An Artist’s Point of View

By Cynthia Quijada, Student Affairs

What is it about Professor Moira Geoffrion, Faculty Fellow for Coronado Residence Hall and professional artist that attracts over 35 students to her weekly visits? Many will argue that it is the on-going weekend ceramic classes or the African drumming and food tasting. But for Professor Geoffrion, it is simply an opportunity to engage students in conversation and to expose them to other cultural perspectives and creative arts.

For over 10 years, Professor Geoffrion has been part of the UA’s Faculty Fellows Program, a program that aims to increase the connection between faculty and students by supporting meaningful interaction between faculty and students in a non-classroom setting. "Faculty Fellows provides a unique opportunity for freshman and sophomore students to have interactions with senior faculty outside of the classroom -- an opportunity many students don’t have," says Geoffrion.

Professor Geoffrion began her Faculty Fellow career in 1997 at the Sigma Chi Fraternity House and later moved to Coconino Hall for several years. Now she volunteers her time at Coronado Resident Hall. When asked about the differences in venues, she muses, "Ten years ago, Sigma Chi was in a transition where its members and pledges had study problems and needed academic help. They wanted to ‘fit’ into the group and the many fraternity events and parties. At Coconino, the students were studious and driven. The dorm was small enough that in ways it was like a large family. Coronado is so large; the students represent the breadth of all aspects of student life. Those who interact with me are eager to experience new cultural events and to talk about issues that puzzle them. Others in past years had not wanted to engage such ‘discussions’, but were more interested in food events, valentine events with classical guitar music and yoga classes."

For Katelyn Sadler, a senior in Media Arts, Professor Geoffrion’ s visits bring a sense of community. "Moira has been an amazing asset to Coronado Hall. She is always spirited when it comes to programming, and she brings her artistry and creativity to everything she does. Moira is, by far, one of the most participatory Faculty Fellows I have come across in my time at the University of Arizona. She is a great resource for both the residents and staff of Coronado."

Given her busy schedule with teaching and scheduling art exhibitions, one must ask what brings Professor Geoffrion back for more year after year. For Professor Geoffrion, "It is a way to have contact with students from other fields in the university outside of the classroom and without departmental politics and influences. It is enjoyable and meaningful to have genuine one on one interaction and to serve as another role model for them."

It is this selfless and caring attitude that continues to bring students to her sessions throughout the academic year.

For those parents who have a student in Coronado and may want to contact Professor Geoffrion, she can be reached by email at (Moirag@email.arizona.edu ).