University of Michigan Residential College article about my retirement.
Reflections on teaching, Learning, Theater, and Art
About Me
I paint, do visual journaling, make little books, eco-dye textiles, and do photography. Since March 2022, I have been teaching German and English (via Zoom) to refugees. I love to direct plays and write music, and I walk in nature every single day. Walking and making art give me perspective on everything I do and both provide opportunities to reflect.
In June 2020, I retired from a long teaching career in the Intensive German Program at the University of Michigan Residential College, where I founded the UM RC Deutsches Theater, directed over 50 German-language productions (1985-2019), and led students on theater and art study trips to Germany (2002-2020). I hope to resume leading theater and art study trips when travel conditions improve.
My research and teaching focus was on integrating the arts into the second language learning experience; I taught interdisciplinary courses (in German and in English) that often involved improvisation for the stage, the page, and speaking. I loved teaching in the University of Michigan Residential College, where I served as German Program Director from 1988-2020 and was also an academic advisor. Both of these roles gave me opportunities to talk to students about language learning, identity, the value of travel and study abroad, and more.
I hope you’ll enjoy exploring my site which contains photo and video documentation of plays I have directed, as well as samples of photography, art, and books I make. Please stay tuned for an announcement (coming in early 2023) of a new business I will launch in 2023. To be the first to know more, you can get on my mailing list through the contact link in the menu bar or just check back. Thanks for visiting my site!
Flip Through of my Visual Journal from May 2022