William Manaker, S.J. – English and Campus Ministry

Where are you from and what were you doing before coming to De Smet?

For the past three years I was in Chicago studying Philosophy, Theology and especially English. I’ve been working on a masters degree in English and I’ve been in the Jesuits for five years.

Q: For your last ever meal, what would you be eating?
A: I would want to have a multi-course Italian Meal. Starting with some great cheese and appetizers like salami, and then some pasta. Then I would probably follow that up with some lamb. Then I would top it off with some gelato.

Q: Favorite Movie?
A: My favorite movie from when I was a kid is certainly Star Wars: A New Hope.

Q: What are some interesting hobbies that you have?
A: I play the Violin so I like to do a little bit of classic and some Irish fiddle music. I also love to run.

Q: If you could take the students at De Smet anywhere in the world on a field trip, where would you take them?
A: I would probably want to go to Rome because I studied there when I was in college and had just a great experience. You can see so much art and culture that’s connected to faith. The church is seen in a very different way and you can actually visit the tombs of the martyrs. They have churches dedicated to early martyrs like St. Stephen.

Q: What are your must-have smartphone apps
A: Must have smartphone apps would be Google Chrome. I’m not a huge safari person. I would also say Ibreviary. There’s a bible app you can get the bible in a gazillion different languages which is pretty cool to me.

Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: Most often the thing that I’m afraid of is the unknown. Whether it be the unknown thing that’s going to happen next week, or the unknown reaction of what this person will say.