Sid Solomon, PhD, was Chair of Physiology in the original group of "Pioneers" of 1964 who set the bar for excellence in Research and Teaching for the Basic Science group. Sid interviewed me on my visits to be considered for a faculty position that led to my joining the faculty in 1968. His office was tiny, so that his chair and my chair barely fit into the room with his desk, but his enthusiasm was contagious, and his laboratory that he showed me was impressive.

Over the years, Sid was a terrific colleague, contributing regularly to student teaching lectures, working collaboratively in improving the medical student teaching blocks, participating in teaching rounds with interns, residents and fellows, and generally being an "all seasons" mentor for all teaching and research activities. One could not have enjoyed a more committed Pioneer who remained for the long haul to create excellence and our national recognition for training physicians for the future.

Sid was one of those rocks upon which faculty rely while dealing with the vicissitudes of building new programs in a small start-up medical school. He will be clearly remembered by all of us who enjoyed his open door over many years.