A teacher, advisor and friend. Stephen Aiello, a dedicated educator for over three decades, passed away June 24. The Lynn University community will miss his passion that captivated us all.
"Every time you stopped to speak to Steve, you would be fully engaged in whatever he had to say—it could have been the weather! It's how he told the story. He was the quintessential performer," remembered Dr. Katrina Carter-Tellison, vice president for academic affairs.
Aiello first began his Lynn career in 1999 teaching English with a special interest in writing and drama. At that time, Lynn had no organized theater program, but he saw the possibilities.
Soon Aiello had reimagined the former Elmore Dining Commons and set the stage for the university's first drama production. He and his late wife, Laurel, rummaged for costumes and props. They built and painted the stage.
"These moments were some of Steve's fondest memories of Lynn … It was not only his work at the university but also doing it together with Laurel," said Dr. Gary Villa, College of Arts and Sciences dean.
The late Jan McArt stepped in to help, too—the duo eventually bonded together to propose a formal theater arts program to the university.
Others took notice. Sun Sentinel's Lisa Goddard wrote in 2001, "A fledgling theater group is growing thanks to the efforts of Lynn University professor Stephen Aiello and enthusiastic students."
As the program gained momentum, Aiello developed the first acting classes. Dr. David Jaffe, former dean of the College of Communication and Design, saw an opportunity to enhance Lynn's film major. Aiello hired Adam Simpson, Carrie Simpson and Harry Murphy to help with teaching and tech.
Aiello officially built Lynn's first bachelor's degree in drama.
"Together, with the support of faculty and administration, Steve and Jan made the program work. They laid the groundwork that eventually led to our magnificent Wold Performing Arts Center and B.F.A. in drama," said Carter-Tellison. "I believe that without Steve and Jan's vision, the program would never be what it is today."
Steve Aiello was one of those teachers who cared deeply about his students' welfare. He was a mentor, advisor and counselor who took the time to guide his students through the maze of college life.Harry Murphy, associate professor of drama
Aiello eventually turned over the reins to his trusted team so he could concentrate on his family and still do the one thing he loved: teaching.
Over the years, Aiello served as a member of the Lynn 2020 strategic plan committee and the Academic Council vice chair. Students voted him Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2013.
"Steve Aiello was one of those teachers who cared deeply about his students' welfare. He was a mentor, advisor and counselor who always took the time to guide his students through the maze of college life. He was a colleague, a dear friend, and an important part of Lynn University; he was one of the good ones," shared Associate Professor Harry Murphy.
We remember Steve Aiello with a quote from one of his favorite essays, "Is Life Worth Living" by William James: "Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact."
If you would like to make a gift in his memory, visit give.lynn.edu and select the College of Arts and Sciences as the designation and note in the tribute section that your gift is in memory of Stephen Aiello.
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