Two professors retire after years at Drew

 

As Professor of Ethics and Theology Dr. Ada Isasi-Diaz and Chair and Professor of Physics Dr. Robert Fenstermacher retire from Drew they recall a welcoming community, opportunities for departmental development, and the desire to work side-by side with students using a "hands-on" approach, as a few qualities that drew them to the Forest.

Isasi-Diaz and Fenstermacher will both officially retire from their positions this year. However, each Professor described their time at Drew as nothing short of rewarding and fulfilling.

"I came to Drew in the 1960’s and this is my 42nd year. I was first a student here for four years before I left get my Ph.D. but when I returned, I became the Chair of the Physics department for over 25 years," Fenstermacher said. "And I’ve really watched it evolve into a tight community, almost like a family."

According to Fenstermacher, expanding the physics department, creating and maintaining an observatory and ensuring the guidance of his students have been some of his primary goals throughout his tenure.

"When I came to Drew there was one person working in the physics department and now we have 5 full-time faculty members who help advise a relatively small group of students," Fenstermacher said. "I know everyone. I’ve been able to not only follow the students but their family members too. It’s not uncommon you may see us spending so much time together outside of the classroom."

According to students, Fenstermacher organizes and hosts several events. These include barbeques, physics demonstrations, picnics, movie nights and his annual taco night. Micheal Jokubaitis (’10), a member of the Society of Physics Students, described as "a real bonding experience."

"The taco party is always a fantastic time. We are all at Dr. F’s house and the night usually results in about two physicists trying to eat up to 30 tacos," Jokubaitis said. "We truly have a lot of fun."

According to several students, Fenstermacher’s achievements and knack for finding ways to keep students engaged outside of instruction time were instrumental in guiding them through the physics major and exploring future career paths.

"Once I got into Drew and I spoke with Dr. F about what the department had to offer, I knew right away that I found someone who I hit it off with," Jokubaitis said. "I found someone who I really respected as both a mentor and a physicist in and outside the classroom."

Missy Louie (’10) echoed Jokubaitis’ statement. "I’m looking into radio astronomy as a potential career path and Dr, F has been more than helpful with helping me realize that goal," Louie said. "From writing recommendation letters to helping me find and apply to grad schools, he really wants everyone to do well and it shows in his commitment."

Despite his impending retirement, Fenstermacher holds several positions, including Professor of Physics and The Robert Fisher Oxnam Professor of Science and Society. In addition, Fenstermacher is the founder of the Governor’s School for The Sciences at Drew.

"[Fenstermacher] hired me from knowing me from the Governor’s school of sciences. He developed that program single-handedly so I’ve known him for quite some time before Drew," Professor of Physics James Supplee said. "And I’ve really come to know and respect him as a renaissance man."

In addition to spearheading the development of the physics department, Fenstermacher taught several classes including astronomy, physics and a course titled How Things Work.

"It has been of great interest and importance to me to bring science to non-scientists because science is coming to dominate our world in so many ways," Fenstermacher said. "My course on how things work is a great way for me to connect with the English majors or the theatre majors, or students I normally wouldn’t interact with otherwise."

Although Isasi-Diaz held the title of Ethics and Theology Professor, she said one of her primary goals was to enlighten students on the plights and conditions surrounding the Hispanic communities worldwide. Organizing and overseeing the Hispanic Institute of Theology, a student-run organization in the Theological School, is one of the ways Isasi-Diaz has been able to do that.

"At one point, there were three professors of Hispanic descent. In universities nationwide there is an ongoing issue of how to break through when you’re a minority and create a strong presence," Isasi-Diaz said. "Drew has been very supportive in helping me to try and create that kind of environment."

After receiving her Ph.D. at Union Theological Seminary, Isasi-Diaz began her teaching career at the Theological School in 1991. During her tenure, she worked, taught, and advised graduate students looking to attain a master’s degree or their Ph.D. in Theology.

"I wanted to work in an institution that was open to new ideas, to new voices, and Drew had that reputation," Isasi-Diaz said.

Despite Isasi-Diaz’s absence from the school, her former colleague and Professor of Ethics and African-American Studies Traci West said her work "is very much still present."

"She is an internationally known feminist ethicist, who especially known for her commitment to the liberation for Hispanics/Latinos from all forms of oppressive conditions," West said. "It’s been really exciting to have had the opportunity to work with such a renowned scholar."

Students and faculty members alike recognize the imprint Isasi-Diaz and Fenstermacher have left on their respective departments.

"I still include Dr. Isasi-Diaz’s writings in my lectures. I find them very important and whether or not my students agree or disagree with their focus, they provoke fruitful and intense discussions," West said.

Chair of the Physics Department Dave McGee said he hopes to emulate Fenstermacher in not only his teaching but in his ability to reach members of the community.

"Dr. F has started a lot of great things that I want to continue. He demonstrated the ways to really partake in the hands-on learning experience and ensured that the atmosphere of this department mirrored that of a community," McGee said. "I hope to further this and continue to make it a place where any student and faculty member feels welcome and can come and learn and teach science."

Although Isasi-Diaz and Fenstermacher have announced their retirement, both said they plan to continue their involvement with Drew and their students.

"The HIT still holds Hispanic Day and [on selected] days we bring in a prominent speaker to lecture in the chapel, so I am still very much involved and aware of what’s going on," Isasi-Diaz said. "I am still also the advisor of a couple of Ph.D. students and I’ve been invited by other professors to come and teach their classes for one day."

Fenstermacher said relocating the Physics Department and teaching as an adjunct will allow him to stay connected to Drew.

"We’ve outgrown our building and I’ve been working actively with administrators and committees to move our department to another building and that’s something I’ll continue to be involved with after my retirement."