July 2023
Paul Yoder 1985
DEGREES:
B.A. Art, Photography Minor
CURRENT EMPLOYER
Retired, Self-Employed
CURRENT OCCUPATION
Fine Art Photographer
DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER PATH
After graduation, I had a few different career pursuits in the field of photography. One of my first serious positions was a studio photographer for Hess’s, a then major department store in the Mid-Atlantic region. I was shooting still studio shots of mostly products for ad materials such as flyers, circulars and catalogs. It was an interesting mix of products to shoot, but it became mundane, spending almost my entire workday in the basement – or "dungeon." From that position I somehow gravitated toward sales. Photography equipment sales was my first true sales position for a large regional camera and photography store. I found myself excelling at sales with limited potential there. I gradually stepped out of the photography field and into flooring sales. In the 23 years I participated in flooring sales, I had positions with a retail firm and then as a manufacturing sales representative for two large national flooring manufacturers. I found myself enjoying sales and succeeding at it in the process. I ended my working career in a part-time position as a project coordinator and estimator for a small construction remodeling company. Even while not directly involved in photography for many years, I managed to find time for a bit of photography work on the side and as a hobby. Once I retired toward the end of 2021, I found time to work on my true passion of documentary-style photography. This helped me move forward full tilt with my first book project, Maryland's Eastern Shore Historic Churches.
MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED WHILE ATTENDING SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
I improved on my communication skills while learning new and different important ways for successful communication. I also learned how to be more relaxed and patient with creative projects.
WHAT CAMPUS ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH?
I was a member of Kappa Pi, honorary art society. I worked in the Art Department part time in the art gallery. I was a member of an intramural bicycle club, and I briefly tried out for track and field.
BEST COLLEGE MEMORY
Having graduated some time ago, I'm not sure there is one "best" college memory that stands out. The two things I recall most are meeting Frank Purdue when he sat for an artist to create his bust to be placed on campus. The other is one of my non-art curriculum classes, which was sociology with Dr. [Allan] Pappas. It was by far my most interesting class while attending Salisbury.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY?
Prior to Salisbury University, I graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with an associate degree in photography multi-media. At that time, there was an option to transfer most of my credit hours to a bachelor’s program at only a handful of schools. Salisbury was one of the schools that would accept transfer of my credits. I visited a few schools on the list that accepted credit transfer. When I visited the Salisbury campus, the Art Department facilities and the location of the college, I knew quickly that is where I should be.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
Inviting - The campus is attractive and beautiful to both see and walk through. I was on the campus for the first time in late 1983. After graduating, I had been back briefly once or twice, but spent almost no time on campus. I've traveled to and around the Eastern Shore many times from Southeastern Pennsylvania and I've seen the campus but have not been on the campus in a long time. The last week of June this year, I was on the Eastern Shore a couple days to promote my book. I had appointments with individuals in few departments on campus to meet and promote my new book. Walking around parts of the campus, I enjoyed seeing how fantastic the campus really is.
Distinctive - Salisbury is a university that has grown in many ways, not only in size and quality of facilities and numbers of diverse students, but also with curriculum and advanced program offerings.
Friendly – From the time I first visited campus, to my two years attending Salisbury University, to spending a bit more time on campus recently, I’ve always felt comfortable and welcome. When interacting with everyone I’ve been associated with – be it other students, faculty or other university staff – I always felt Salisbury to be a friendly environment.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT AND WHY?
This is rather tough to pin down one favorite place exclusively. Italy is probably my top spot to date. There are several. Without question, I enjoy the solitude of the outdoors, especially in the mountains.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
My first book: Maryland's Eastern Shore Historic Churches | A photodocumentary of architectural styles, fine art lines and shapes. This book showcases my true passion of photo documentary-style photography. The idea or notion for this book started while at Salisbury. Some of the images in the book are from close to this time frame. The project was put on hold for life events and dusted back off several years ago. In the last few years, it has been a whirlwind of work to bring this book to life.
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I'm a very good cook. I enjoy improvising recipes and creating my own.
HOBBIES/OTHER INTERESTS
I enjoy spending time outside in peaceful and breathtaking natural surroundings. Hiking, camping, riding motorcycles on short rides and on marathon road trips. Traveling both domestic and international to experience and learn about other cultures. I greatly enjoy cooking, plus trying many different cuisines.