When students attend a Northwestern sports event, there is a good chance that they have noticed the spirit and enthusiasm that comes from the pep band. This basketball season, however, some may have noticed that at times, instead of playing during breaks, the pep band would dance to the Bultmann Center radio. If attendees looked closely, they may have seen a redheaded man holding up a trombone as he moved with the music. This is none other than Stephen Danner.
Danner, commonly and lovingly referred to as “Spoons,” is a senior actuarial science major with a minor in music. Danner is heavily involved in the music department, participating in an array of choir and band ensembles. Before coming to NW, Danner grew up in Sioux City, Iowa and attended Bishop-Heelan Highschool.
Majoring in a math-related content area was an easy decision for Danner. He said, “I chose Actuarial Science because I love studying math, and it seemed like an interesting way to apply math in my career.” However, his decision to minor in music was driven by a deep love for music and music theory.
This love propelled him to be a member of the many ensembles he is a part of today and has led to some of his favorite college memories. “The highlight each year for me is the choir and band tours. Especially seeing the reactions of the people listening for the first time to the music we’ve worked on for months. It really gives a fresh perspective.” Danner made sure to comment on the love that has been shown back to him as well. “Also, it is amazing how generous and hospitable host families are when we stay with them.”
Within the music department, Danner has been able to connect with many other students, faculty and staff who have been formative to his growth in college. One person that Danner has formed a connection with is Dr. Thomas Holm, a music professor and the Music Department Chair. Danner said, “This semester and last semester I have been taking Music History with Dr. Holm. His class has really got me appreciating all the differences and changes between different eras in music, and the value of comparing different styles of music.”
Outside of music, Danner is a beloved member of Hospers Hall. He is a proud second floor resident, staying on the same floor for all four years. This loyalty will earn him the honorary Hospers title of “Lord of The Dorm,” a title bestowed upon those who resided in Hospers Hall for their entire college career. It was very early on when Danner felt at home within the hall. Danner recalls that after the yearly Hospers’ Agape Feast his first year, he knew just what kind of place Hospers Hall is.
Among the wide array of Hospers events that are hosted each year, Danner was able to pick out just one that stood above the rest. Danner said, “My favorite event for sure is Coffee House just because of variety of talents from the funniest to the most tender and beautiful.” Danner himself may have one of the most memorable Coffee House events in recent years. During his junior year Coffee House, Danner hosted a longer-than-expected session of Catholic trivia, that unfortunately did not make a return during this year’s performance.
Many people who know Danner on campus may not know that his first name is Stephen. A main reason for this is that his infamous nickname happened almost right as he began attending NW. Danner fondly recalls how he came to be known as the eating utensil. “The story is that during Covid times the caf would give you your silverware in a cup given to you as you entered. So, on Tuesday on the first week of classes my freshman year, I received my cup and when I sat down, I notice that lo and behold two spoons were in it. So, I commented, ‘They call me Two Spoons’ (‘they call me ______’was my reoccurring bit at the time). Then the nickname spread from there so fast that many people that knew me didn’t know my actual name for most of the year.”
So, whether you know him as Stephen or Spoons, it is clear to see the abundance of love and passion that Danner holds for the ensembles he is a part of, the dorm that he lives in and the people around him.
