Dedication from the program of the 48th Annual Folk Festival:
Friends of the Folklore Society:
In 1967, a young professor walked through the doors of the Folklore Society office and never walked out. He was a low-key, energetic Southerner with an ear for bluegrass and old-time music, a way with a banjo, and a passion for Scottish bagpipes. His name was Starkey Duncan, and he served as the Folklore Society's indefatigable faculty adviser for forty years, a service ended only by his sudden passing last spring. His arrival was one of the best things that ever happened to this organization and his loss is one of the saddest.
During his four-decade tenure Starkey was a constant source of wise but unobtrusive counsel on every matter relating to the Folk Fest. He was an extremely knowledgeable voice on the board, which selects each year's music. He was an excellent negotiator, whose innate kindness and understanding prevented conflict, rancor, and misunderstanding. He was the Folk Fest's advocate to the college administration and at least twice kept the Folk Fest alive in the face of institutional pressure to shut it down. Through all the difficult times and the successful times he remained dedicated to the principle that the Folklore Society was first and foremost a student organization, run and operated by students. Though he gave generously of his time and put forth tremendous personal effort to keep the organization running smoothly, he never forgot that his role was one of advisor, not leader. How easy it would have been for him to take over, but instead he guided and mentored the often untried student leadership. Indeed, rather than being exasperated or annoyed with the inevitable mishaps and accidents that resulted from inexperienced leadership, he enjoyed them and made sure that everyone learned from their mistakes. Starkey was always best pleased when we coped for ourselves.
Forty years with a single organization is a long time. Starkey's title may have been faculty advisor -- but in reality he was so much more. Many of you reading this have your own memories of Starkey and what he meant to you. Over the years, he was a teacher, a guide, a mentor, an example, and a friend to countless members of the Folklore Society. What he gave to the Folklore Society over the years is immeasurable and irreplaceable.
Starkey -- over the last eight months your memory and your wise advice and counsel have guided us through every step of organizing this year's folk festival. Tonight as the audience arrives and the music begins you are in each of our hearts and minds and we dedicate this 48th Folk Festival to you.
In loving memory,
The Folklore Society
