Jean M. Auel has been a respected and influential person to anthropologists, archaeologists, and writers. She is an avid reader and a meticulous researcher. Studying both in the classroom and out in the field, this brilliant lady not only earned an MBA from the University of Portland but also holds honorary degrees from Portland State University, Pacific University, University of Maine, and Mount Vernon College for Women.

As a young woman, I wrote to Ms. Auel. Each time, she was gracious enough to respond. Not only did she feed my love of reading, research, and history but she encouraged my interests in archaeology, anthropology, and prehistory. Her debut novel, Clan of the Cave Bear, left a lasting imprint on my mind while her approach-ability taught me that success cannot happen without kindness.