Tom will teach you the definition of the phrase 'Carpe Diem!'

Tom Tierney

Trine University - Jannen School of Arts & Sciences
Ph.D. Loyola University of Chicago: 17th–18th–century literature
Professor Emeritus | email

While professor of English Tom Tierney might agree with Shakespeare that all the world's a stage, he might add that one can learn a lot about life and philosophy from the game of pool. Tom's an avid pool player with a passion for many things. The founder/director of the Trine Humanities Institute, he helps to collect and oversee the holdings of Wells Gallery, while originating programs and events. His dedication to teaching and the arts reflects in his accolades: numerous McKetta awards and the Barrenbrugge award from Trine for excellence in teaching; and the Mayor′s Arts and Humanities Award, given by the Angola mayor to citizens who have impacted area arts and humanities.

"Joseph Campbell, the great comparative mythologist, wrote: 'What you have to do, you do with play,'" Tom notes. "I like students who play hard in my classes. Drop by my office in Taylor Hall to see my Cubs World Series pennant, to talk about the characteristics of a great pool stroke or Belgian beers, Shakespeare, architecture or mythology.

"The arts, literature and history are my passions. I am a past board member of the Indiana Humanities Council and Northeastern Indiana Public Radio, and serve now on the Steuben County Community Foundation Humanities Advisory board and the Angola Historic Preservation Commission.

"The renovation of the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts also invokes my energy and passion. I am helping to plan and raise funds for what will be a gracious performance hall for regional arts and entertainment, and a music education facility for Trine students."