Henry Stewart ’14

Henry Stewart graduated from Goshen College in 2014 with a music and biochemistry double major. As a student, he was known for playing the accordion, writing award-winning music compositions and as an academic star.

Why Goshen College?

As a scientist and a musician, Henry wanted all aspects of his education to be challenging and hands-on. He found that Goshen College expects nothing less.

“The undergrad research opportunities are unbelievable. Because of the small classes, anyone who wants the experience can get it, and that’s just not as easy at a bigger school.”

Experiential learning

As a liberal arts college, Goshen gives students a chance to try anything. Even with two majors and a busy schedule, Henry didn’t have to sacrifice any of his interests.

“I’m a music composition major, but I’ve also had so many performance opportunities. I’m not a great flute player, but I still played in the orchestra. I joined choir just because I wanted to.”

Henry’s inspiration? His professors.

“We have outstanding people in both the music and science departments. My profs could be teaching in much larger, more prestigious schools, but they’re here because they want to be and I’m lucky enough to have them.”

Henry’s professors are pretty proud of him too. After entering his original composition in an international competition, Henry became the only undergraduate semi-finalist. He flew to London to conduct his piece, and Goshen College cheered him on.

Where to from here?

Henry has lots of dreams. Maybe he’ll play in a band, join the Peace Corps, go to graduate school for music composition or teach high school science.

For now, he is volunteering for one year in Cambodia with Mennonite Central Committee’s Serving and Learning Together program. He’s teaching English at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

Whatever he chooses after Cambodia, he’s well prepared.

“I had the opportunity to earn two majors. I can learn in multiple disciplines. I feel like I’m exercising different parts of my brain every day. I’m constantly learning.”

— written by Anna Ruth ’12, photos by Alex Pletcher ’14