Leo McNaughton

What’s your favorite class? How has it expanded your knowledge?

A difficult choice to be sure. If I was forced to narrow it down to just one, I think I’d have to say Roman Thought and Culture with Associate Professor Gordon Kelly. A strong understanding of the classics is the keystone of interpreting a huge portion of literature, philosophy, medicine, politics, and more. While I am an English major, classics courses have been hugely helpful in revealing all manner of connections and allusions in the English literary tradition.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

L&C offers intriguing courses, has a beautiful campus, and is within my ideal distance from home.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

I strongly believe a liberal arts education is essential to becoming a well-rounded, better informed person. I really enjoy the freedom to sample all manner of disciplines and interests.

Where do you find community on campus?

Primarily in my tabletop role-playing game groups—it’s a great way to meet people who share a passion for that hobby. As a game designer, I always enjoy teaching systems to new players.

Which residence halls have you lived in? How would you describe the hall’s personality? What is/was the best thing about living on campus?

I’ve spent two years in Copeland, but admittedly I haven’t had a chance to get to know the building and its inhabitants that well due to COVID. Copeland definitely grows on you, though. Being close to classes and having the opportunity to make new friends are certainly advantages of living on campus.

Have you been involved with one of our symposia, as an organizer or participant? What was the experience like? How did the event complement your academic experience?

While I have been an attendee, I haven’t been heavily involved. This year’s Gender Studies Symposium was enlightening, and gave me a chance to listen to voices one does not hear often enough in academia.

Did you visit campus before deciding to come to L&C? How did your visit influence your decision to attend?

I did take the chance to meander about the campus as part of my decision-making process. The splendiferous beauty and manageable size of the campus were both appealing to me.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Take the classes that seem most interesting to fulfill those general education requirements!

How did you decide on a major?

Admittedly, I had trouble deciding and procrastinated for some time. In the end, I chose what made me happiest. Luckily the process for declaring a major is quite quick and easy!