Howard Bloch was absolutely the best. His Labor Econ class was my favorite class at Mason. Loved Mason basketball too. He would remind his class when there was a game.
I'm glad to hear your enthusiasm for a Mason faculty member. In my experience with faculty, while surely some come across in class more effectively than others, I am struck by how dedicated they are to teaching, even those who have outstanding research reputations.
I didn't know Dr. Bloch well, but he was a long-time season ticket holder whose seats were near mine. Sadly he died before our Final Four run, which I'm sure he would have enjoyed as much as the rest of us. I believe there is a scholarship for an econ student in his name. If you haven't already done so, those touched by his classroom skill might consider contributing to it.
Here's his obit from the Washington Post:
"Howard R. Bloch, 63, a George Mason University economics professor from 1969 to 1999 who retired as director of undergraduate economics studies, died of brain cancer Jan. 25 at his home in Fairfax Station.
Dr. Bloch was born in Germany and grew up in Alexandria.
He graduated from George Washington High School and received a bachelor's degree in business from Duke University in 1958 and an economics doctorate degree from Princeton University in 1964.
Before joining George Mason, he taught economics at Butler University in Indiana, Dartmouth College, Lawrence University in Wisconsin and Simmons College in Massachusetts.
He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Shakespeare Oxford Society and advised the George Mason Economics Club.
His hobbies included attending theatrical productions and hunting.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Doris E. Bloch, of Fairfax Station; two daughters, Janet E. Hoffman of Vienna and Dr. Karen C. Bloch of Nashville; and two grandchildren."
