Staff Spotlight: Dr. Gary Diomandes

By Jessica LaCanne
Cardinal Staff

Dr. Gary Diomandes, department chair of theater arts, has been teaching at Saint Mary’s University for 20 years and begins his 21st year this semester.
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He is not only one of our professors, but also the supervisor of the theater program in London for study abroad students. Some of the classes Diomandes teaches include Introduction to Acting, Direction and Make-up Design. In an email interview Diomandes said that “it is important for all of our students to have an appreciation of the Arts and these courses allow me to help promote the Arts and how the Arts can be part of every student’s life.”

Diomandes is an advocate of the study abroad programs. “I believe this experience opens up a whole new world for our students, and it allows them to view the world and life from a different perspective,” he said. Diomandes said he loves seeing students mature throughout their experiences abroad. Diomandes is especially passionate about the programs in London, as he is going to be teaching first-year students in London a class on small-town America.

When Diomandes first visited SMU, his experience was an interesting one. Diomandes said, “It was in the middle of a blizzard and was 40 below zero.” The friendliness of the people here and the students convinced Diomandes that, although the weather is occasionally bad, this school is one worth sticking around for. Another thing that convinced Diomandes to stay was the Page Theatre. “I died and went to heaven when I walked into the Page Theatre,” Diomandes said. Before arriving at SMU, Diomandes had worked in substantially smaller spaces with poor facilities.

While at SMU, Diomandes enjoys attending various activities, ranging from hockey games to gallery openings. He loves directing plays and is extremely passionate about food. Diomandes worked in a family diner growing up, and the love of food remains a part of him. Lucky for SMU, the weather did not deter Diomandes from staying in Winona and being an important member of the staff.