Any University of Vermont affiliate will tell you their stories about Jacques-Paul Marton, a custodial staff member, with a smile on their face. Recounting the memories of his work as an artist, scholar, and humanitarian, JP told me about his hopes for the future and goals for the University.
As I was conducting this interview, it was a total delight to learn about everything JP had experienced in his life. He has a passion for goodness beaming off of him and you can tell how much he cares for the students of ̽̽. Even though some might not know him, Marton has a deep admiration for anyone who walks through the Davis Center doors.
Apart from his family, one of JP’s greatest joys is his Book Nook, which resides in Brennans Pub on the 1st floor of the Davis Center. When he first placed a few books on the shelves, he noticed that they were disappearing and that students do indeed enjoy reading.
He wanted to make sure that anyone could take a break from dense textbooks if they wanted and get a sense of world knowledge from the stories in the nook. JP would personally select the books for the shelves and take the time to read a section from each one so students could get something out of the free stories.
Not only does this give him a sense of belonging to the students, but he also has fond memories of the people who helped him build it that have since passed on. “I think of the fellas from Wake Robin, I think of Marshall Webb. They’re always there and there’s a purpose to this, a real mission.”
Along with the book nook, education is a huge passion for Marton. He has taken the time to learn about all walks of life to understand the human condition. He notes that college should be an exploration of identity and finding a place for yourself amongst the billions on the planet. A big theme from Marton was that college is one of the only places where people can live closely together and have new experiences socially as well as academically.
While quoting Aristotle, JP maintains “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all". The value of studying abroad and getting a sense of the people around you is a huge element in his philosophy. Even speaking to students like myself, JP says that this is a component of education because you are learning about people and how to communicate with others effectively.
For JP, he believes that sometimes, we put more emphasis on STEM and science-related majors and we push aside humanities-based studies. Science is extremely important but the humanities are just as important to understand and dedicate our lives to. “We are the best machine ever created. We have computers, but we created them.”
When he first began working as a custodian in the building to lead a stress-free life, he says that this experience has been the most fulfilling due to the people he has met along the way. “This is what it's all about you know, conversations and meeting people from all across the campus”. JP uses his knowledge of people while on the Diversity and Equity board to bring inclusivity to ̽̽’s campus which gives him great pride.
During his time on the board, Marton has learned that this university and schools worldwide are attempting to make a change. While he is afraid of the growing hatred, he trusts that the young people will be able to one day turn it around. He explained that without the young people actively fighting every day, the Civil Rights Movement would have never succeeded. He is hopeful for the future and what the young people have to offer it.
Finally, he shared his memories of working at the Davis Center and admiring how the students were able to make it home. “To me, I am happiest when I see students studying in all of the little areas where they feel comfortable, people drawing near to the fireplace, Hendersons, or whatever, it’s a community!” JP notes that he would not be the same person had he not worked for ̽̽. He loves this school and Vermont and has so much gratitude for what it has given him over the years.
Even now that he no longer works directly in the Davis Center, JP is still involved in the campus community. In the last year, JP worked with ̽̽ to bring joy to students in the form of stories. At the end of the last two semesters, Marton has put on Book Nook giveaways where he encourages students to grab free books to de-stress from finals weeks.
Thank you, JP, for everything you have done in the past, and for what you continue to do in the future!