Graduate returns to teach German
Brown finds himself in place of his former professor, Reisch
Issue date: 1/29/09 Section: News
Last time Christopher Brown lived in Hillsdale, he was an active member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and a student of the late Terry Reisch. Now he finds himself in the front of the classroom, recently hired as a visiting lecturer in German, teaching Reisch's courses.
Brown, who graduated from Hillsdale in 2002, described his return to Hillsdale as "bittersweet."
"It's weird to be back," Brown said. "I had my first German class with [Reisch]. He was the first person I ever learned German from."
Reisch died from throat cancer in November.
Brown said he was stricken by how much the campus has changed since he graduated.
"The new student center is like a country club," he said with a smile.
German Department Chairman Eberhard Geyer, another former professor of Brown's, said he kept in touch with Brown after he graduated.
"I needed somebody quick… and somebody excellent, better than myself in the upcoming levels," Geyer said. "He's doing it very well."
Brown teaches German 101, 102 and 304. Geyer said Brown's current contract has him teaching here for one semester, but the administration and he are "considering to maybe extend that to a maximum of three semesters."
Since his graduation, Brown said he has spent time in Germany and the United States. He earned his master's degree from Ohio State University in May of 2008 and was just beginning his Ph.D. program there when Geyer offered him the job.
"It was nice to have a break from my studies, I was excited to teach in my own alma mater," Brown said.
German student and sophomore Nora Wood said she enjoys the open, conversational atmosphere of her 304 class with Brown.
"He welcomes bringing in new ideas and concepts we want to talk about," Wood said.
Wood said her older sister attended Hillsdale with Brown, so she knows a bit of what he was like as student.
"I knew he used to have a ton of piercings and was in a band and was really cool," Wood said.
Brown has since taken his piercings out, and spends most of his time in academic work. However, he said he still enjoys music.
"If I could, I'd get involved musically," Brown said. "I'm a drummer, [but I didn't bring a drum set [because] I didn't have enough room."
Brown, who graduated from Hillsdale in 2002, described his return to Hillsdale as "bittersweet."
"It's weird to be back," Brown said. "I had my first German class with [Reisch]. He was the first person I ever learned German from."
Reisch died from throat cancer in November.
Brown said he was stricken by how much the campus has changed since he graduated.
"The new student center is like a country club," he said with a smile.
German Department Chairman Eberhard Geyer, another former professor of Brown's, said he kept in touch with Brown after he graduated.
"I needed somebody quick… and somebody excellent, better than myself in the upcoming levels," Geyer said. "He's doing it very well."
Brown teaches German 101, 102 and 304. Geyer said Brown's current contract has him teaching here for one semester, but the administration and he are "considering to maybe extend that to a maximum of three semesters."
Since his graduation, Brown said he has spent time in Germany and the United States. He earned his master's degree from Ohio State University in May of 2008 and was just beginning his Ph.D. program there when Geyer offered him the job.
"It was nice to have a break from my studies, I was excited to teach in my own alma mater," Brown said.
German student and sophomore Nora Wood said she enjoys the open, conversational atmosphere of her 304 class with Brown.
"He welcomes bringing in new ideas and concepts we want to talk about," Wood said.
Wood said her older sister attended Hillsdale with Brown, so she knows a bit of what he was like as student.
"I knew he used to have a ton of piercings and was in a band and was really cool," Wood said.
Brown has since taken his piercings out, and spends most of his time in academic work. However, he said he still enjoys music.
"If I could, I'd get involved musically," Brown said. "I'm a drummer, [but I didn't bring a drum set [because] I didn't have enough room."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Martin Reisch
posted 4/12/09 @ 10:05 AM EST
In my earlier remarks I neglected to wish Dr Geyer continued success and hope that Mr. Woods continues the legacy of Dr Reisch in doing everything possible to continue the reputation of Hillsdale College to provide an outstanding education through the efforts of Professors who give their all for their students. (Continued…)
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