Dr. John Mark Scott reconnects with one of his former students, Bill Barger, and his daughter, Sydney, at his retirement lecture in May.
Whether they challenged you in the classroom, helped guide your career path, or answered your questions over coffee, W&J faculty members have a reputation for going the extra mile (or two) to ensure their students’ success after graduation.
So, when we asked you to tell us about your mentors at W&J, we weren’t surprised that you filled our Facebook and Twitter pages with accounts of how professors have influenced your lives. Here is what you said:
Dr. Bob Dodge. He taught me how to study—really study—and prepare and outline my thoughts. Before taking his classes, I didn't know how to analyze and digest information in a meaningful way.
-Julie Folger Woolley ’00
Dr. Lori Galley. She’s a phenomenal professor who genuinely is interested in what’s best for her students. Plus, she’s an alum!
-Shane Jones ’11
Dr. A.B. Lee. His Intersession tour of the Middle East opened my eyes to the wider world and instilled in me a love of travel and culture.
-Michael Brevetta ’97
Dr. Sam Fee. I stumbled upon his new media class as an elective and found myself sucked into design work as a hobby during my history career at W&J. Now that I’ve landed my dream job at a history museum, I continue to design flyers, brochures and maps while doing what I love in my field.
-Lindsay Harlow ’08
Dr. John Mark Scott and Dr. Bob Dodge. They were the first two professors I met over coffee in Dr. Scott's office the first day of my freshman year. The friendship that developed among us is still going strong today.
-Joshua Andy ’04
Dr. Robbie Iuliucci. He was and remains to be a positive force in my life and career. He emphasized that, while money is nice, doing what you love and aiding those you teach is more fulfilling.
-Jacob Hornick ’10
Dr. R. Kirk Wicker was one of the unsung heroes of the chemistry department. He had current industry experience and always was there to help.
-Michael Hengelsburg ’91
Dr. Todd Verdun. His classes challenged and encouraged like no other. His dedication to his craft inspired my future plans.
-Alexandra Brueckner ’11
Dr. Michael Shaughnessy. He encouraged me to study abroad and was an outstanding adviser.
-Maura Oermann ’10
Dr. James West. He’s an amazing professor who shows interest in what he does and always is willing to help with anything.
-Meghan Wingard ’11
Dr. Dennis Trelka, hands down!
-Kerin Fresa-Dillon ’79
Dr. Alice Lee, who pushed me to reach higher and convinced Kerin Fresa-Dillon to mentor me as an intern. And Dr. John Mark Scott who taught me to believe in myself.
-Diane Carlisle ’94
Dr. Colleen Hyden. When I told her I wanted to get my master’s in counseling, she advised me to get a master’s in social work so that I’d have more options. I am now happily working in the social work field.
-Bethany Henry Adhikari ’06
Bill Cameron. I am a working actor today thanks to his support and guidance.
-Dawn McGee ’91
Dr. Yongsheng Wang. He encouraged me to continue my research beyond class. Thanks to his encouragement, I am working toward a Ph.D. in marketing.
-Mark Bender ’09
Dr. Bob Dodge, Dr. Thomas Mainwaring, Dr. Jim Gormley and Dr. James Longo were the ones I remember most positively and who had direct influence on how I teach, study, process information and, most importantly, hold myself to the high expectations they held of me.
-Lisa Brady Shumaker ’00
Dr. Susan Medley. The best part about her, hands down, is that she lets you be yourself, no matter how goofy and strange that may be, and she usually is laughing right along with you!
-Ada Henign ’10
