Assistant professor Quinn Eli has worked at the College for decades as an English professor, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, he shifted gears to help keep the Theater program alive and well. A playwright who worked in theater for years, he was a perfect fit to uplift the program during a challenging time. What he’s taken away most from his work at CCP and his role within the Theater program is a deep connection to his students and what they can teach him in return.

“There's something about the profile of a CCP student that is just unique and distinct,” said Eli. “CCP students live in the real world. So, the things that you discuss with them, the things that you teach them, the things that you collaborate with them on has relevance and meaning beyond the walls of the College.” He said that at CCP he is not just a part of the students’ education and academic journey, but a part of their lives, their careers and how they think about the world.

As for what Eli takes away from working with CCP students, it’s all about pursuing ideas even when they don’t have professional backing. “When I was coming up, theater was something that you waited for a theater company to give you permission to do the work,” said Eli. “Students don't think that way. They feel like if they can get a few friends together and a space, they can put on a show. And I love that.” Eli said that he has learned from his students how to value his own work, without needing permission from a recognized theater company. “The students look for the value internally and express it outwardly. And I've learned from them, and that's been really wonderful,” he said

Ariel Vazquez, an assistant professor and coordinator for Architecture and Interior Design, is also an alum of the program. Vazquez’s commitment to advancing the Architecture, Design and Construction program at CCP is a testament to his connection to the institution and his experience as a former student.

After working in the industry as an architectural designer for several years, Vazquez found his way back to CCP when a former professor, Paula Behrens, reached out and encouraged him to apply for a faculty position. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to [share] my professional experience,” he said. “I married that with my passion for education, and that was what brought me to CCP.” Since returning to CCP, Vazquez has enjoyed working with some of his former teachers as colleagues.

Key to Vazquez’s mission at CCP is creating more representation and diversity within the AEC industry. “When I started in this field, I really didn't see much representation, not so much about race and identity, but representation of the type of work that I wanted to do, representation of the type of client or culture that I wanted,” Vazquez said. “My goal is for students…to be [able to make] that connection, that they're really filling in that representation for somebody else.”

Students who become alums and then come full circle back to CCP as employees help create richness within our institution. “It's amazing to be back because, I mean, the space hasn't changed, but students have,” said Vazquez. “I'm very proud to really contribute to the program that I started in.”