Marc van der Woude, English Department

I like Enlightenment literature. It’s my favorite historical period and I like the formality of the language.

 

In writing, nothing is more valuable than clarity. Clear writing stems from clear thinking, and clear thinking comes from training, practice and lots of reading.

 

I’ve taught the daughters and family members of former college mates, employers and friends I’ve lost touch with going back as far as thirty years. In each case, neither they, nor I, knew beforehand we’d reconnect in this way. In other words, it’s always been a surprise to discover the child of someone I once knew sitting in my classroom. It’s a very weird experience. To me, that speaks to Immaculate Heart’s central position in our community. It’s a crossroads that in many ways seems unavoidable if you’re connected to Los Angeles. Now, when it happens, I’m less surprised and more amused by it; I smile knowingly at the seeming inevitability of it.

 

I supervise the Student Writing Center and announce the students’ names at graduation as they process across the stage of the Hollywood Bowl.

 

That our students are called to a higher awareness of their place in the world.

 

The deep and often life-long connections we often make with our students.

 

My classroom, especially when the students and I have caught a wave where our discussion is insightful and inspiring to all of us.

 

The Netherlands, Indonesia, Japan, Hawaii, Bavaria and Yellowstone Park are the most influential places I’ve been. I want to go to Vietnam next.