Just think. What would’ve it been like to experience the earlier part of the Ghostbuster’s scenario - namely, their tenure as professorships at Columbia University?
We catch just a little glimpse of it in the beginning of the first movie. Conducting experiments and investigations that are meant to justify their grant with the Board of Regents.
But also think about these guys as professors. Were they adjuncts? Associates? What did their total lives in academia encompass? I’m thinking Venkman had a more senior professorship than the rest - later justifying his leadership role with the Ghostbuster business later on.
But how awesome would it be to sit through one of Dr. Spengler’s lectures… what kind of instructor was he? More specifically, what kind of classes did they teach? As evidenced by the lady in the Poltergeist movie, “Parapsychology” is not something you master in - no degrees for, licenses to practice, etc. I’m guessing Stantz taught engineering, maybe metallurgy. Obviously Venkman taught Psych classes. Spengler, maybe more engineering and perhaps medicine. They had different academic influences that gave way to their hobby/interest in the paranormal. Much like the older parapsych in “Poltergeist”
The reason I mention Poltergeist so much is because its another movie with heavy collegiate investigation into the paranormal.
But its funny when they are about to have their grant pulled. Venkman retorts - “But the kids love us!”
Obviously because his classes were probably fun and hilarious and he was an easy grader…especially to hot chicks!