Fun Facts about Tom and Cathy
Fun Facts about President Thomas Poon
Favorite book(s):
Which book has influenced you most? It’s a tie. One is The Periodic Table by Primo Levi, an autobiographical account of a Holocaust survivor who was also a chemist. The book is eloquently written and primarily weaves the author’s multiple identities in intersectional and moving ways. Levi’s work has been translated into over 40 languages, and I look for it in every country I travel to. As a result, I currently have copies in English, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and French.
The other book is St. Ignatius' Own Story. The accounts in this book were dictated to and authored by St. Ignatius’ loyal assistant, Fr. Luis Gonzalez de Camara, shortly before the Society of Jesus founder’s passing in 1556. Much has been written about how St. Ignatius became so moved and transformed by God’s Grace and how he set the Catholic Church, its educational and humanitarian endeavors, and the Papacy itself on a course that has reached all corners of the globe. But reading it in his own words lent incredible power to Ignatius’ story. When I read this book, given to me by Fr. Randy Roche, I inked so many personal reflections and questions to the pages that I had to purchase a clean copy to give back to Randy, who then generously told me to keep both copies and pass one on if the opportunity presented itself. It now sits on my conference table for anyone to claim.
All-time favorite movies or shows:
The Shawshank Redemption is my all-time favorite movie. Back in the days of channel surfing, I would always watch it if I happened upon it on TV. I love its themes of friendship, hope, entrepreneurship, and poetic justice.
Podcasts you enjoy:
I like Guy Raz’s How I Built This, Terry Gross’ Fresh Air, and Stephen Dubner’s Freakonomics Radio podcasts.
Favorite place at LMU:
Currently, my favorite places on campus are Sacred Heart Chapel and our NCAA Beach Volleyball Courts. The former represents a solace I get nowhere else and is a constant reminder to me of beautiful music and Mass ceremonies. The latter, which I pass by every day on the way home from work, reminds me of the power that data-informed decision-making, staring down a difficult challenge, and collaboration across units can bring to solving a wicked problem to achieve multi-faceted outcomes.
What do you do to recharge or have fun?
I mostly recharge through hobbies that require my full concentration to do that activity including composing or learning a new song on guitar or ukulele and building things in my garage and maker-space. To date, I’ve created a suction cup desk, a folding and portable chess table, a license plate guitar, a redwood picnic table with bench seats, a pedestal guitar stand, an iron pipe console table, a set of drink coasters with built-in bottle opener, a laptop stand for people confined to bedrest, and a magnetic pin contraption that we just filed a provisional patent on.
Fun Facts about First Spouse Catherine Irwin
Favorite Place in Los Angeles:
I love independent bookstores. The ones closest to me are The Book Jewel in Westchester and the Village Well in Culver City.
Hobbies and Interests:
I like watching sports -- track, volleyball, swimming, football, basketball—and cheering for my favorite teams or athletes. When the Olympics happen, I am glued to the TV. To recharge, I enjoy walking around Westchester in the evening when it’s really quiet. It’s very beautiful. We have a dog, so I like taking her out and saying hello to neighbors walking their dogs. I also like to swim and do yoga when I have time.
Is there a dish that connects you to your heritage or family:
Chicken adobo made by my mom. My mouth waters just thinking about it.
Who are the people –historic, academic, or personal—you admire most?
I admire my mom the most. She did so much in her life, from coming to this country in her twenties and raising three kids to becoming a nurse in her fifties. She’s amazing!
Favorite quote or motto:
“The moment we choose to love we begin to move towards freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others.” –bell hooks