One could say that Jimmy Sweeney, a super senior, has made the most of his five years at Stevens. He is an RA, SGA Senator and Committee on Academic Rights Committee Chair, and is a part of OXE and Order of Omega, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, President’s Ensemble, and Quackappella. Jimmy enjoys singing, distance running, and Dungeons and Dragons. He will be graduating this May with his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering along with a master’s degree in Systems Engineering — Jimmy is literally a star both inside and outside the lecture halls.
Jimmy’s favorite thing about Stevens is that it is a small enough place that, with some passion and dedication, one can make an impact. He affirms, “In my nearly five years here, I can confirm that this is the case.”
“I was lucky to have a great music teacher in elementary school,” Jimmy says. “Mr. Pedas [had] a storied career of directing music and recruited me into a community choir he directed.” Jimmy sang in the choir for six years, and in that time and beyond, he sang in a few state and eastern honor choirs. Then, in high school, he performed in an a cappella group and concert choir before getting involved in the performing arts at Stevens. “Mr. Pedas continued to be my voice teacher through high school and mentor into college.
While at Stevens, singing has been a creative outlet and a way to unwind. Jimmy elaborates, “It’s really rewarding to come together with a great group of people, sing and work and laugh for a few hours per week, and come out with a product that can make other people’s day better.”
Like school, performing and music can teach a person a lot. Jimmy states, “I think one of the best [lessons learned through music] is the ability to focus in on just one thing for a while. “Especially when you have tons of emails and a pile of things to do, taking a couple hours to focus on playing a character or getting better at singing a song is really liberating.” It is important to make sure your passion in your schedule really is enjoyable and therapeutic for you, and if that if that is not the case, then to say something. There are only so many hours in the day, and pursuing passions you enjoy will make juggling a busy schedule all the more worth it.
Jimmy has spent a lot of time doing musical theater.” I would love to have the chance to be in a musical by Sondheim. Company is another favorite. I love any music I can sing.”
“For the short term, I want to solidify a cappella at Stevens by forming a full-fledged RSO — we’re in Step 3 right now,” Jimmy says. Looking to the future, after graduation, Jimmy is looking for roles where he can integrate the technical background he has gained in the classroom with the ability to plan, coordinate, and communicate.
Be First to Comment