THOMA STAFF
Recently, our staff caught up with Dr. Robert Trawick, one of STAC’s own Philosophy / Religious Studies professors, to get the scoop on his career, college experiences, and other fun tidbits. Along with being one of our favorite professors, Dr. Trawick is also an esteemed member of STAC’s House Band, meeting every Wednesday night at 8:30 in Maguire 126.
Thoma: When did you start working at STAC, and what is the best part about your job?
Dr. Trawick: I began working at STAC in 1998. The best part of my job is the classroom. I love the material I get to work with and the students I’m privileged to interact with.
Thoma: What was your favorite and least favorite class in college?
Dr. T: My favorite class was Dante, taught by Wallace Fowlie. This professor taught me how to teach and became my mentor and my model for how to approach a classroom session. My least favorite class was Math 41. Two semesters of calculus in one semester. This class and I did not get along.
Thoma: What is your favorite college memory?
Dr. T: Duke basketball games.
Thoma: What was your first Job?
Dr. T: Paper route.
Thoma: What app do you find yourself using most frequently?
Dr. T: Facebook.
Thoma: Say you just sold your tech start-up for 10 million dollars! What’s the first thing you do with the money?
Dr. T: Tithe it to my favorite non-profits (Mennonite Central Committee, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Israel/Palestine Mission Network, Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, Presbyterian Office of Public Witness, among others).
Thoma: Out of all the classes you teach, do you have a favorite?
Dr. T: For some reason, Early and Medieval Christian Thought. It’s not my research specialty, but something about the vitality and contention of those years excites me.
Thoma: If someone made a movie about your life, which actor would you pick to play you?
Dr. T: William Powell, from the Thin Man series. The epitome of suave in the thirties and forties. Of course, he’s been dead for some time now, so he probably doesn’t look quite as good in evening clothes as he once did.
Thoma: Are there any hobbies that people do not know you have?
Dr. T: Collecting LPs. It’s a sickness, really.
Thoma: Are there any current movie, TV, or music obsessions you want to mention?
Dr. T: As far as TV: Sherlock and Peaky Blinders. For music, it can change on a weekly or even daily basis. I’m listening to a lot of 1976-77 era British punk and pub rock right now.
Thoma: If you were a candy, what candy would you be?
Dr. T: Pez. Cherry pez. No question.
Thoma: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Dr. T: One day at a time.
Thanks again to Dr. Trawick for taking the time to answer all of our questions! Stay tuned for more interviews in the next edition of the Thoma!