EWU's Hank Steiner retires after 61 years teaching

A beloved Eastern Washington University English professor is officially retiring after 61 years of university teaching.

Henry-York “Hank” Steiner, 87, has been teaching at EWU for 50 years and helped create several programs such as American Indian Studies, Africana Studies, Chicano Education, University Honors and Environmental Science. He also taught in special courses like Eastern religion, JRR Tolkien and classical poetics and rhetoric. Now, Steiner feels that it’s just time to move on, saying that it’s big change as he heads to retirement.

“I’ve been going to class for 80 years, ever since I was seven years old,” Steiner said. “(I’ll remember) how much fun I had. I think I will be remembered as long as there are people (at EWU) who remember me.”

Tracey McHenry, EWU associate professor of English, describes Steiner as a man who is friendly and encouraging.

“Since the day I came (to EWU) 19 years ago, he’s been nothing but supportive,” McHenry said. “He praises you when you do a good job and is encouraging to new faculty. He makes everything seem easy. He was such a friendly and supportive colleague to work with. (I’ll remember that) he always wears a bow tie and his distinct love of certain writers, skiing, mountain climbing and sailing.”

Jamie Neely, EWU journalism professor and program director, shared her thoughts about Steiner, saying that he is a well-loved professor.

“He has been a strong mentor and role model for the rest of the faculty,” Neely said. “He’s generous and kind and smart and funny. He’s been a joy to work with. We wish him all the best on his retirement.”

William Stimson, EWU journalism professor, said that Steiner’s retirement is a big loss for EWU.

“He’s the closest thing to a Rockstar that a professor can be,” Stimson said via phone. “He’s very popular with students and extremely knowledgeable in his area of literature. He’s a heck of a nice guy.”

Stimson said that he will remember Steiner’s interest in helping anyone.

“In my experience, he’s full of good advice,” Stimson said. “It’s just fun to run into him in the hallways and shoot a couple of questions at him.”

Neely said that she will remember Steiner’s warmth and respect for colleagues.

“He worked with me as a faculty member when I first started out at Eastern,” Neely said. “He was very helpful in showing me ways to organize my work as I was moving in my 10-year track. He was very helpful and supportive in my progress.”

According to the Inside EWU webpage, Steiner said that he hopes to travel, sail and spend more time writing, which is his lifelong passion. The English department recently hosted a bash to bid him farewell.

Marco Vargas is a senior at Eastern Washington University majoring in journalism.