Meet the lovely faculty members living in Warren Towers

Bryan and his wife Cheryl have lived the past 15 years in Warren Towers, and have ingrained themselves as members of the Warren community.

Bryan Stone is Boston University’s current Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism.

However, he and his wife Cheryl are also members of the BU faculty in residence program. They host open hours weekly, with such features as Monday Night football, and currently American Idol Wednesdays. And for students missing that home away from home, Cheryl is the best baker on campus, providing snacks to everyone who stops by.

Living on the faculty in residence floor was an amazing opportunity this year, and it has always been fascinating to me how they welcome students into their home week after week. Luckily, Bryan and Cheryl Stone were excited to reveal what it’s really like to live amongst BU students.

How long have you lived on campus, and what was attractive about living here?

Bryan: We have lived here for 15 years, and we really liked the proximity to where I work, which is the School of Theology.

Cheryl: We also really enjoy just being around students and kids! It is a really vibrant environment!

What was your first impression of dorm life?

Cheryl: We had to adjust to the smaller size of the apartment, but we liked living on the floor.

Bryan: I feel as though the students are more mature here than they were when I was at college, especially at BU. They are really focused and want to succeed, and that was a pleasant surprise.

What is the best part about participating in faculty in residence?

Bryan: We love the lasting impressions we have built with students who have come to our open hours. One of the first groups of students we ever had on this floor (Warren Towers 5A) still communicates with each other and keep us updated on their life and take us out to dinner when they come to town.

Cheryl: We don’t have kids of our own, so it is really nice to be there for all you guys when you come here every week and to talk to you!

So if the relationships with students are the best part, what is the worst part?

Bryan: We want a dog, but we can’t have one in the dorm. A fireplace would be nice too, as would a porch and yard.

Cheryl: But those are just minor adjustments, we really do love being here!

What is the craziest thing you guys have experienced living in a dorm?

Bryan: One student decided to do a fund raiser for himself, where he vowed to stay in his dorm shower for 24 hours without leaving, and for each hour he stayed people would pledge a certain amount of money, and he lasted the full 24 hours and made some serious cash. Also, when the Red Sox won the world series in 2004, there were riots in Kenmore Square and kids went crazy partying. They even jumped into the Charles River, and, surprisingly, it was even dirtier then.

What do you think makes BU different from other college communities?

Bryan: Our faculty in residence program is really awesome, it is a cool opportunity for students to meet professors and make friends, and the study abroad program is very well done and unique in the number of programs and venues it provides.

What is it like in Warren over the Summer?

Bryan: A lot of high school students move in for programs.

Cheryl: And they are very loud, way worse than freshmen.

Bryan: We mostly just travel over the summer, and enjoy a nice relaxing break.

Any advice for students and any places you would recommend a visit?

Cheryl: Get out of the BU bubble and explore Boston, there is so much the city offers. Get student rush tickets for theatre, try out the Boston center for the arts. Explore and don’t get stuck in your dorm room.

Bryan: Visit and eat in the North End, go to Coolidge Corner. Also, the restaurant Fire and Ice has really good student days, with all you can eat food for $10. Just allow yourself to get off of campus once in a while and enjoy yourself.