Journey Magazine 2012 | Page 15

Auburn’s College of Education in 2008, recently published the textbook, Biomedical Physiology. The book was primarily written and designed for the students enrolled in Mammalian Physiology, as well as for others planning to pursue a career in the health professions. Both Wit and Goodwin, who is currently a medical student at Cornell University, felt there was a need for a concise physiology text for students in medical school. The book covers the core principles on a wide range of critical physiological concepts, material that many physicians refer to as a cornerstone for their medical knowledge. The book also aims to help students gain a better understanding of physiology. What is not covered in the textbook is the intangible quality Wit possesses that draws people to him. Fortunately for Auburn and COSAM, upon retirement, Wit will continue to assist the university through COSAM’s Office of Development. “When I think about COSAM, I don’t think about it as much as an organization. I think about it as a family. This is probably because of the interactions I have had with students and student services over the years. The biggest thing I will miss after I retire is having a platform to interact with students at the university on a daily basis,” Wit said. “I believe in COSAM. We do a terrific job educating the students, our faculty members are actively engaged in research, and our outreach is exceptional. I am proud of COSAM. Working with our development officers really appeals to me, because it will give me an opportunity to interact with the students I taught at Auburn, and I love COSAM, so this will give me an opportunity to give back.” Besides working with the COSAM Office of Development, Wit plans to continue to administer the Rural Medicine Program (read more about this on page 30). He will also travel and spend more time with his children and grandchildren. “When I came to Auburn University, if they had said, ‘Larry, list the things you would like to happen to you at Auburn,’ I really believe I would have asked for less than what I got,” Wit said. “It has been a blessing. Sometimes I think, ‘I can’t believe they pay me for this.’ My work is just something I have enjoyed doing, and I envy the person who gets this job after me. It’s a sweet deal.” College of Sciences and Mathematics 15