On October 20, 2024, a small group of Stockton students from various backgrounds and differing educational paths landed in Athens, Greece. Led by esteemed professor, Dr. David Roessel, one would not think this eclectic group had anything in common. There was Kimberly Riley, a 52-year-old psych major; Petagaye Gibbs, a 36-year-old studying Social Work with a minor in Childhood Studies and Victimology; Matthew Marroccelli, a 26-year-old Philosophy major; and Jennifer Vaneman, a 48-year-old Historical Studies major. However, they all have one particularly important commonality: they are parents. In addition to Dr. Roessel and the parents, Professor Sarah Albertson and student Tori Robbins round out the group of seven.

For the Fall 2024 semester, Dr. Roessel is teaching a class on Greek Mythology and Legend with an emphasis on the family dynamics in the various plays studied in the class. This course was offered to student parents at Stockton, and included a fully funded, faculty-led study tour to Greece to see the sites discussed in the plays. While Dr. Roessel has taken veterans to Greece on a regular basis, this was the first time in Stockton history a study tour was planned specifically for students who are parents. Recognizing the difficulties parents face as college students with obligations outside of school, Dr. Roessel pushed to offer this opportunity to them.

Dr. Roessel led the group through Greece, instructing the students in an historic and immersive environment. From the temples atop the Acropolis in Athens to a table reading with acclaimed theatre director, actress, and singer Martha Frintzila at The Baumstrasse Theater; from Corinth, followed by Mycenae to explore the Palace of Agamemnon and Tyrins to finally finding themselves on the quaint, bustling island of Hydra, the students learned about the Greek culture, discovered more history, and gained a new perspective and appreciation for the Greek Classics.

“If I had gone on my own, I would never have been able to get the core knowledge that Dr. Roessel possessed. This opportunity meant a lot to me, being that I am a single parent,” Gibbs stated. Riley agreed, adding “spending time with Martha was like more hidden treasure we couldn’t have unearthed on our own.” Robbins concurred, adding “this trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to read Greek plays and then see the locations in person with Dr. Roessel’s insight and expertise. It was a unique experience where we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in our readings and connect what we learned in-person, including engaging with other professionals in Greece who offered eye-opening insight that transformed the text.”

Gibbs notes that “this experience has brought me closer to my peers, and it has formed a bond between all of us that I will cherish in my heart for the rest of my life. It has made me form friendships that I did not know I needed.” Riley echoed this sentiment, stating “I agree. Best part was bonding with [everyone] and Dr. Roessel.”

Tori added, “In just 8 days, our little group forged incredible bonds and connections. We grew personally and professionally as we climbed mountains, literally, toured archaeological sites and museums, deliberated, and critically analyzed the material and history in the settings and locations they took place. I am incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity!”

Marroccelli, eloquent in the way only a Philosophy major can be, summed up the entire experience in one statement — “Traveling through Greece with a priceless educational resource such as Dr. Roessel was truly an illuminating experience.”

As for Vaneman, she will forever treasure their time in Greece and the friendships that forged there. It was an exceptional journey, led by a brilliant professor. To Dr. Roessel, they say “Sas efcharistó” – for the journey, for the privilege of learning from him, and for his patience. Vaneman would also be remiss if she didn’t give a special mention to their indefatigable driver, Spyros – the best driver in all of Greece. Sas efcharistó, Spyros!