On Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, President Zenger talked about books and his initial impressions of the IWU campus with students and faculty of the English Department.
Vice President of English honor society Sigma Tau Delta (STD), Stormy Stein ‘25 organized the luncheon to establish a relationship between the students of the English Department and President Zenger.
“When Sigma Tau Delta found out that President Zenger was an English undergraduate, we wanted to give him a chance to meet some students in that program and welcome him to our community on campus,” Stein said.
MaryBeth Thommes, president of Sigma Tau Delta, said the luncheon provided the honors society the opportunity to share with President Zenger their campus involvement.
“We wanted to get an opportunity to introduce him to our department and what we do around campus,” Thommes said.
Sigma Tau Delta hosted President Zenger in the Joslin Atrium for a luncheon of baked potatoes and vegan chili. Zenger, who majored in English during his undergraduate years at Kansas State University, individually asked each attendee to introduce themselves and their favorite book.
Many English professors and students listed the classics. They cited titles such as “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare and “Native Son” by Richard Wright. But Zenger listed his favorites as the nonfiction title “The Source” by James Michener and the fictional “A Prayer for Owen Meany” by John Irving.
Students were surprised at President Zenger’s interest in each attendee’s answer, asking follow-up questions about students’ future plans and professor’s time with the university.
Treasure of Sigma Tau Delta Tyler Engel ‘26 said, “He seemed genuinely interested in our stories and perspectives.”
Stein said the luncheon with President Zenger was a breath of fresh air for Sigma Tau Delta, and his interactions with the attendees felt genuine. “As far as I am aware, there really wasn’t a relationship with former President Nugent and the English Honor Society,” they said.
Sigma Tau Delta Treasurer Brooke Pachetti ‘26 said the honors society organized the luncheon to establish a relationship with a fellow English lover. “We wanted to put together an event that would strengthen our connection with Dr. Zenger because of his background in English,” she said.
During the meal, Zenger expressed his appreciation for the skills that pursuing an English degree provides, such as writing, communication and critical thinking. “It really is one of the best majors there is,” he said.
Thommes said the luncheon offered Zenger the opportunity to share his experiences to the English Department and how they may help English students in their academic and professional pursuits.
“It was wonderful to chat with him about all things English, whether it was favorite and least favorite books, or if English will actually get a job after graduation,” Thommes said.
When a student asked about his creative writing pursuits being public or private, Zenger turned the conversation to his mission for unity.
“As a university president, I am nonpartisan, and it is my goal for our campus to be civil,” he said. Zenger encouraged the members of the English department to implement their learned skills when reading the news, using critical thinking to sift through false or doctored information.
Zenger returned to the topic of books and genres he preferred, sharing a love of audiobooks with other attendees.
Stein said, “My biggest takeaway was that President Zenger is genuinely invested in the students here. He was warm and engaged with everyone in the room.”
Pacchetti said Zenger was personable with students and faculty alike, and he joined in small-group conversations easily.
“This was impactful for all of us and helped us as a department feel truly seen and valued by university leadership,” Engel said.
“Sigma Tau Delta sincerely appreciates his enthusiasm and cannot wait to continue working with him in the future,” Thommes said.