Q &A
Dr. Woodward
What is your area of specialization/passion?
Military history of the Pacific Northwest; history of baseball.
How many years have you been at SPU?
Started 1974—this is 32d year.
What is the most rewarding class you teach?
The one where students are engaged and eager to learn!
Do you have any “hobbies” that you pursue outside of the university?
Various sports: specifically running (including annually the Seattle Half-Marathon and the Rainier-to-Pacific Relay Championships (150 mile relay race)) and basketball (regular participant in the NBA—the Noon Basketball Activity in Brougham); I’m also SPU’s designated Faculty Athletics Representative to the NCAA and a supporter of Falcon athletics.
Favorite Book?
In the last year? Probably D.H. Fischer, Washington’s Crossing. All-time? Maybe Michael Shaara, Killer Angels. (But that’s just in the history category.)
Favorite Movie?
Oh, probably “Chariots of Fire” or “Tender Mercies” or even “Sound of Music” or “Fiddler on the Roof.” I think more in terms of genre. Sports movie? “61*” with “Hoosiers” a close second. Action/adventure? “Hunt for Red October.” Comedy? Probably “Princess Bride.” Serious film? “Schindler’s List.”
What radio station do you listen to?
KING-FM, KUOW.
Who inspires you?
My wife.
What is truth?
John 14:6.
Baseball or Football?
Are you kidding? Super Bowl Sunday, and not just this year, is one of the most important dates on the calendar—because it means it’s just one week until pitchers and catchers report. (I think there may be a secondary significance to that occasion, but I can’t recall what it is.)
What two history-related (or random) websites would you recommend?