21 Questions With … Dean Dunne

This is part three in a series of 21 Questions with administrators you’ll recognize from countless e-mails but probably don’t  know so well [See part one here!]. This week Dean Dunne, our Associate Dean of Undergraduates, talks about his love for Small World and his soft spot for figure skaters.Name: Thomas DunneLast book you managed to read for pleasure?My two year old son is into Curious George right now, and “Curious George Goes to a Costume Party” is in heavy rotation. By the way, what is the back story on the man in the yellow hat? That guy is very unsettling. I keep waiting for Chris Hansen from Dateline: To Catch a Predator to show up in one of these stories and ask the man in the yellow hat to have a seat on the stool in the kitchen.What’s your top vacation destination?The best vacation spot I visited is the Mnemba Island Lodge off the coast of Zanzibar in Tanzania. In the U.S. I would go with the Tetons National Park in Wyoming.What is your greatest guilty pleasure?I obsessively follow Boston College teams.In one sentence, what do you actually do all day?I work with students to shape their undergraduate experience, and when lucky, create opportunities for lifelong memories.What's the best place to eat in town?Blue Bottle Café is HANDS DOWN the best restaurant in the area. It is technically out of town (Hopewell), but it just dominates the restaurants in Princeton. In town, I like scones and coffee from The Little Chef on Tulane Street.What are your favorite ways to relax?I am a big fan of movies at the Garden Theater. Walks on the canal can be beautiful, especially in the fall. New York City is fantastic.Do you know all the words to Old Nassau?Always a moment of indecision as to whether we are lifting or tuning every heart, and then I am good from there.What’s your drink?I am the king of the $10 bottle at Corkscrew. The staff never steers me wrong. I love Small World Coffee too.Who’s your favorite Princetonian, living or dead, real or fictional?Lianne Sullivan-Crowley. Keep your enemies close, and your Human Resources Vice Presidents even closer.What makes you cry?When figure skaters from countries with oppressive regimes fall in the Olympics.When’s bedtime?Very late. I keep student hours.What makes you laugh?David Sedaris has made me laugh harder than anyone else. There are actually a lot of funny/clever people at Princeton.Worst place on campus?When the lights come up in Jadwin at the end of the senior prom on a hot June night. Not Princeton’s prettiest moment.What makes someone a Princetonian?Annual Giving contributions. Unabashed wearing of orange, even at weddings and funerals. Recognizing how countless decades of unwavering loyalty, sacrifice, and care have made Princeton the best old place of all.Favorite movie?Empire of the Sun, an overlooked S. Spielberg movie.Where do you do your best thinking?With a group of smart, interesting, engaging people.What did sort of job did you dream about having as a child?I wanted to be a marine biologist. This, while living in Indiana, Colorado, and Ohio. Surprising that it never came to fruition.What is your favorite place on Princeton's campus?The very best evening of my life took place in the Pyne Courtyard. No, not a 5th reunion “moment,” my wedding reception was there.What songs are playing on repeat this week?This week I’ve been listening to Magic by B.o.B. and Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap. Did try and find some Andrew Bird songs too but nothing stuck. Last movie you saw?The Social Network at the Garden Theater.In 10 years, I will be…Talking about how difficult it was to plan ten consecutive HYP victory bonfires on Cannon Green. The march to greatness begins now. In Jordan we trust.(image source: http://www.princeton.edu)