David Becker is my mother’s first cousin. I grew up in Los Angeles, California, while David was living in Chicago and then St. Louis, so our paths did not cross much. During the year I was clerking in Little Rock, Arkansas, most months our court sat in session in St. Louis for a week. One of the best decisions I made in my life was to reach out to David to reconnect while I was in St. Louis.
David and his wife Sandy were always gracious hosts, repeatedly asking if I would dine and stay with them. I confided in David that I was interested in law teaching, and he was an enthusiastic supporter and mentor. On many levels, he helped pave the way into the profession for me. Over long dialogues, we would discuss our shared family, scholarly interests, and baseball. But it was always in discussing teaching that David’s passion and gifts as a teacher were evident. This was always a great inspiration to me. I have tried to pattern many aspects of my career after David, even from afar.
I think it is rare in life that we find a friend and mentor of the quality of David Becker. What made it all the more special to me was that he was quite literally a member of my family, or as we say, “mishpacha.” David, thank you for all that you have done, and congratulations on 50 years of gloriously doing what you love.
Michael Waterstone, Loyola Law School