Sebestyen Named Trinity Professor of the Year

Dr. John Sebestyen, associate professor of communication arts and director of theatre, has been named Trinity’s Professor of the Year for 2016-17.

“I am blessed to teach at Trinity, and I am honored by this recognition,” Sebestyen said. “God has used my students and colleagues to enrich my life, and I am grateful to be a member of this loving learning community.”

A member of the Trinity faculty since 2005, Sebestyen has taught classes in acting, directing, foundations of public speaking, oral interpretation, practicum in theatre, principles of theatre, production design, and theatre forum. He has also directed numerous plays at Trinity, including the recent production of “Our Town.”

According to Megan Hanafee-Major ’16, Trinity has many amazing professors. But she cited Sebestyen as the one who has most influenced her. “Dr. John continually places his students first in his classroom, in the theatre productions, and even when he is learning things himself,” she said. “When I learned that he received the honor I was not at all surprised, as I hoped that the selection committee would see the impact he has had on the campus and that he deserves to be honored for it.”

Sebestyen was highly deserving of the honor, agreed Brooke (Wigboldy) Simkins ’14, Trinity’s conference and events manager. “I was blessed to learn and act under John’s direction as a student, and now I am honored to call him a colleague and friend,” Simkins said. “His faithful attentiveness to his students, his passion for the practice of theatre, and his love of Christ shine through in all of his endeavors. He is a wonderful professor, and a great man.”

Sebestyen will be honored during the commencement ceremony on April 30.