University President William P. Leahy, SJ, greets Philip DiMattia, one of the seven 2002 Distinguished Faculty Award winners. Other recipients looking on are (L-R): Aviam Soifer, Michael Cassidy and Jean Bartunek, RCSJ. (Photo by Justin Knight)
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University President William P. Leahy, SJ, greets Philip DiMattia, one of the seven 2002 Distinguished Faculty Award winners. Other recipients looking on are (L-R): Aviam Soifer, Michael Cassidy and Jean Bartunek, RCSJ. (Photo by Justin Knight) |
Prof. Ingrid Hillinger (Law) - Hillinger describes her teaching philosophy this way: "Shortly after I came to BC, a colleague told me of the Jesuit philosophy of teaching: 'Teach them to death. Work them to death. Love them to death.' It was only then, with 13 years of teaching under my belt, that I had words to describe what I try to do in the classroom."
An expert in commercial and bankruptcy law, Hillinger teaches some of the most rigorous, yet most popular, courses in the Law School. She is also a dedicated mentor and counselor to her students, even long after graduation day. "She shows an intense and long-lasting personal interest in her students," wrote one colleague. His assessment is buttressed by reams of correspondence from appreciative former students whom she has helped to find their niche in the legal profession.
"I think all of us have had a teacher in our past that changed the course or direction of our life," Hillinger said. "By giving an award for teaching, BC recognizes the importance of teaching and teachers. It thereby values what all of us try to do in and outside of the classroom."
Vanderslice Millennium Professor of Chemistry Amir Hoveyda - In his 12 years on the BC faculty, organic chemist Hoveyda has compiled an enviable research record, but equally important are the contributions he has made to teaching, mentoring and chemistry curriculum development, his colleagues and students say.
"Not only is Professor Hoveyda an excellent research advisor, but his enthusiasm and prowess as an undergraduate instructor are nearly legendary," wrote one former student. "Professor Hoveyda was always available, and willing, and even anxious to meet with his students."
A fellow Chemistry faculty member wrote, "Students can't help but know that Dr. Hoveyda wants each of them individually to learn chemistry. And they respond with an exceptional degree of dedication and active involvement in the classroom experience.
"Dr. Hoveyda is a mentor and role model to students at all levels in his research group, to undergraduates in his classes and among his advisees and to colleagues, younger and older alike," he said.
Research Awards
Prof. Aviam Soifer (Law)- Soifer is finishing a new book, Fully Equal, that will suggest alternative interpretations of constitutional norms and federal statutes that guarantee full and equal rights and benefits. "His studies in this field are not only very well-regarded, but indispensable benchmarks; widely cited and likely to remain so," noted a colleague at Yale Law School.
"I am extremely flattered and pleased to receive this award," Soifer said, "particularly because I know very well how much I share it directly with a multitude of wonderful colleagues.
"Scholarship remains a communal venture. I have been and remain blessed in the extraordinary help and encouragement provided by many people at Boston College, as well as from friends and fellow seekers of all sorts across many borders."
Prof. Jean Bartunek, RCSJ (CSOM) - Her innovative "insider/outsider" approach to research on the intersections of organizational change, conflict and cognition have produced findings of significant interest to both organizational behavior and education audiences.
"Jean Bartunek has scored a hat trick here," wrote one faculty colleague about Sister Bartunek's recent work on organizational change. "She contributes to theory, informs educational practice and offers up a stunning methodological benchmark for us all to emulate."
"I am very excited about this," Sister Bartunek said. "I am so touched by the fact that friends who are 'super-busy' teaching just dropped everything to write on my behalf."
Assoc. Prof. Maxim D. Shrayer (Slavic and Eastern Languages) - During the past year, Shrayer has published more than a dozen articles in both Western and Russian literary journals. His books Russian Poet/Soviet Jew and The World of Nabokov's Stories have enjoyed wide critical acclaim and he recently signed a contract to produce a two-volume Anthology of Jewish Russian Literature.
"As a researcher representing a relatively small academic department, I am doubly thrilled to have been recognized and consider this award a collective achievement of all of us in the Department of Slavic and Eastern Languages," Shrayer said.
"Over the last six years, much of my work has focused on Jewish literature in Diaspora. This award makes me hopeful that in this difficult time in Jewish history, Jewish studies have a bright future in the halls of Boston College."
Service Awards
Law School Associate Dean Michael Cassidy - In addition to his administrative and teaching duties in the Law School, Cassidy has served as editor-in-chief of the Massachusetts Law Review and as an appointee to the Supreme Judicial Court Committee to Draft Model Homicide Jury Instructions. He is a member of the State Ethics Commission and the Winchester Town Meeting and is a religious education teacher in his local parish.
"Service is part of the culture here at BC," Cassidy said, "which is why I love working here so much. So many people do things for their communities at the local, state and national levels.
"To be recognized by my colleagues and by the University for exemplifying a commitment that I think is universally shared is tremendously flattering," he said.
Adj. Assoc. Prof. Philip DiMattia (LSOE) - As director of the Campus School for more than 20 years, DiMattia has championed the development of technology, helped establish partnerships, and sparked fund-raising efforts and volunteer programs, all to support tutoring and individual care for disabled children and their families.
"Dr. DiMattia brings joy, unbounded enthusiasm and love to his work," wrote a fellow LSOE faculty member. "Through his life and his work he has inspired students and teachers to value, respect and prize children with special needs."
"While the recognition is gratifying, it is also very humbling," said DiMattia. "Many persons share in the award - many children and families from whom I have learned so much; current and past staff of the Campus School; my colleagues in the Lynch School who have supported my work as well as others in the larger University.
"I feel extremely privileged to be a part of Boston College and all it represents."
-Reid Oslin