The Quadrangle

Issue date: 9/7/05 Section: Features

The crest of the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, of which the MC chapter Mu Tau is a member

The arrival of Dr. Laura Redruello this semester marks the latest addition to the ever growing Modern Foreign Language Department. Redruello, originally from Spain, graduated with a degree in Journalism before moving to the United States. Once here, she found work as a reporter for Noticias Españolas, a newspaper based in New Orleans.

"I found myself surrounded by a different America," she said, when asked about her favorite part of her years at New Orleans. "It isn't the American you see in most movies," she continued, "yes, the areas are poor, but the people are always polite and smiling."

"I've been to Mississippi, Alabama and many other places in the south," she went on, "I was always met by happy people and I greatly enjoyed my time there."

After two years of writing for Noticias Españolas, and well over ten years in journalism, she decided to continue her education by studying at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. There she would eventually become a professor after receiving her Ph. D with a special concentration in Cuban Studies.

Redruello has visited the island many times as a student. "What is so fascinating about Cuba is its complexity," she said. "The country is rich with diversity and that variety is reflected in everything from its music to its art," she went on.

"I love to observe and study diversity," she excitedly continued, "and this is primarily the reason why I wanted to work at Manhattan College." "This school and city," she said smiling, "are the ideal place to observe various cultures and how they blend together."

"One other reason that influenced my decision to move to New York and teach at Manhattan College was the size of this institution," she said. "It makes for a comfortable and close knit environment," she continued.

After so many years as a journalist and receiving a doctorate that allowed her to teach at college level, a choice had to be made. "Both education and journalism are my passions," she said, "I found myself weighing writing investigative reports or teaching the material that I love studying."

Obviously, the choice was academia. "Teaching, for me, is rewarding," she said. "The experience allows me the best of both worlds," she continued. "As a professor I have the opportunity of meeting a variety of different people, learning of different cultures and all the while we can learn from one another," she said.

Continued...

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