Stephen S. Marino, Class of 1976

Since earning your master’s degree in teaching at Brown, you have taught sixth through twelfth graders in Glastonbury public schools such subjects as Current Events, American History, World History, World Geography, English, Economics (thank you very much), Psychology, and, long before the need for it became widely recognized, a course on the Early Islamic World. You have taught students who are the most academically advanced and those at risk or in special education. You have personified the adage that the best teachers are forever learners, expanding and deepening your own knowledge through a six-year program in Islamic Studies at The Hartford Seminary and a two-year humanities fellowship focused on Mediterranean civilizations. One fellowship colleague described you as a “well-read, well-traveled, thoughtful scholar, fresh, articulate, and insightful, generous with his time and resources.” Your fellow teachers marvel at your energy and your innovation in the classroom, where one day you will pull out a set of carpenter tools to illustrate possible strategies in U.S. foreign policy and the next do your Mr. Rogers routine to humorously drive home a point. Who else, one colleague wondered, could keep 400 seniors engaged every day with current issues in their last two months of school? You also engage your students with their community, taking them to visit its mosques, synagogues, and churches. Then, there are your appearances in student musicals and even your harmonizing with a group of seniors in their Beach Boys routine at the infamous Non-Talent Show. “Steve relates to students,” said another colleague, “in a way that gets them to rise to a higher level. He instills in them a sense of worth, responsibility, and dignity.” It would almost be worth becoming a teenager again if it could mean having you as a teacher. In recognition of your distinguished achievement in education, Williams College is proud to honor you with its Bicentennial Medal.