In a society persuaded by the allure of consumerism and self-promotion, this first installment of “Faculty Favorites” provides an alternative answer to that trend. Through five separate spontaneous interviews, faculty members of Benedictine College proved that what is ultimately valued is not always what we achieve or obtain for ourselves, but the relationship with the giver we have received from.
When prompted with the question, “What is your favorite item in your office and why?”, none of the interviewees chose a plaque on the wall or an item purchased for themselves. Instead, their answers hinted that, perhaps, what matters in the end is not our individual success or achievements, but the relationships that root us in our identity.
Dr. Martha Carletti, professor of biology, organizes her display shelves in her office with similar themes and significance. Scanning her various shelves, she decides pick an item from a biology-related section. Smiling, she holds up her son’s kindergarten assignment in which he presented on how muscles work. As she remarks on her son’s effort and creativity in sharing her own passion with his classmates, pride and joy radiates on her face. With this one item, her answer captures her love for both biology and especially, her family.
One floor above Carletti in Westerman Hall, Dr. Sarah Harris, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, looks around her office and stands between two choices. On one side of her office, red and yellow painted orbitals stare up at her while the corner display on her file cabinet draws her gaze. Both options, in their own unique way, have paved the way for who she is today.
Orbitals and the workings of chemistry eventually led her to the University of Minnesota for her master’s and doctorate degrees, which was where she met her husband, Dr. Aaron League, also a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Benedictine College.
Ultimately, Harris chooses the combination of dried flowers from a bridesmaid’s bouquets from her wedding and the baptismal candle and memorial frame of her sacraments. The frame with the embroidery is particularly special to Harris since her mother made it as a part of a long-standing tradition.
Harris’ mother makes one for every baby baptized at the church where Harris’ father serves as a Lutheran pastor. Years later, Harris’ mother would then embroider the child’s confirmation date on the second line. All of Harris’ chosen objects are signs pointing beyond themselves to the gift of faith and education that she has received and wishes to impart to others.
Across the Academic Quad in St. Benedict’s Hall is the office of Dr. Michael Stigman, professor of English. Glancing around Stigman’s office, one observes an intentionality and a remembrance of time within his space. A record player and frames of former covers of The Loomings, a Benedictine College publication of poetry and art, fill the room.
Four typewriters can be found in Stigman’s office, but his favorite? The very first one which he received as a gift from his wife, Sae Jin. From there, his collection has expanded to house typewriters he has obtained from the business department, the art department, and from Dr. John Settich, emeritus professor of political science at Benedictine College.
Within the Ferrell Acacemic Center, numerous objects personalize the office of Sarah Wise, professor of education. One wall is filled with handlettered art and a row of rosaries, but the wall that stares directly back at Wise is her favorite. An original piece of art by Michael Debus depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary constantly reminds Wise of Mary’s presence.
“It reminds me of the joy of Mary and what she went through as a human being. In this way, she is a role model for all of us,” Wise said.
Wise witnessed Debus live-painting the piece at a previous school she taught at. When the school closed, Wise’s former co-worker knew of her love for the piece and saved it for her. It now serves as a daily reminder of Mary’s maternal gaze and motivation for Wise to bring the love of Christ through mission and community.
Lastly, one professor’s answer seems difficult to beat.
“Her,” said Dr. Jean Rioux, Benedictine College professor of philosophy, as he directs his gaze towards his wife of forty-one years, Maria. Granted, Maria is not a staple in FAC 309, but the couple happened to be spending some time together in Rioux’s office after a class she is taking this semester.
Without any hesitation, his answer stands as a testament to the fulfilling joy of giving oneself to another and the gift of receiving the other’s self-gift.
From the answers of these faculty, a thread of similarity passes through all the tapestries of their lives. It is a recognition that material items all have their proper place in our lives, but our stories belong more to the Giver of all good things. By recalling the items given to them by their loved ones, their answers reveal that the desire for communion and love is what ultimately forms and motivates who they are today.
What item do you treasure the most? Why?
