Doug Stewart
Enrique Martinez-Vidal
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Douglas T. Stuart, J. William Stuart and Helen D. Stuart Chair in
International
Studies, Business & Management AND PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Enrique J. Martinez-Vidal, Professor Emeritus of Romance Languages
Two Dickinson professors had a tremendous impact on me, helping to build my self-confidence
in unfamiliar situations and to be successful as a financial adviser. Even though I did
not enter a profession directly connected to my majors, these professors influenced me
in a more profound way. I first met Prof. Doug Stuart during my sophomore year while
searching for a major that enticed me. He introduced me to the international-studies
major and, shortly thereafter, became my academic adviser. It was obvious that he cared
deeply for his students as well as his career and area of expertise. The culmination
of the IS major, the oral exam, helped me to have confidence in a very daunting situation—being
tested by several professors all sitting around the table and firing questions at me.
When I sit down with prospective clients today who present me with challenging scenarios,
I look back on that exam and am confident that I can help them.
Prof. Enrique Martinez-Vidal was my other great inspiration. I entered his third-level
Spanish class freshman year, intending only to fulfill my language requirement. Before
I knew it, I was studying in Spain and having one of the most memorable experiences of
my life. Fortunately, Prof. Martinez-Vidal accompanied our group to Málaga, and
I got the opportunity to know him and his family. His passion for teaching and compassion
for his students were evident in everything he did. He treated us like his children,
guiding, instructing and nurturing us so that we would feel confident in an unfamiliar
atmosphere. It felt as though he was putting his faith in us to assimilate in very different
circumstances. This has translated into my comfort level in understanding and dealing
with clients of many different backgrounds and cultures. These two professors had a profound
impact on my life, and I am glad to have the opportunity to say thank you!
David W. Hoffmann ’94
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