Story by Ryan Gauthier, rjgauthier@health.missouri.edu

When Paul Bass graduated with a degree in Respiratory Therapy from the University of Missouri in 1974, there was no such thing as the College of Health Sciences — the School of Health-Related Professions didn’t come together until 1978.

More than 50 years after departing from Mizzou as a proud graduate, Bass returned to campus this past week to visit with students, faculty members and Respiratory Therapy program leadership. The proud Tiger spoke fondly about his time in the program, noting how far the technology has come since he first entered the health care field.

“I’m sure I could eventually figure out the new touchscreen machines you’re using today, but get me a Bird ventilator and I’ll have it up and running in minutes,” Bass joked with a class of junior Respiratory Therapy students.

During his time at Mizzou, Bass said he worked at Boone County Hospital alongside James Whitacre, a pioneer in the field and early director of the Respiratory Therapy program at Mizzou. After completing his studies, Bass served in the Army and worked as a respiratory therapist at hospitals in Montana and Texas.

Jennifer Keely, director of the Mizzou Respiratory Therapy program, said it’s always great to have alumni return to campus and share their knowledge with the next generation of health care professionals.

“To have an alum from the earliest days of the program share his stories with us is a wonderful opportunity,” Keely said. “I’m also proud for him to meet our current students and see how our program continues its tradition of producing outstanding respiratory therapy clinicians.”