“ This is how Doug intended to live his life each day: Seize the day! Not recklessly, and with intentional presence, staying in the moment and in the conversation. ”

“ You can’t talk about Doug as a mentor and teacher and a professional without talking about who he was as a person. People were Doug’s work, and we’ll see that over and over again—and he brought himself to the table. I always knew it was a privilege to be mentored by Doug, but he always made it clear that it was a privilege to mentor me in return. ”

“ One of Doug’s constant interests was human communication, especially conversations that had failed. One week, I invited him to speak at the doctoral seminar on how to approach difficult communication situations. He was prepared to begin his presentation, when an obviously distressed student arrived. Doug set his plan aside and asked the student if she would allow him to work with her during that hour. Doug was a seasoned presenter, but without question, he was at his best when working with an immediate situation and an upset client. I sat back and watched the reactions of the other students as they focused on Doug’s questions and guidance regarding the confrontation she had just endured. Feedback from the doctoral students was no surprise. A theoretical charting of communication had come alive in real time within a situation they had all endured at some point in their lives. It was the best session of the semester ”

“ Our world is a better place for having Doug Zahn in it. Altruism, faith, true intellect, caring, listening, a sense of responsibility and follow-up are rare attributes. When combined, even more so. Doug embraced them, owned them, practiced them, shared them, taught them. Doug made a difference; he made us all better for it. ”