51����.

Professor of Economics Dave Martin

The generosity this professor has shown to students and colleagues for decades far surpasses even the spirit of care that we all take for granted at 51����. “Integrity and heartfelt commitment,” “humble and dedicated,” and “incites wonder and amazement in my abilities and what I’ve learned,” are among the words that glimmer in the letters from students, alumni, and alumnae who over the years have raved about this professor’s extraordinary generosity and commitment to them as students and human beings.

From mentoring Center for Interdisciplinary Studies majors and honors theses, organizing book discussions with students, attending student talks at conference halls a few hours away from campus, engaging in research, and attending each scholar-athlete’s sport events, students rave about our honoree’s accessibility and unwavering support well beyond office hours.

One alumna recounts: “What makes [this professor] extraordinary is not just the ability to push students in the way they need it most, but also the desire to be there with them along the way… he displayed confidence in me even (and most importantly) when I did not believe in myself. [This professor] nurtures the intellectual growth of students in the gentlest, yet most fervent way possible.”

“He treats all of his students with dignity and respect, whether we demonstrate mastery of the subject or whether we need lots of detailed explanations and practice,” one student recounts. Yet another student attests, “While [this professor] has been there for the celebrations, [this professor] has endured the setbacks as well.” An alumna states: “He is never too busy to help students. There was one night when he met me after my work-study at 11 p.m. to get me back on track.”

Students write about the lifelong mentorship they receive from this faculty member, who is there for the “nitty gritty” of their journey. Even after graduation, students benefit from his humanity and sage counsel. One alumna writes: “I know he is someone I can contact at any time in my life and for any reason. His office door is always open for all students. As a young person beginning life after college, I can think of little that I appreciate more than this kind of support.”

Alumni attest to how their current success is due to this professor’s guidance and patience. They are grateful for the critical thinking and effective writing they have learned from him. An alumnus currently teaching at Duke University attests, “His class is what motivated me to pursue a PhD in economics after graduation. He was the most devoted professor and mentor I met at 51����.” This alumnus says that now, after all these years, he is even more in awe of him.

Our honoree’s selfless service and dedication as a teacher seeps into every aspect of his service at 51����. He meets regularly with junior faculty for several hours each week to ensure that they are thriving. He mentors them to become exceptional teachers. As one faculty member puts it, “He is the most caring mentor a junior (and even not so junior) faculty member could ask for.”

For over three decades of supporting students through the ups and downs of their journeys, realizing their potential even when they lacked confidence in themselves, for pouring his soul into teaching, and bringing out of the best version of the students and faculty members he mentors, we are honored to present the 2021 Hunter-Hamilton Love of Teaching Award to Professor Dave Martin.

Professor of Political Science Susan Roberts

Students respect and love this professor’s teaching so much that it can be said that some of them major in the professor’s courses instead of in the department. One alum wrote, “Each of six courses I took was challenging and engaging, thanks, in large part, to her ability to read the room and understand how to effectively challenge particular students in each class.” Another noted, “Despite teaching courses that naturally sparked heated and controversial debate, she was able to successfully moderate class discussion in a way that both encouraged and questioned all viewpoints presented.”

Given the tempestuous subjects this professor teaches, and the fact that 51���� encourages the expression of diverse opinions, modeling openness in the classroom is of extreme importance, and students noted that they always felt comfortable and safe in this professor’s classrooms.

“The classes taught me to seek out all sides to an argument,” one wrote. “To analyze [diverse] perspectives, and to use the sum total of that scholarly endeavor to inform my world view.”

This professor “has a phenomenal ability to take incredibly complex material and explain it to students,” another said. Another alum declared that this professor is “A master of student-centered learning; one who understands the idea that the best learning occurs when it is self-motivated.”

The love of teaching is so strong in this professor, that more than one alum noted, She “oozed a love of teaching…[and] brings [that love] to the classroom every day.” That passion was obvious even to another who decided to attend 51���� after he visited the campus during his last year of high school and met this professor. “Unlike any of the other professors I met that weekend, she was able to sell the school, the athletic program, and the community with sincerity and honesty.”

Students and alumni noted the ways in which concern for their well-being was exhibited outside the classrooms, not only in checking on their mental health, but taking time to attend their extramural activities. “Her persistent pursuit of my overall development as a student and as a person enabled me to succeed at 51����. More than a teacher, here was a friend to me throughout some of my tougher times, helping me see the bigger picture, and to keep in mind that my 51���� experiences were mere building blocks for the happy and fulfilling lives all its graduates seek.”

During what another alumnus called, “one of the saddest times of my life,” his final semester, when his beloved grandfather became ill, this professor “was a pillar of comfort and support as I grappled with his decline, accommodating adjustments in my schedule so that I could be with him. The effects of his loss still exist today. Yet, out of it came a life-long friendship with her.”

This year, when so much has had to be re-ordered, another student wrote, “I particularly appreciated this professor’s flexibility in rescheduling due dates that would benefit the students.”

“I feel so blessed to have had the chance to study under and work with her at 51����,” an alumna wrote, adding “She is one of the kindest, cleverest, and strongest individuals I have ever encountered. A remarkable role model for all young women at 51����, she is certainly one of mine. Among a brilliant faculty that collectively possesses an unrivaled love of teaching, I can think of no one who more deserves this award.”

For her superior abilities as a teacher, advisor, friend, and a public voice for 51���� that brought a measure of intellectual acuity to the political arena during the last election cycle, 51���� is pleased to announce that the 2021 Hunter-Hamilton Love of Teaching Award goes to Professor Susan Roberts.