The scene: Winthrop’s beautiful dining hall, with a working fireplace, sky high windows, and a state-of-the-art overnight toaster. The time: Sunday, midnight. The beginning of the grind. Like clockwork, our faculty deans, Institute of Politics Director Mark Gearan and Mary Gearan, appear with a tray of homemade cappuccino brownies and refuse to leave until every last one is claimed. No, you’re not dreaming. You’re a Winthropian.
When you’re ready to call it a night, you can take the elevator — which opens directly into the dining hall — upstairs, walk down the best lit and most easily navigable hallways of any renovated house, and crash in your mouse-free room. Even as a sophomore, your housing is sure to be exquisite: My 200-square-foot bedroom off my suite’s common room has a river view on one side and a courtyard view on the other.
If you’d like to take a stroll before bed, you have your choice of three expansive, river-facing courtyards, featuring a terrace, hammocks and tire swings. Looking to go farther afield? We’re 30 seconds from the Malkin Athletic Center, three minutes from the Smith Center and five minutes from the Yard, CVS and the Kennedy School. Looking to stay inside? If you’re hungry, stop by the Winthrop Grille, the cheapest (and best) grille on the river. If you’re in the mood for a tune, stop by our gorgeous Junior and Senior Common Rooms to play their Steinway pianos, or visit our practice rooms, which feature drums as well as keyboards.
And if you’ve heard the rumors that Winthrop lacks house community, you’ve probably heard them from people who haven’t lived here this year. The Gearans have worked tirelessly to change things. They attend almost every event featuring a Winthropian: Last semester, they came to my choir concert, my a cappella jam, and a performance of the show I was assistant directing. They publicize Winthrop’s incredible events: the speaker series, open houses, workshops, weekly yoga, and the works. They create opportunities for Winthropians to showcase their passions, from photography displays to musical performances every Thursday during community dinner, which is a white-tablecloth affair. They attend our uniquely well-attended biweekly Stein Clubs, where students happily chat with them, drinks in hand. They often bring their adorable dog. Thanks to their efforts, Winthrop’s community is stronger than ever.
I can’t wait for our new Lion Cubs to be a part of it.
Image Credit: HPR / Ryan Golemme