Lynn University

Throughout my almost three decades in education with teaching experience in eleven schools and universities and to students from middle school age to college level, I have been called upon from time to time to draw conclusions on what makes one educational experience work versus one that doesn't. Now as I approach my tenth year anniversary at Lynn, I can easily respond to what has made Lynn so rewarding for me, and I believe for others as well. It is a singular but rare quality: intimacy. Among all the many wonderful programs and opportunities that Lynn offers students and faculty, it is Lynn's intimacy – the closeness of students and teachers, the camaraderie of the faculty, and the accessibility of the administration – that I tell prospective parents and students so clearly answers the question "Why Lynn?" Other universities may have more in terms of spaces: student unions, athletic facilities, etc.; however, a feeling such as intimacy is an allusive quality that all others desire but can't simply create with bricks and mortar. Intimacy at Lynn was borne out the commitment made by its founders Dr. Donald Ross and his wife, Helen, who nurtured the young Lynn by actually living on its campus and attending to its daily needs until Lynn was able to stand on its own feet and grow. Intimacy continues today in the hands of Dr. Kevin Ross, in the goals of Lynn's 20-20 Strategic Plan, and in the very themes and structures of the Dialogue Courses in Lynn's new core curriculum. From my first year to now at Lynn, I have personally seen and benefitted from the primacy of intimacy at Lynn. It is woven into the very history and fabric of the university and is in my view the most cogent answer to “Why Lynn?”

Stephen Aiello has, in one form or another, spent his entire life and professional career connected to the fine and performing arts. As a boy he competed as a figure skater in national championships. Later Aiello pursued his love of music as a keyboardist and performed in clubs, universities and concert halls with many of the great bands of the sixties, as well as with the artists such as John Lee Hooker and B.B King.

Aiello then returned to academia, graduating from Tufts University magna cum laude with a degree in English. As he began his career as a secondary school teacher in both public and independent schools in and around his native Boston and New England, Aiello developed an interest in teaching drama and directing plays, and in the process helped to create drama programs in three schools. Many of his productions were award-winning plays in the Boston Globe Drama Festival, which included competitors such a Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. several of Aiello's drama students have gone on to professional careers as actors and directors.

Later in his teaching career, Aiello pursued his graduate studies at Skidmore College and doctoral studies at Tufts University in drama criticism. After teaching at Fisher College in Boston, Aiello relocated to South Florida, where he joined the faculty at Lynn University. The small drama club that Aiello created nearly ten years ago has since developed, with his guidance, into a full drama program and major in the College of International Communication. In his fourth year at Lynn, Aiello was presented by his peers the Faculty Recognition Award for Outstanding Service and Leadership.

Education

• B.A., Tufts University
• M.A., Skidmore College