After 25 years as a distinguished teacher, researcher, and administrator at the Warner School, Dale Dannefer has embarked on a new phase of his career by accepting a position as professor of sociology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dannefer, who finished his service at the Warner School in December, indicated that the appeal of Case Western is its sociology department. The department is strong in his particular areas, and yet his strengths in theory and reform complement theirs. "I regard this as trading strength of breadth for the strength of depth," says Dannefer. "I've had great interdisciplinary colleagues here. I expect to have great sociological colleagues at Case."

As a researcher, Dannefer pioneered the now-flourishing "cumulative advantage theory" perspective in the study of the life course, which helps us to understanding aging processes at both individual and societal levels. He credits Warner's unique interdisciplinary nature and the supportive character of the faculty for helping to shape and nourish his work.

"Dale is dedicated to fine thinking, and he would grow it when he saw it," says Karen Mackie, instructor and outreach coordinator for counseling. "He has an incredible ability to support immerging capacity to be a theorizer...to hear an idea and see right to the heart of it and its theoretical position."

Perhaps the legacy most felt by faculty and students is Dannefer's influence on bringing a contextual, sociological perspective to the counseling program, as well as an understanding and appreciation for life course development. He is a mentor and colleague who will be dearly missed by the Warner School community.