The practice of teaching can be characterized as a calling, a duty, and a gift. It can also be an opportunity for oppression--or for liberation from habits of oppression. In his role as dissertation chair and dissertation committee member, Dr Bruce encourages doctoral candidates to read about, practice, and reflect on new approaches to the relationship between teacher and student. As a teacher, a mentor, and a friend, he embodies the values he invites others to adopt. This article describes how one doctoral student's philosophy and practice of teaching changed because of the gift that Dr Bruce was and is still.