By: Shannon Ryan

Is it in the gaze from behind their wide-framed spectacles? Their smooth vocal delivery of the sociological perspectives of race in the mid-1960s? What about the flawless curve of their cursive letter “c” on the whiteboard? Whatever — some professors are just downright appealing, and we wonder what they’re like outside of the classroom.

The ballots are in and the nominees accounted for. We’ve asked four of the top tempting teachers questions deemed first-date worthy. Answers sufficient for second date inquiries.

Jacqueline Schiappa: Department of Writing Studies

If you could resurrect any musician, who would it be and why?

That’s difficult for me to answer because I love so much music, but probably John Lennon because of the politics surrounding his death.

If your house was on fire and you could save just one possession, what would it be?

My cat, Nala.

What’s your favorite dessert?

Tres leches cake; it’s Spanish for three milks. That’s my favorite cake for sure.

What is your morning breakfast routine?

Tea — black tea, and that’s it. I usually don’t have time to eat.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Probably when people say they “could care less.” What they mean is that they couldn’t [care less]. It’s this thing where I’m like, “That’s not what you mean!”

Stephen Bennett: School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Did you — or do you — have a nickname? What’s the story behind it?

One that’s stuck with me is Creebins. My brother, when he was younger, couldn’t pronounce my name Stephen correctly, so he called me Creebins, and for whatever reason, it stuck with me through the years.

What’s your favorite movie of all time?

A tie between “The Emperor Strikes Back” — the Star Wars film — and “Fight Club.” I guess “Emperor Strikes Back” because I was such a Star Wars fan when I was younger and still am, and I like the modern messages of “Fight Club” as an adult.

What’s your favorite television theme song?

It’s funny, but probably “Downton Abbey.” The show is so dramatic, and when you hear that song, it evokes so much emotion. It’s very effective and matches the themes of the show very well.

How do you like to spend your Saturdays?

I have to spend my Saturdays doing work, but I like to spend my Saturdays outdoors. Going camping or running or fishing is usually how I would like to spend those days.

What’s one of your favorite childhood memories?

I grew up in Wisconsin, but I used to spend a lot of summers in Minneapolis with my cousin, so probably those summers skateboarding and rollerblading in Minneapolis on [the University] campus.

Bruno Chaouat: Department of French and Italian

What were you like as a college student?

I was not very diligent, not as diligent as I would have liked to be. I hope I’m a better teacher than I was a student.

Do you prefer cats or dogs?

Cats.

If you could choose anywhere in the world to live, where would it be? Why?

America, because that is the country I’ve chosen to live in.

What’s your favorite region of the United States?

Probably the Northeast.

What are your “words to live by?”

Intellectual integrity — standing up for one’s convictions.

Jennifer Ball: School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Where did you grow up?

I grew up mostly in Chicago, though I was technically born in Springfield, Ill. I definitely affiliate myself more with Chicago.

Who is your favorite author, and which of his or hers is your favorite book?

Just for fun, I love “Harry Potter,” so I will go ahead and say J.K. Rowling. I really like “The Goblet of Fire,” so I think that perhaps would be my favorite of the series.

When you go to a coffee shop, what do you usually order?

A white chocolate mocha with skim milk, and sometimes I throw in an extra shot of espresso if I need it.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Minneapolis?

I’m still doing a lot of exploring, but I did have a really nice meal at The Capital Grille. I’d say that’s the nicest restaurant I’ve experienced.

What’s your favorite four-letter word?

Hope.