Heidelberg University is a community, a family, comprised of as many personalities as there are people. With our “5 Things to Know” blog, you’ll get to know some of them. You’ll learn about their Heidelberg experience and other informative, fun – even quirky – anecdotes. Together, they tell the Heidelberg story.
He may be a “faculty brat,” but Sean Joyce always knew he wanted to teach, and he’s been doing it at his alma mater since 1993, the same year he graduated. A math-turned-computer science major, he started working in the Computer Center his senior year, prompted by professor, mentor and friend, the late Dr. Martin Reno. After splitting time as both the IT director and teaching in the Computer Science Department for 24 years, Sean is now teaching computer science full time but maintains his connection to IT. It’s only fitting since he and colleague Kurt Huenemann, ’83, literally saw the university through the infancy of IT to its current explosion today.
A series of computing ‘firsts’
OK, so maybe Sean is a relic. “When I was a student, I worked on THE computer on campus. I was here when we first connected to the internet and when we opened the first lab of six or seven personal computers. People in College Hall (now University Hall) were still using a modem to talk to the Prime computer,” he says. However, time definitely doesn’t stand still in the world of computing. “What I taught in computing two years ago is not what I’m teaching today,” he says.
Earliest recollections
Those who know Sean know that he has a passion for musical theatre. That interest began as a young child, when Heidelberg hosted a children’s summer theatre program. “I remember being in ‘Pippin’ at age 7. A duck pooped on me every night during rehearsal.” In all seriousness, though, he has fond memories of spending time on campus as he grew up. Sean’s late father, Robert Joyce, was the long-time director of the Lifelong Learning program and his mother, Gayle, taught in the biology department.
The Google project
Sean is in his third semester teaching courses through a pilot partnership with Google. He calls it a tremendous experience. “The classes have recharged my teaching, hopefully for the better.” The partnership pairs Heidelberg with Google experts to teach computer science, data science and machine learning courses to undergrad students who might not have considered themselves destined for a technology career.
All in the family
With Sean’s deep baritone chops, he was perfectly cast as Tevye in a recent Ritz Theatre production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” If not for the theatre, Sean may never have met his wife, Chris, ’05 (MAC), also a teacher. “We never knew each other until we did a show at the Ritz,” he says. Chris was assistant directing “My Fair Lady” and Sean was auditioning for the lead role of Henry Higgins. “Her first words to me were, ‘Thank you. Next.’” He got the part. Today, theatre is a family affair for the couple and their two daughters, Maggie, 14, and Mollie, 11 -- when their busy schedules permit.
Unwinding behind the wheel
When he has time, Sean enjoys immersing himself in the pages of a good Revolutionary War or Civil War history book. And he enjoys getting behind the wheel and just driving – long distances, short distances … it doesn’t matter. It’s a good way to recharge the batteries. “It’s hard to be a dinosaur,” he jokes.