knotty Speech Problems, Between You and Me and Lying or Laying? Because these books were immensely popular, Lane would often ship them (many of which contained caricatures of Clemson cadets) to schools across the nation.

But the professor's devotion to his students was not confined to his classroom. Lane quickly established relationships with student organizations, and in 1929, he was appointed adviser to TAPS yearbook and The Tiger newspaper. During WWII, Lane made sure that The Tiger was not only published but also mailed to Clemson cadets in the U.S. military throughout the world.

Lane was the first president of the Faculty Senate, and he served as adviser to several honorary student organizations including Blue Key, Tiger Brotherhood and Sigma Tau Epsilon. He also founded Gamma Alpha Mu, Clemson's honorary fraternity for writers.

In addition to teaching, Lane was an active member of the community in organizations ranging from the Clemson Methodist Church to the Clemson Fellowship Club. His ability to mix seriousness with humor made him a much-sought-after banquet speaker.

Lane's home life was rich as well. He married Bessie Mell Poats in 1932, and they had two daughters and two sons. Their youngest son, Grayson, fondly recounts childhood memories of his father's playing the piano and singing songs like "Ole' Man River." John Lane was a man of many talents, including tap dancing and saxophone playing, and of great loves, including poetry, Christmas and his family.

In 1961, Professor Lane retired after almost 40 years at Clemson. He was fittingly honored with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for outstanding and generous service to the College and his students. Dean J.K. Williams offered these words of gratitude: "Several thousand Clemson men in all walks of life will agree with all of us who know John Lane that the description of a master teacher fits him."

For the students who were fortunate enough to have studied under him, Lane truly was a master teacher. There are few times his family gathers at Clemson events that they do not run into former students who recount their memories of Professor Lane and the impact he had on them. In their minds and in the halls of Clemson's classrooms, he will forever be revered as one of Clemson's most outstanding professors.

John Lane passed away in January 1968. His final resting place atop Cemetery Hill appropriately honors a true gentleman who holds a renowned place in Clemson's history. The lessons of the legendary John D. Lane continue to teach, impress and inspire.