Van Hartmann - Teachers Make a Difference - Thomas Stumpf

The speaker reflects on the profound influence of Tom Stumpf, a dissertation director and advisor, who integrated his love for literature into his life. Through Thanksgiving gatherings, summer reading groups, and social discussions, Tom demonstrated that literature is a lived experience. His approach inspired the speaker to view literature as more than an academic subject, but as a part of life. Tom's ability to recite poetry from memory and his love for rituals left a lasting impact, teaching that being a professor involves living with and through literature.

What was one of the first times the speaker found their own name in literature?

How did Tom Stumpf's approach to teaching differ from traditional methods?

In what way did Tom Stumpf influence the speaker's view on literature?