Trumbull prepares for changing of the guard

By William S. Mauldin

COURTESY PETER NOVAK Peter Novak, DRA '98, shares a career in the performing arts with his predecessor, exiting Dean William Di Canzio, DRA '85.

After eight years as Trumbull's Dean, Di Canzio will leave the Elm City for Los Angeles this summer, where he will write for television. And Novak, who will receive his Master of Fine Arts in dramaturgy and dramatic criticism from Yale's School of Drama in May, will maintain his love for theater from the Dean's Office. "I'm delighted by the appointment [of Novak]," Di Canzio said. "I think he is a warm, funny, delightful guy."

Novak heard about the job opening from Saybrook Dean Paul McKinley, DRA '99, who is also working towards a degree in dramaturgy and dramatic criticism. Novak applied for the job, sending three letters of recommendation and a curriculum vitae to the selection committee.

Openings for college deans are advertised nationally. According to Yale College Dean Richard Brodhead, BR '68, GRD '72, "We get about 80 to 100 applications from all over the country." Brodhead said that successful candidates should be able to help students with their problems in addition to representing the Administration and enforcing the rules of Yale College. "Above all, we want somebody who will bring an extraordinary measure of dedication to the job," he said. "It's important to get a sense of the candidate's ability to engage with people."

The selection committee examines the applications and narrows the pool down to five or six candidates, who go through an extensive interview process. Novak was interviewed by Trumbull Master Janet Henrich, a search committee of three students, college fellows, a separate group of 15 students, and Brodhead himself. "I really enjoyed the interview process," Novak commented. "I think what I'm looking for is the challenge, to know that I'm working for the students, not just with them."

Novak was the unanimous choice of the search committee. After receiving Brodhead's approval, Novak was informed that he had been chosen for the job. He accepted the position and is excited about serving as the new Dean of Trumbull. "Communication is what I do best and what I hope to facilitate--and I'm a good listener," Novak said.

Though he will certainly have a heavy workload, Novak is confident that he will enjoy the job. "I think it will be fun," he said. "I rarely succeed in anything unless I have fun doing it. I hope to bring that kind of energy to the
dean's position."

As Trumbull Dean, Novak will work closely with Henrich. That shouldn't be much of a problem, however, for the two have already developed a mutual affection. "She's just wonderful. She's so gracious [and] hospitable," Novak said. Henrich concurred. "I'm extremely excited [Novak] is coming," she said. Henrich cited Novak's experience, counseling skills, and "compassionate demeanor."

But with all the demands of his new position, Novak may not have much time to work on his doctorate degree in fine arts. He hopes to do most of the work on his dissertation, which will be on Shakespeare, during summers and academic holidays. Novak has an M.F.A. in acting from the American Conservatory Theater and an M.A. in English from Loyola University in Chicago. He did his undergraduate work in theater studies at Marquette University. In addition to taking on his new role in Trumbull, Novak will also teach courses at Yale College.

Novak brings a life full of interesting experiences to the position. He is a former Jesuit, has worked with Franciscan nuns in Mexico, and taught high school in Los Angeles. He studied philosophy and achieved the rank of Scholastic with the Jesuits before leaving the order in 1995.

In July, Novak will move into Trumbull College with his partner, Curtis Lee. While Novak and Lee's arrival marks the first time that a gay couple will reside together in a residential college, all involved in the hiring decision said Novak's sexuality was not an issue in the selection process.

When asked whether the issue of Novak living with his partner was discussed by the search committee, Sunny Gettinger, TC '99, said, "It wasn't even a consideration." And Novak expects that he and his partner will live comfortably in Trumbull. "We've been welcomed by everyone,"
he said.

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