University Honors Undergraduate Educators

The University recognized educators for their contributions to undergraduate education during the College’s annual Convocation last September with the presentation of the Goergen Awards. The awards, first presented in 1997, are sponsored by trustee and former board chairman Robert B. Goergen ’60 and his wife, Pamela.

The winners included James Farrar, professor of chemistry; Emil Homerin, professor of religion; and David Primo, assistant professor of political science.

Farrar credits his past teachers and present colleagues as influencing his teaching style. “I try to construct my approach to teaching around three principles: Be clear, give students tools that enable them to think for themselves, and tell the truth,” says Farrar, who joined the faculty in 1976 and teaches courses in physical chemistry and quantum chemistry. “The teacher’s job is not simply to provide ‘The Answer,’ but to guide students . . . by subjecting their ideas to critical analysis, discussion, and comparison with facts.”

Homerin, who teaches Islamic and Arabic studies and also created a course in religious iconography drawing on the architecture of Mt. Hope Cemetery for case studies, joined the faculty as an assistant professor in 1988. “I have tried to help my students and all Americans to better understand Islam, so that they will be better informed and equipped to confront our country’s current crisis. This motivates the central focus of my work, both in the classroom and in the wider community.”

“Teaching is about making connections,” says Primo, who has taught American politics at the University since 2002 and has created courses focusing on money and business in politics, positive political theory, and the nature of entrepreneurship. “If undergraduates sense my enthusiasm for what I teach, they are more likely to participate in discussions, ask questions, and be active rather than passive learners.”

Other recipients included the Department of Biomedical Engineering; the Department of Political Science; and Ovide Corriveau, senior operations officer in the College.