To be a student at Blue Mountain College, everyone is required to take at least one course of public speaking or some sort of fine arts revolved class. Let us all unite in the synchronized, “Ugh.” On a normal day, at a normal school, with a normal teacher, that would be our reaction, right? But - oh yes, there’s a 'but' - Blue Mountain is not a normal school and that specific teacher is not- correction- was not, your “normal” teacher.
Jim Andre, recently retired, was known to be the sarcastic, hmm…older gentleman on campus who almost always had a cup of coffee in one hand and his iPhone, conversing with Siri, in the other. With his sarcastic asides (theatre term) and famous “one-liners”, he made it easy for us all love and adore him…"just saying."
I remember my very first encounter with Andre. My mom and I had to come to campus for registration during the summer and somehow, found ourselves lost between the Library and the Administration Building. We were supposed to be at the Education building.. ha. Well in these moments of confusion, a car drove up and the window rolled down. An older looking man wearing very stylish aviators said, “You're Journey, aren't you? Follow me.” 'Twas a very James Bond moment if I do say so myself... Andre, already mysteriously knowing who I was before even meeting me, began his impact from that day forward and led me more than just to the education building.
Being a fine arts major, I was lucky enough to spend more time with him than most. Not only was he my teacher for 99% of my classes, my director for all of the musicals and plays each semester, but also my adviser - for school AND life. When it came to any kind of stress- God, failing grades, horrible breakups (he knows about those!), drama, and everything in between…he was the one I went to. With open ears and loving eyes, he listened patiently and never failed with the response, “You’ll be fine.” He is also quite the master at making you think he cares, but actually is just turning up his Beatles music on Bluetooth and nodding his head with concern. Kidding, only kidding. He’ll get that.
In fact, I believe most of the students who practically live in Garrett Hall during school can agree, he was and still remains the long lost grandfather to us all. No matter what time it was or what happened that day, you could almost bet money that his office, filled with majors and non-majors, was the central meeting place for all activities. Andre, not just a one in a million man, but also the grandfather to so many. Our grandfather. My grandfather. I could go on for forever on how this amazing man has helped me in time and the situations he has led me through, but this article isn’t about me. It’s about him.
As school approached an end last semester, I decided to make him a bucket list for his upcoming “freedom.” In doing my research and building of this list (including a trip to France and getting on stage one last time), we got on the topic of what his ultimate goal in life was. I asked him something along the lines of, " What is something you’ve always wanted to do?” After teaching for 25 years, I figured his retirement was going to be more of a never-ending vacation of life long dreams. He thought for a second and responded, with that famous smirk of his, “ I want to have an impact on my students.”
Mr. Andre,
The new school year is coming quickly and this time, your biggest fans are closing out their college careers without your special presence on campus. And though we are all so happy for you in your recent retirement, please remember, as you walk down the streets of France (Don’t forget that one! # 4), that your impact is forever remembered and appreciated in not only the lives of your students, but also in the lives of everyone you meet.
“Mr. André taught me to believe in myself and to keep going if I ever make a mistake, either on stage or in life. Also, he was the best teacher I had. Even when it didn't seem like I was paying attention in class, I tried to listen and soak in everything he said because what he said matters. Mr. André was more than just a teacher though. He was a friend, mentor, grandfather, and part of the reason I didn't drop out of college.” -Zac Gooch
“Mr. Andre, most definitely had a positive impact on his students as well as on me personally. His sense of humor was something I could always count on when seeing him on campus, which always came, unknown to him, at a needed moment. I appreciate his friendship and the opportunity of serving with him at Blue Mountain College.” -Jack Moser
“Mr. Andre is the soul reason why I came to Blue Mountain. Once I met him and talked to him about my love for theatre, I made up my mind to be a Fine Arts Major. Mr. Andre encouraged me not only to chase after the things that I enjoy doing, but to try new things and to take a chance. He always challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. He taught me that even if I succeeded or failed in this new endeavor, that I could always learn something from it. And no matter the outcome of the situation, he was always there to support me.”- Rachel McFatridge
"You meet a lot of people in your life. Some of them come and go but some of them stay. Then there are the ones who have impacted your life the most. Words can't describe the impact Mr. André has had on my life. He is a phenomenal director, advisor, and professor. He is also a stand up comedian whose humor I miss everyday. The only reason I didn't fall apart my freshman year was because of Mr. André. He was like a grandfather to me. When he asked "how are you" he truly means it and cares about our well being and state of mind. He was a listening ear when I or anyone needed to vent or just for advice. He told you the truth, whether it be good or bad, nice or hurtful. He always pushed us to our greatest and never accepted anything lower than our He is one in a million. I am so lucky and blessed to have been taught and mentored by Mr. André". - Kaitlyn Bruno
“Mr. Andre’ directed more than 50 shows at Blue Mountain College. This included 556 cast members, 900 people working on the production crews, 66 musicians, and over 35,000 people in the audiences. He cast a wide net of influence, don’t you think? But the most important thing to Mr. Andre’ was the students in the theatre program at BMC who tended to become a part of his family.” - Emma Ainsworth
“The old man basically made me come out of my shell and show the world and myself who I really was. I'd still be shy and standoffish if I had never met him. I'm so thankful for him and what he did for me and taught me on and off stage. All his pep talks and life lessons. He's been like a grandfather to me and I don't know where I'd be if I had never had him has a teacher and a mentor. I'll never forget our long talks and everything that he's taught me. He's the kind of man that if you've never talked to him, you've been missing out.” - Ciara Boyle
"Mr. Andre was, without having to try, what every great teacher aspires to be. He loved. But not just his students, he loved his job, he loved to create, he had passion for making his students better, especially when they didn't want to, or think they could. The greatest growth I experienced at BMC was on that stage, under his direction, or in his office talking about life. He never pushed his opinion or told me what to do. He listened and helped me find the answer for myself. BMC Theatre is a family and he is the reason why; I hope, the proud Dad to a lot of kids that have passed through." - Daniel "Eli" Rodgers
"When I first met Jim Andre, I thought he was a quiet old man with selective hearing. Little did I know through more communication with him, he was a witty, personable, and highly intelligent seasoned teaching veteran with a true hearing issue. Although he was a great instructor in the classroom, what I liked was his peripatetic teaching style practiced by the Greek Philosopher, Aristotle. Each day he could be seen walking on campus with a cohort of students who were carefully listening and dissecting knowledge he would bestow upon them. People use the word “bestow” a little too loosely. For it does not mean simply “to give”. It means to “give as a gift”. I accepted his invaluable teachings and lessons in this manner and am confident the students did as well. Even though I can say these kind words about him, and it does make me feel good, if he were around all I would have to merely say is; “your good” in a hurried fashion, and he would acknowledge with a simple nod, leisurely point a crooked index finger at me, and walk away to finish what he did best...make people smile. I truly hope he is enjoying retirement, but I am going to miss my friend. And if he didn’t hear that the first time…I am going to miss my friend." - Kendal Honea
