Eric Shoen is deputy director for corporate development and public relations at Rural Opportunities Inc., a regional community development and human services organization. A previous job at the University of Rochester brought him to town from Connecticut. He lives in Corn Hill. “I was wooed here by fantastic arts, great food and great personality in just a few days of interviewing at the University of Rochester.”

Where did you get your undergrad?
I went to Hartwick College in Oneonta, where I studied Spanish literature and graduated in 1990. I have done some graduate work at the Simon School at the University of Rochester, but I have not completed my MBA.

What do you like about living in Rochester?
Affordable housing; I was fortunate to find a beautiful house in Corn Hill that cost much less than my twin brother's house in Philiadelphia or my older brother's house in Albany for similar size and features.

Fantastic food from many different cultures; The small cities that I've visited have nothing like the great restaurant variety we have here.

Support for social causes and social change, and an open-mindend faith community

Amazing and affordable art

Great independent films at the Little Theatre and Dryden Theatre or at one of the film festivals.

Thriving live theater and small movie companies making feature-length films

A music scene alive with free concerts by some of the world's best artists from the Eastman School of Music.
[Posted in 2005]