Currently Teaches:

• Latin 1, Latin 2, Honors Latin 3, Honors Latin 4
• Chair of Foreign Language Department
• Head of Greek Club

Background:

• Ph.D. in Classics from the University of Iowa
• Has been teaching at Rice since 2006

Get to Know Him:

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I enjoy teaching Latin because: I fell in love with all things Latin in 1989 when studying in Rome with papal secretary Fr. Reginald Foster; I also fell in love with my wife to be in that same Latin class.

I choose to teach at Rice because: I believe in the value of a Catholic education which allows us to talk of meaning of life issues; it’s the right context for a more complete educational experience. I also support our 3 pillar approach of loving learning, seeking God, and serving others. I love my colleagues and students here at Rice. We’re on a mission to help each other be better human beings.

What is your favorite thing about your job? As the only Latin teacher at Rice I have the privilege of working with some students for 4 consecutive years. The progress made by these students inspires me.

If you had an unexpected afternoon off, what would you do with your time? I enjoy reading, writing, and exercising. I’d probably go for a walk, weather permitting; otherwise I’d sink into my couch with a good book.

Best vacation/trip you’ve ever been on: The first time I went flew out of the US was in 1989 as a graduate student. I went to Rome to study Latin with then papal secretary Fr. Reginald Foster. I fell in love with Rome, with Latin, and my wife to be. Best trip ever.

Favorite tradition/fieldtrip/project you do in your classroom each school year: For five consecutive years, until covid, my Italian wife and I have brought Latin students to Rome for a 10 day in depth exploration of this very generous city.

Favorite Rice tradition or event: I'm a big fan of the annual Poetry Out Loud assembly. Stunt Nite is also fun to watch.

Favorite Rice Sports Team to watch: I enjoy watching boys and girls basketball at Rice.

If a prospective family asked you “why should I send my student to Rice,” what would you say? 
All three of my children came to Rice. We are a small enough school that all students are seen and supported and loved by faculty and staff. Fewer students in class allows for more productive  learning relationships between individual students and their teacher.