As we enter the second month of summer vacation, a time where you may start to miss campus a bit, I thought it would be an appropriate time to talk about a man who has been a Boilermaker for over 40 years and has earned himself a spot in the Purdue University Book of Great Teachers. When I sat down with him on June 25th, I decided that I wanted to give a different insight into who George Van Scoyoc is and here is what happened.
1. First, before we get to the fun questions, let’s talk about you. Where are you from? Did your home life influence you to major in agronomy?
I was raised in Deshler, OH, on a farm but, when I enrolled at Ohio State University, I was majoring in Chemistry. It wasn't until my last year at Ohio State that I started to wonder what I was actually going to do with my degree. After talking to a professor, I then decided to switch to Agronomy and then I continued my education and got my masters in Soil Chemistry at Ohio State.
2. So, how did you make the transition from Ohio State to Purdue?
I was sitting with my wife, reading a publication by a Purdue faculty member. As I was getting halfway through the article, my phone rang and it was the same faculty member who wrote the publication. Ultimately, he asked me to come and get my Ph.D. while working with him and his team. It's been history ever since.
3. I read that you've studied, worked, and completed research at many other places, out of all of these places, would you consider Purdue your favorite?
Absolutely!
4. What do you think makes Purdue University so special?
One thing that people don't seem to understand is that Purdue has the ability to makes students feel less like a number and more like a person who really matters. If students learn to apply themselves and engage with their professors and peers, they become capable of having the same experience and relationship with their professors as they would at a smaller campus.
5. With that being said, what has been your favorite class to teach? What is your most beloved honor that you've received?
I've taught over 10,000 students while being here and that's because of my AGRY 255: Soil Science class. I've taught it nearly every semester since I've first started and I truly love that teaching that class. Now that my children are grown, and they have their own kids, I really love being a Grandpa but, with career here, I think having my name listed in the Purdue University Book of Great Teachers, that has become my overall favorite honor. There's only about 350 names in it, and my name is one of those, so that's cool I think.
6. Alright, now to the fun stuff. I know you are a busy man but seem to always be relaxed so, would you rather spend the rest of your life wearing a pant suit or jeans and a t-shirt?
Jeans and T-Shirt.
7. Okay, that's very cool. But, when you do have to dress up, what is your go to tie color?
Tie color? I usually stick to either red or gray/brown. I like the color red and the gray/brown can give me Purdue colors.
8. You've been here for several years, therefore, you've probably been most places to eat in town. Can you give me your top three place to eat? They can be on campus or just in the general area.
Well my ultimate favorite place to eat is the RHI cafeteria but, unfortunately it no longer exists. The next best one is McGraws Steak House only to be followed by Bruno's.
9. What is your favorite sport?
Football has to be my favorite, no doubt about it. But, I do also enjoy basketball.
10. Alright, last but certainly not least, what are most looking forward to as you retire here at Purdue?
Spending more time with my grandkids and traveling with my wife to some of those wonderful places we have not yet experienced.
Hopefully, by now you can see what a great man George Van Scoyoc is and what an asset he has been to our campus. To be able to talk to him about his love for this school, his career, and the students who make up this campus, is one of the reasons why I continue to be a boilermaker.
Boiler Up!
