Thomas Murray, PhD, and Faith-Anne Dohm, PhD, have been recognized by the Jesuit honor society as the undergraduate and graduate teachers of the year.
The 2019 teachers of the year – Drs. Thomas Murray and Faith-Anne Dohm – exemplify the deep dedication to our students at the heart of Fairfield’s Jesuit Catholic academic mission.
— Politics Professor Jocelyn Boryczka, PhD, Associate Vice Provost for Scholarly, Creative, and Community Engagement, and Alpha Sigma Nu Fairfield Chapter Advisor
Each year, student members of the Jesuit honor society, Alpha Sigma Nu (ASN), nominate faculty members for undergraduate and graduate Teacher of the Year awards. Nominations are based on dedication to scholarship, loyalty, and service, the three pillars of the Jesuit honor society. ASN encourages its members to a lifetime pursuit of intellectual development, Ignatian spirituality, service to others, and a commitment to the core principles of Jesuit education.
Thomas Murray, PhD, associate professor of economics, and Faith-Anne Dohm, PhD, professor of psychology, have been recognized as the 2019 Alpha Sigma Nu Teachers of the Year.
“The magis, or 'the more,' drives Fairfield University faculty to strive with their students for academic excellence in classrooms and labs, here in Connecticut and across the globe,” said professor of politics Jocelyn Boryczka, PhD, associate vice provost for scholarly, creative, and community engagement, and Alpha Sigma Nu Fairfield chapter advisor. “The 2019 teachers of the year – Drs. Thomas Murray and Faith-Anne Dohm – exemplify the deep dedication to our students at the heart of Fairfield’s Jesuit Catholic academic mission.”
2019 Undergraduate Teacher of the Year, Dr. Thomas Murray
Dr. Murray joined the Fairfield faculty in September of 2011. He is an associate professor of economics in the Dolan School of Business, and a much-admired member of the Fairfield University community. Students who nominated Dr. Murray commented on his ability to ignite students’ enthusiasm for learning and engage genuinely with all students. He was also recognized for finding innovative ways to help students connect with course material, and for his deep dedication to their academic development.
"I'm truly honored to be named the Undergraduate Teacher of the Year," said Dr. Murray. "Being able to engage and interact with these students on a daily basis is the best part of my job. I can only hope that in some small way I help to challenge and encourage my students to achieve more inside and outside of the classroom."
2019 Graduate Teacher of the Year, Dr. Faith-Anne Dohm
Dr. Dohm joined the Fairfield faculty in September of 1998 and is a professor of psychology in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professionals. Her service is deeply appreciated and well-recognized by the Fairfield University community. Dr. Dohm was recognized for her passion and ability to teach students the skills to solve problems on their own, and her willingness to go above and beyond to assist students in truly understanding course material. Students further conveyed her countless contributions to Fairfield University over the years.
Dr. Dohm shared, "In preparing for my imminent retirement, I have been reflecting on, and worrying about, whether I have made a meaningful contribution during my career. I am profoundly grateful to my students for their kindness in granting me such a lovely end to my teaching career."
