Name: Maureen Gassert Lamb
Class Year: 2007
Title: Dean of Academic Technology and Innovative Pedagogy, Latin Teacher
Organization Name: Ethel Walker School
1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?
I teach Latin and support faculty in their effective use of academic technology and brainstorm ideas for implementing innovative pedagogy.
2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?
My first employer got my name through Holy Cross connections, and that job opportunity springboarded me to the many jobs I have had since. I appreciate the alumni network that helped support me.
3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?
So many things! I did choir and chamber choir all fours years, cantored at mass, dabbled in theater, ballroom dance, and marching band, refounded the Classics honors society, worked for the Classics department, worked in the writing center, participated in the First Year Program and Honors Program, did a silent retreat, and copy edited for the newspaper. I loved going to the many musical programs and lectures on campus. There was always so much to do!
4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?
I was a double major in Classics and Music and participated in the Honors and Business program. I wanted to teach Latin and continue performing music. I ended up becoming a high school Latin teacher right after graduation, and I continued playing clarinet in community bands, singing in choirs, and cantoring at masses. I also completed my M.Ed. in Latin, and I teach graduate courses in Latin and Instructional Technology.
5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?
I learned so much about problem solving from my work as an office assistant for the Classics department. That really helped prepare me both for being a teacher and an instructional coach. I also took four years of music theory as a Music major, which is something I found very challenging, but I’m so glad I found the resilience to keep trying something that I found difficult rather than opt for something easy.
6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?
Take advantage of the many connections that Holy Cross has to offer. It has a wonderful and dedicated alumni network that is willing and eager to help Holy Cross grads.
