Steve Todd '92 learned by example and by study how to influence generations of students. The assistant principal of Watertown High School, Watertown, NY, explains, "I was a research assistant, research partner or preceptor with some remarkable professors in government, history, philosophy and music at St. Lawrence. I was research assistant to Professor of Government Robert N. Wells, Jr. during three summers, helping him in the preparation of two books, and was a preceptor for his International Politics classes for two years.  He provided me with opportunities and responsibilities that were far beyond those one would expect as an undergraduate. 

“More important, he taught me how to be a good member of my community, and how to find ways to be involved in important projects and causes.  We have kept in touch, and that continued interaction has enriched my life immeasurably."

When he graduated from St. Lawrence, Todd knew he wanted to teach history and politics, but he thought he wanted to do so at the college level.  He spent a year in a Ph.D. program at Cornell, realizing that he would have to become extremely specialized.  At St. Lawrence, he had enjoyed being a "generalist," studying a little of everything. 

So he switched to secondary education.  "I get to be curious about a wide variety of topics, and I get to help our students to develop their curiosity.  It doesn't get any better than that," he says.

He continues, "In small ways, I know that my volunteer efforts (as a member of the Alumni Executive Council and as a fundraising and Reunion volunteer) help make it possible for young Laurentians to become members of the St. Lawrence family.  I know that I can help to do for others what was done for me.  It's beyond gratitude -- it's more like reinvestment in a resource that helped to make me who I am, and that will help countless others like me to become who they will become."