Incoming Class of 2005, from left: Lissa Gundlach, Heidi McCormack (front), France Yoli Joseph (back), Marian Stewart, David Pyle, Lynne Garner, Joseph Harrington, Jeff Stoyanoff (front), Erik Carlson, Leslie Kee, David Breeden, and Seanan Holland.
Nan Hobart, our Chaplain and Director of Admissions and Vocation, is so excited about the entering class of residential students, she's beaming. "The diversity of their life experiences," says Nan, "is absolutely phenomenal and will really add to their educational experience."
The students have worked as professors, as aviators in the Marine Corp., as community and public health organizers, and as public school teachers.
Of the twelve students entering the residential program this fall, six are women and six are men, and the group ranges in age from 26 to 57. "There's a bunch in their twenties, a bunch in their thirties," said Hobart, "and then there are a few who are somewhat older."
These students come from coast to coast and many spots in between, says Nan. Some are from the greater Chicago areas, and one comes from the wide-open expanses of Wyoming.
By way of quick introduction, we bring you the incoming class of 2005:
David Breeden is a published poet who left a career as a tenured professor at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas, where he taught Creative Writing and English Literature.
Erik Carlson's name may sound familiar to UUs-he is one of two people who started up the Church of the Younger Fellowship. He has worked as a psychiatric caregiver and is coming to Meadville from Massachusetts.
Lynne Garner is a member of the Third Unitarian Church of Chicago and has worked as a public school teacher and a public school bus driver here in Chicago.
Lissa Gundlach comes from Brooklyn, NY, where she worked at the Social Sciences Research Center, researching issues regarding gender.
Joseph Harrington is a member of First Unitarian Church of Chicago and has a background as a community organizer in public health issues both here in Chicago and in South Africa.
Seanan Holland (pronounced Shannon) is joining Meadville with the hope of becoming a military chaplain. He has served for 13 years as an aviator in the U.S. Marine Corps. He became a UU while serving in the military.
France Yoli Joseph is not a UU, but is interested in interfaith dialogue. She comes to Meadville from places around the globe, including India.
The big city of Chicago is an adventure for Leslie Kee, who comes most recently from the great prairies of Lusk, Wyoming where she has been involved in community administration work. She has also lived in Bloomington Indiana where she worked as a Kindergarten teacher.
Heidi McCormack comes from Lakewood, Ohio, where she was an active member of the worship committee at the Westshore UU congregation. Her background is in mental health and social service work. She is also a writer.
David Pyle is also looking into military chaplaincy after serving five years in the Army. He has been active as a lay-leader at the UU Fellowship of Galveston where he currently serves as church administrator.
Marian Stewart is transferring from Starr King School of the Ministry in Berkeley, CA, although she is originally from North Carolina. Her background is in computer science.
Jeff Stoyanoff comes from Irvine, CA. He has a degree in psychology and he is interested in pastoral counseling. His background includes work as a broadcast journalist.
