Students and faculty bid farewell to Assistant Professor Matthew Loar this semester, ending four years at Nebraska. Being a member of the Department of Classics and Religious Studies since 2015, he has served as an academic advisor, professor, and mentor for hundreds of students. He has been a one of a kind professor, inspiring his students to reach bigger and better goals. We are thankful for his years of guidance, support, and teaching.
For fisheries and wildlife and classics and religious studies double major Brooke Mott, Loar has been a guiding hand throughout her undergraduate career. “Dr. Loar has been the biggest help when I decided to be a double major. He has been there every step of the way and always has been a kind and friendly face. Even though I’ve never taken a class with him, I feel just as close to him as the students that have.”
Others, like history and classics and religious studies double major Ellie Churchill, will miss his presence in the classroom. “Dr. Loar was the first classics professor I had in college, and ever since then, he has been an amazing mentor. Not only is he a wonderfully engaging and energetic professor, he is a kind and caring person who genuinely values his students and helps us succeed in all aspects of life. I consider myself so lucky to have taken his classes and worked closely with him, and he has definitely had a major impact on my college career.”
And for some, Loar is one of the reasons they became a classics and religious studies major. “The first time I met Dr. Loar I was sitting in another professor's office asking about what the major entailed. He was walking past and stuck his head in and introduced himself and less than 45 minutes later I’m a classics and religious studies major. Dr. Loar opened a door for me that I didn’t realize existed and because of that I have received so many opportunities that I otherwise would not have been exposed to. He is a wonderful advisor and professor and I’m so glad I’ve had the privilege to be his student,” said Nichole Brady, a classical languages and classics and religious studies double major.
Loar’s effect on the department is astounding as classics and religious studies major Vanessa Larsen says. “Dr. Loar’s impact on the department is utterly unparalleled. With no exaggeration, his passion for the classics has sparked an enthusiasm among dozens—if not hundreds—of students and has forever changed the outlook of department. He will be sorely missed as a mentor, aid, and friend.”
For both the students and faculty at Nebraska, Dr. Loar has made a huge impact. His leadership and passion will be missed and we wish him luck in his future endeavors!
