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New York University.
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In September 2003, he found that his New York University scholarship, four jobs, and private loans would cover his tuition costs, but he could not get enough loans to cover housing. He refused to drop out or transfer to a cheaper university, choosing instead to live in the library. Stanzak quickly tired of answering peoples" questions about life in the library, and posted a Q&A online, which eventually grew into the blog and web site, and Stanzak developed an underground fan following on New York University"s campus.
The Washington Square News, New York University"s student paper, was told of Stanzak"s situation and asked to do a profile on him.
At first Stanzak refused, fearing how New York University would react to the situation. However, once Stanzak was told that the article would only be printed with his consent, he agreed to an interview.
In April 2004, just before the release of the news article, an New York University dean was told of Stanzak"s situation, and requested a meeting. At the meeting, the dean told Stanzak that his initiative was remarkable, but that he could no longer live in the library, and Stanzak was provided free New York University housing for the last few weeks of classes.
The day the profile was published, reporters started calling Stanzak, and he became an overnight celebrity.
Stanzak received widespread media attention, appearing on Good Morning America on April 29. Stanzak continued to receive financial assistance from New York University until graduation, and no longer updates his blog or web site. After his time in the library, he became a Resident Assistant at New York University"s Lafayette Street Residence, in Chinatown.
He attended Indiana University, where he received a Master of the Arts (Master of Arts) in folklore of 2009.
He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in folklore which he began in fall 2009.
