In H-Diplo’s series on “Learning the Scholar’s Craft: Reflections of Historians and International Relations Scholars,” Stephen Rabe, a 1977 graduate of UConn History’s doctoral program, describes his path to becoming a prominent specialist in foreign relations. Rabe discusses with candid fondness his time studying with scholars like Mary Beth Norton and his dissertation director, Thomas G. Paterson. He attributes his “learning of the scholar’s craft” to UConn’s faculty, who served as great role models who “took their jobs seriously, worked hard, and published.” Be sure to read more about Stephen Rabe’s journey to history, the academy, Storrs, and beyond in this fantastic and detailed essay.