LOCH SHELDRAKE  — SUNY Sullivan hosted a heartwarming memorial service for heralded Professor Emeritus Thomas J. Lambert on Friday, May 2. The event was attended by 50 people and included excerpts from two documentary films, a video presentation of Lambert’s images and words, and moving speeches of remembrance from former colleagues, students and friends.

The service began with a brief prayer, followed by a video presentation created by Interim Dean Jason Kaplan and Registrar Ann Marchal that highlighted Lambert’s tenure as a celebrated teacher of Sociology at SUNY Sullivan. Testimonials from former students shined a light on Lambert’s fierce intellect, his passion for transformative education, and his unwavering, profound kindness. 

Lambert was beloved by all those that knew him, but his relationship with students was especially vibrant and inspiring. Lambert was well known for being candid about his own struggles and often told students that they were the reason he was alive: “You guys give me my life force… and I’m grateful,” said Lambert during one of his Sociology classes.

Dr. Ryan Mead, who was a teaching assistant of Lambert, shared his first memories of being in his class as a student in 2002. Mead wanted to take a class with the legend and recalled how Lambert began: “This lecture is going to upset a lot of you, but that’s okay; I’m not here to make you happy, I’m here to tell you the truth.” 

His students were forever grateful for his unique brand of truth-telling, as evidenced by the outpouring of appreciation from those who spoke at the memorial. Mead was especially thankful of Lambert, who played a key role in helping Mead land his first teaching job at SUNY Sullivan in 2010.

Filmmaker Sergio Levitas, who made a documentary about Lambert called “Marginal Man,” was also deeply affected by his time with the renowned teacher. 

“I met Lambert the way one stumbles into a thunderstorm: unprepared, awestruck, and slightly singed around these edges,” Levitas said. “I thought I was taking Sociology 101, but it might as well have been called ‘Everything is broken and here’s why 101.’ Tom was alive in a way that few people dared to be; his classroom was not a classroom- it was a forge.” 

To honor his legacy, SUNY Sullivan has established the Thomas J. Lambert Memorial Fund to Support Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Health Sciences. This fund will advance academic initiatives reflecting Professor Lambert’s dedication to learning, equity, and interdisciplinary education. To make a donation, email foundation@sunysullivan.edu or call (845) 434-5750 x 3188.