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Q & A with Long Reach Society Faculty Advisor Dr. Robyn Rosen

Why is studying history so valuable, regardless of job title or industry?

I love answering this question! Studying history cultivates the skills that are critical to both professional success and personal growth, including research, writing, critical reading and thinking. These skills make our graduates valuable in any career they choose. When I speak of personal growth I鈥檓 thinking of how historical knowledge and historical thinking cultivates empathy, humility, and perspective. It reminds us of human resilience, helps us to contextualize current challenges, and promotes active citizenship.

How do students benefit from participating in the Long Reach Society beyond the scholarship aid they receive?

Students become part of a community, allowing them to deepen their sense of belonging at Marist. They have access to enrichment opportunities on and off campus: internships at places like the FDR Library and the Hudson River Valley Institute, a special connection to the Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History in NYC, dinner with scholars who come to campus, invitations to local events, field trips, and a dedicated faculty member for advising and mentorship.

What drew you to the Long Reach Society as its faculty advisor?

The best and most satisfying part of my job is working with students. I was drawn to this position because it allows me to support a group of highly motivated students who share my passion for history.

What have been some of your most memorable trips or experiences with students?

The very first trip we went on when I became faculty advisor was an overnight trip to Gettysburg, PA. I didn鈥檛 know what to expect as a brand new advisor, but it was here that I got to see how enthusiastic, curious, flexible and friendly the Long Reach Society students were as they got to experience the museum and the battlefields with an expert guide.

Other top contenders would be: 

• A trip on a private jet (thanks to a donor) to George Washington鈥檚 home in Mt. Vernon complete with a private tour of the home and grounds and then we  attended the Gilder Lehrman Gala celebrating the winner of the George Washington book prize.
• An overnight in Boston that was planned by the Long Reach Society students and included a four hour walking tour that combined two of our favorite things鈥揾istory and food!  We learned about the revolutionary era, visited the JFK Museum, and ate the most delicious cannolis.
• Quick day trips to New York City that have taken us to both Hamilton and Suffs on Broadway.

Describe your role as faculty advisor 鈥� what type of support do you provide?

I think of my role as helping the group to gel, making sure students are getting what they need, and providing a safe, accessible mentor to help ground them and allow them to thrive at Marist.  We text often, talk about classes, internship opportunities, plan trips, eat together, and generally share and revel in our shared passion for history. 

What do you do in your free time when you鈥檙e not in the classroom or working with Long Reach scholars?

Spending as much time with family and friends as I can, traveling, exercising, cooking, and reading. I am active in my synagogue and currently serve as president of the board of trustees.

If you could travel back in time and have dinner with one notable figure in U.S. history, who would it be and why?

Too hard to pick one person! It鈥檚 like asking me to choose a favorite child. I won't do it. But here鈥檚 a short list: Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt, Margaret Sanger, Ida B. Wells, Jane Addams, Franz Boas, Mary Wollstonecraft. What a dinner party that would be! Each of these people have played a critical role in advancing causes that mean a lot to me.