________ Campus protests were becoming more volatile in response to the Vietnam War . I recall sitting near Revelle Plaza with four of my classmates when we heard that some students were planning to storm the Provost ’ s Office — Paul Saltman ’ s office . As the crowd was being whipped into a frenzy by its leaders , we spotted Dr . Saltman walking down from the library area . My friends and I looked at each other and said , “ Oh my God . This man ’ s dead — he ’ s a dead man , for sure !” Yet he just walked slowly right into the heart of the crowd and began talking — only no one could hear what he said because he talked in a quiet , calm voice . One person , then five , then 15 people said , “ We can ’ t hear him !” and soon , the crowd quieted down . We could hear Dr . Saltman speak respectfully to some key organizers , and it was agreed that he and six members of the group would go back to his office and continue their discussion . I thought , “ That was magic — we just saw magic happen .” He did such a wonderful job of diffusing an extremely dangerous , volatile situation .
For me , everything circles back to Dr . Saltman and what I experienced that day . Throughout my 30-year career in law , as a litigator , judge and mediator , I can say there are always two sides to an argument — if not three , four or five . Witnessing how Dr . Saltman handled that crowd shaped my approach to calm things down and ensure that matters move forward in a civil and professional manner . It is only then that resolution can begin . — The Honorable Michael Orfield ’ 72 Revelle College , Biology
________ Dr . Paul Saltman taught nutrition when I was an undergraduate in the early ’ 90s . It was a useful elective class for biochemistry majors , and I still think of the chemical structures of vitamins when I read food labels . Along with the rigors of Revelle ’ s non-contiguous minor , six quarters of humanities , proficiency in a foreign language , performing or visual arts , two quarters of social , natural and physical sciences and mathematics , my pre-med prerequisites and student government , I was able to advance to obtain higher degrees in health care administration and to research global leadership . — Daphne G . ’ 94 Revelle College , Biochemistry
________ I was in one of his lower-division biology courses , and I distinctly remember him advising us to run on the beach , not on the streets where we would inhale the car exhaust . He was emphatic on this point , and he said to run barefoot too . I have no idea why this stood out so much for me and remains in my memory , but because he was a biologist , I believed him on this point ! — Mary Martin ’ 94 Marshall College , Literature
Share your memories of other professors , too : tritonmag @ ucsd . edu
Spirit of Saltman
The Saltman Quarterly is one branch of Dr . Saltman ’ s long-lasting legacy at UC San Diego . Started by undergraduate students after Dr . Saltman ’ s passing , this growing program sustains his passion for sharing science with the broader community . With two print publications , Saltman Quarterly and Under the Scope , and several digital channels , we bring together scientists , writers , artists , editors , photographers and many others on campus . Our team of students strives to bring stories of biology research being conducted here , as well as around the world , out of esoteric circles and into the public eye . The publications capture science as increasingly cross-disciplinary , unprece- dented and inclusive while still valuing scientific integrity and accuracy . Our organization is a tangible continuation of Dr . Saltman ’ s legacy , as each generation of Saltman Quarterly staff is bonded by a mutual passion for science and is strengthened by each publication we produce .
— Chetana Thappeta ’ 22
TRITONMAG . COM 33