I of course took Ron Giere's intro to Philosophy of Science, but since I chose to concentrate on history of science I did not take more advanced courses from him.  We, of course, would see all the members of the faculty at various meetings, at volleyball games, and around Goodbody Hall.  But I am most appreciative of Ron for one referral he made for me.  In 1972 I was on the job market at the same time Ron was on the Advisory Panel for the History and Philosophy of Science Program at the National Science Foundation.  During his tenure on the Panel, Vivian Shelanski announced that she was retiring from the position of Program Director.  Ron suggested my name, I went for an interview and got the job.  I spent my entire professional career at NSF and retired in 1996. 
 
During my career, I sent many (too many?) proposals to Ron to review.  His reviews were always helpful.  I also remember that he served on various "site-visit" teams and perhaps even an oversight panel to assess how I handled the program and give advice on new opportunities for research areas.  These included adding history of technology (which was not funded when I first took over the program) and adding projects in the "Social Studies of Science"--mainly sociology of science, as well as an occasional project touching on the anthropology of science and psychology of science.  Ron was one of the rare philosopher who was supportive of "SSS."
 
During this period Ron submitted his own projects, most of which were funded as I remember.  
 
Needless to say, I am deeply indebted to the help Ron gave me.  I am very sad to learn of his death.
 
Ron Overmann