My conversation with Stuart was, to say the least, vivid. His nostalgic account of his remarkable life—from school to career, becoming a writer, editor, director, and teacher—could fill a novella. When it came time to apply to college, the University of Michigan was a natural choice as his parents and sister were alumni. Upon entering university in 1973, Stuart joined the Residential College, a choice that would greatly impact him and ultimately change the course of his life.
Describing himself as a passive introvert, the RC challenged the college freshman and ultimately pushed him out of his shell. Says Stuart, "the [RC] students were so dynamic, you would either sink or swim." Meanwhile, his RC faculty became a lifeboat – teaching fundamental life values rather than career options– for whenever students wanted to swim.
Now teaching drama at Boston College, Stuart credited his ability to engage with the (politically) 'dynamic' body at the RC and the guidance he received from both RC faculty and students for making him a better teacher. Initially, he was a History major with ambitions to become an attorney, until an RC Drama faculty member who saw his potential suggested he double major in History and Drama. Thus, the foundation for Stuart’s path into drama was laid.
During our one-hour talk, I observed his immense appreciation for the RC system: its faculty, the RC class evaluations, and the shared values between RC faculty and students. He emphasized multiple times that 'teachers really knew you' thanks to the small class sizes, which I concur with, drawing from my own experience with my French professor in RCLANG 190. Stuart also credits his direct acceptance into Northwestern’s Drama Ph.D. program to the rich history and cultural perspective he gained at the RC—'I saw the world in much larger terms than most people.'
Stuart’s story offers future RC students valuable lessons: be open to new opportunities, even if they take you in unexpected directions; step out of your comfort zone to grow personally and professionally; and take advantage of our small, engaged community to create meaningful connections with faculty and peers. Like many RC alumni, his experience at the RC emphasizes the importance of a broad liberal arts education that fosters critical thinking and cultural awareness.
Even now, at Boston College, Stuart holds deep appreciation for his time at the RC, crediting it with laying the foundation for his career.
