Gordon Wood, a renowned historian and Brown University professor for 39 years, passed away on June 7 at age 92 after being struck by a car. Wood was celebrated for his Pulitzer Prize-winning work and his influential teaching, particularly his two-semester course on the American Revolution. A former student, who took Wood’s course in the mid-1970s, shared a tribute recounting how Wood inspired a deep appreciation for history and rigorous scholarship. In 2016, the alumnus reached out to Wood about the possibility of writing a biography of Stephen Hopkins, a lesser-known Revolutionary figure. Wood responded promptly, acknowledging Hopkins’ minor historical status but affirming the value of such a project as a labor of love despite likely lack of funding. This respectful and encouraging reply validated the former student’s efforts and motivated continued pursuit of a writing career. Though the Hopkins biography was not pursued, Wood’s influence helped the alumnus eventually publish a debut book with Princeton University Press. The tribute highlights Wood’s lasting impact as a mentor who inspired students to bring history to life with accuracy and passion.