Stella Esrig

Since 1973.

Remember, “nothing is forever,” from my mother.

Photos of my grandparents (whom I never met) and photos of special family occasions.

In order of importance: raising three children who are responsible, contributing members of society; becoming a molecular geneticist; and contributing to society as a scientist and as a teacher of young, aspiring scientists.

… reading fiction and playing tennis. The books I enjoy the most are those in which character portrayal is important and insightful. Some of my recent favorites are Remains of the Day by Ishiguru, Waiting by Ha Jin and Amsterdam by Ian McEwan.

As an alternate profession I would choose psychiatry, in the hope that I could help people deal with the issues that prevent them from enjoying life and succeeding in achieving their goals. Professions I would not like to be involved with are politics and law.

Australia, because of the significant cultural differences that exist within the population and because of the dynamic scientific community.

Robert Mayans

How long have you been at FDU?

I started this year.

From my father. I was trying without success for an ambitious job. His advice was to keep trying — “you only need to find one.”

My collection of books.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I hope my best achievements are ahead of me.

My hobbies are …

… playing the piano, watching cinema and reading.

John Le Carre and we would talk about novels and politics. I would serve Glenlivet Single Malt [Scotch].

I’d attempt being a psychiatrist. I’d avoid anything dangerous.

Brazil. My wife and I went to Rio de Janeiro for our honeymoon, during Carnaval. For all its troubles, it is a fascinating culture and society.

Jim Pierce

How long have you been at FDU?

Five years.

Difficult to characterize the best advice I have ever received and acted upon. A couple of years after I had graduated from college, I worked in a few jobs in the banking industry and was unsatisfied. My future father-in-law suggested that I look for a job at a college or university, and I have been working in higher education ever since.

In 1973 when they renovated Yankee stadium, they were selling the old wooden chairs that were in the boxed seating area. My uncle got a couple for my older brother and me.

Finding and marrying the woman whom I love, and who loves me. Really, that is what life is all about isn’t it?

Lately I have been into whatever my kids are doing — sports, scouting and school activities. I do enjoy a round of golf, time permitting, even though I’m not very good at it.

Except for Sundays, dinner at my house is usually a pretty chaotic event, so I wouldn’t attempt to put together something fancy for a formal guest like the president or the pope. I think someone like the actor Bill Murray would fit right in. The meal would have to be something Italian, as it is my wife’s specialty.

I would like to do work with my hands, maybe a carpenter or something along those lines, where you create something. I wouldn’t want to be a lawyer, aren’t there too many of them already?

Honestly, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere but the U.S.A. I have been out of the United States once in my life — in Canada, for about 10 minutes, six years ago. But if pressed for an answer, I would have to choose Australia. It seems to have a little bit of everything, raw nature, big cities and tradition.

Maura Pniewski

Ten years this July.

During my teenage “peer pressure” years, my mother’s favorite line was, “If everyone decided to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you jump off with them?” I’ve never forgotten her warning against following others, always holding firmly to my beliefs, my faith and my principles even if they run counter to popular culture and trends.

Since I can’t consider my husband an “object,” I’d have to say my wedding and engagement rings. I never take them off.

My greatest achievement is still in the making. Our only child has Asperger Syndrome (AS), a neurobiological disorder considered to be at the “high-end” of the autistic spectrum. Individuals diagnosed with AS have serious deficiencies in social, emotional and communication skills which render them isolated and friendless. While not impacting the intellect, AS poses problems associated with long-term relationships, careers and self-worth. My greatest achievement will be ensuring that our son has found true happiness and security in life.

… sketching, watercolors, calligraphy, doll collecting, dollhouses and miniatures, gardening, decorating, singing, current events, travel, art history, unearthing old family photos and reading novels set in the Regency period.

I would have my parents, both of whom have passed away during my time at FDU. I would serve beef stroganoff, my mother’s favorite recipe. To help fill them in on world events, I’d also invite Dr. Henry Kissinger, a “beautiful mind.”

I would attempt illustration, maybe of children’s books, which was the subject of a course I took years ago at Parson’s School of Design. I would want nothing to do with teaching art, a vocation for which I was originally educated.

I was very fortunate to visit Europe at a young age, which gave me an appreciation and tolerance of other people and cultures. I would love to go back to Ireland, the home of my ancestors, and tour Poland, where my husband’s relatives live. Revisiting beautiful Italy and standing once again in St. Peter’s Square and the Roman Forum would also be high on my list. However, I become easily homesick and would not want to be away from the good ole’ U.S.A. for more than three weeks.

April/May 2003

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Flor =
College at Florham, Madison, N.J.

Metro =
Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, N.J.

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