West's ability to connect with individualpeople is also apparent in his lectures, accordingto Garrett, who also serves as the fellowscoordinator at the DuBois Institute forAfro-American Research.
"He reads student bodies really well; he knowsdemographics. Whether you're from the West or theSouth, he can communicate to you," she says. "He'smade African-American studies what it should be,when you're not marginalized. No matter who youare, black and white or other, it's relevant. Heplaces you in the context."
Uncle Corn
Faculty members and students say theyappreciate the individual attention that Westaffords his colleagues and admirers. Despite hisnational prominence and hectic schedule, they say,he truly cares about the individuals he teaches.
"The amazing thing about him is in spite of howbusy he is, when he is with you his attention isentirely on you," Putnam says.
Appiah says he feels this sense of mutualrespect extends beyond intellectuals and membersof the academy. According to Appiah, West isuniquely tuned to his audience members during hisspeeches and listens intently to their questions.
"He attends to what they're saying, andresponds to what they're saying as best he can,"Appiah says. "A lot of intellectuals don'tmanifest a real respect for everyone, but [West]is always thoughtful and humane."
West's students say they appreciate hisextraordinarily approachable nature. Garrettplayfully calls him "Uncle Corn," and remembers"hanging out" with him after class and joining himfor three-hour lunches.
"For those who are serious about their work hewill give you his time," she says. "You have to bedisciplined--he's very concerned about making youdo your project and doing it well."
Clarence O. "Neil" Brown III '74, one of West'scollege friends who now lives in New York, saysWest appeals to all people, not justintellectuals. "Guys with mohawks and tattoos willstop and congratulate and thank him for the workhe's done," Brown says.
West has also stayed in touch with Gerrard andis godfather of his son Brian. Gerrard recallsWest lighting the cigarette of a homeless personin New York City "without missing a beat."
"He was just as natural in that setting in themiddle of Times Square as giving a lecture," hesays.
A Lasting Impression
Very few people forget Cornel West after seeinghim only once, and few still after hearing himspeak.
His colleagues say his impact on theAfro-American studies department and on theUniversity is already considerable, less than fiveyears after his move back to his alma mater.
"When the history of 20th centuryAfrican-American intellectuals is written, CornelWest will have his own chapter," Gates says.