Thomas Franck Tribute

The New York University Law Review has just published an issue in tribute to Thomas Franck. It includes reflections by Richard Revesz, Thomas Buergenthal, Normen Dorsen, Michael Glennon, Harold Koh, Miriam Shapiro, Chris Borgen, Peter Gutherie, and Michael Mattler.

Here is a taste from Harold Koh:

As I write this today, from the Legal Adviser’s chair, I realize that I and our country have not thanked Tom Franck enough. In an academic world that is often cold, he was always warm. In a political world where cynicism reigns, he was always an idealist. In a human world that often disappoints, he never disappointed. We do not just mourn the passing of Tom Franck. We say goodbye to Tom the Frank, Tom the Fair, Tom the Friend. I will miss him, but I will not forget him. And his ideas and passions will never leave me.

And from Chris Borgen:

But I think of Tom Franck most often as a teacher who cared deeply for his students. Each year, he convened an international conference where the students in his fellowship program would present their papers. Always present was a who’s who of international law professors and diplomats from Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the United States. Consider how incredible this is: Tom put together his main program to showcase student work and put the experts in the role of commentators. Such generosity is all too rare. Tom was extraordinary, and he made the lives of those around him less ordinary.

Well worth a read to honor a great teacher, scholar and servant.