The Legend of Dean Richard Jahns
Dr. Jahns was attending the annual banquet of the Geological Society of America as President-Elect, apparently slightly bored with the proceedings. He signaled for the head waiter.
Fingering a $20 bill, Dr. Jahns spoke to the head waiter, saying: "I know I couldn't possibly make this worth your while, and you could be fired, but is there any way the head table could be served last?
Without a work, the head waiter pocketed the bill and returned to his post. Dignitaries at the head table were busy talking and did not notice that the rest of the hall had been served until most people were finished with desert. Several tried to signal the waiters, without success. As the first speaker walked to the podium, the head table was served cold food. The speaker added insult to injury by making a disparaging comment - something about slow eaters.
Of course, no joke is worthwhile if no one knows that someone had been had. Dick Jahns told one trusted colleague what he had done (no doubt someone trusted to share the rumor widely). Dr. Jahns received but one letter in recognition of his prank - a post card (unsigned) from South America with the message "You son of a bitch!"
I do not know who, at the following meeting of the Geological Society of America, arranged for the pregnant woman to crash the banquet, loudly trying to serve Dr. Jahns with a subpoena (something about a paternity suit).
This tale may be apocryphal - I was not present, this information is strictly second-hand. However, it fits a pattern of events associated with Dr. Jahns and his students at Stanford University - students remembered for their undefeated season (1975?) as the Bay Area's co-ed championship intramural hockey team.
If you've other tales of the exploits of "Big Dick" Jahns, please share them. If you are reluctant to post them at your Web site (and provide me with the URL to I can construct links), send them to me via e-mail and I will add them to this site.