Spotlight on Dr. Debora B. Schwartz

Which Dr. Debora B. Schwartz Do You Know?

When I returned to the MA program from a prolonged absence, I was understandably nervous, but the welcoming embrace of Dr. Schwartz swept me back into the fold. She quite literally took me by the hand and gave me a tour of the department, reintroducing me to my past professors. She reminded me why I chose Cal Poly the first time around: personal relationships with brilliant professors. As a self-described “mother hen,” Dr. Schwartz is a shining example of how a professor can be both approachable and well-respected. Very few people have the diverse knowledge, talents, and tastes of our esteemed Professor, Dr. Debora B. Schwartz, and no one is more willing to share herself with the world. Over the last few years, I have had the privilege of getting to know many facets of this amazing woman, and I am so happy for the opportunity to share them with you.

When I re-entered, Dr. Schwartz was in the role of MA Program Director, keeping us all on track, making sure we felt part of the Cal Poly community, and encouraging us to bond and focus on our collective goal of earning our graduate degree in English. Graduate school can be a daunting place, especially for those who did not major in English, but she made so many students feel like we belonged, showing us how our eclectic backgrounds and lifestyles could be assets to the program and to each other.

She is equally supportive in the classroom. Because of her rare expertise in Medieval and Shakespearian literature, many of us have enjoyed these subjects much more than we ever thought possible. Anyone lucky enough to attend one of Dr. Schwartz’s lectures will be reminded of the passion that can be found in our field. Not only does she know her stuff inside and out, but her rendition of the Miller’s Tale will have you jumping out of your seat and howling with laughter, which of course hints at her theatrical prowess as well.

If you haven’t had the chance to catch one of her many stage performances, just wait; I’m sure she will be starring in a new production any moment now. From Arsenic and Old Lace to Seussical the Musical, she has lent her unmistakable voice and vivacious presence to numerous plays around the county, often performing with her daughters.

Speaking of daughters, have I mentioned that on top of being a world-class professor, exceptional actress, and all around good person, she also happens to be a devoted and loving mother, wife, daughter, and friend? How does she do it all? Nobody knows for sure, but I have a hunch she gets her strength from a powerful combination of gourmet cheeses, home-made quiche, and a stove-top mulled wine that would melt the tattoos off a sailor! If you haven’t been to one of her famous soirées, you simply must go with an appetite for great food and even better conversation.

So, now that you’ve been told a seemingly impossible tale about a seemingly impossible woman, you’re probably thinking I’m just gushing exaggerations—but not according to these colleagues:

As Susie Kopecky professes, “I'm pretty sure Dr. Schwartz counted to infinity – twice," and "It is common knowledge that Dr. Schwartz doesn't have to read books -- she just stares at them till they give her the information she wants." Kim Nguyen warmly articulates, "Sincere and so generous, Dr. Schwartz really cares about us being successful, hardworking students, who also know how to have fun. She's helped me recently rediscover my love for Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury's Tales. She's truly in her element when sharing her knowledge of Medieval literature. Her passion is positively contagious." Bek Maples is quick to add, “Dr. Schwartz is one of the most caring professors on campus [and] is truly devoted to her students' success. Stop by her office hour, and she will gladly sacrifice her own time to help with a question or to work through an idea. Plus, she makes a darn great French onion soup!” If that’s not gushing enough for you, Bek goes on to say, “I find it a bit hard to say something as complementary to her as she deserves.”

In other words, we all just pretty much adore this lady, and whether you encounter her as a professor, actress, or chef, you should certainly spend some time getting to know this multi-faceted wonder, Dr. Debora B. Schartz.

Deborah Pirman (April 2012)