Gonzaga bestowed professor emeritus status on four retiring professors Tuesday afternoon during the annual Academic Honors Convocation.
The ceremony, held in Cataldo's Globe Room, was led by Interim Academic Vice President Thayne McCulloh. Associate professor of English and 2006-07 Exemplary Faculty Award recipient Dr. Tod Marshall gave the convocation address.
The title of professor emeritus is awarded to professors who have been employed by Gonzaga for at least 25 years and in that time have made significant contributions to the Gonzaga community.
Nominations for emeritius can be made by any student, staff or faculty member. Once nominated, the members of the nominee's department vote to recommend who should be awarded the honorary title.
Nominations are based upon scholarly publications, scholarly research, involvement in Gonzaga-related affairs, the mentorship of students and other contributions.
Dr. Sandi Wilson was named Associate Professor Emerita of Doctoral Leadership Studies. She began her Gonzaga career in 1982 as an associate professor and has since served as committee chair for 90 dissertations, the department chair of the doctoral program, and the associate dean for the School of Education.
Wilson has contributed numerous scholarly articles to the academic world. McCulloh commented that when selecting Wilson, her colleagues "stressed her integrity and inspirational mentorship to students."
In her acceptance speech Wilson extended a sincere thank you for the "unending love, support and companionship" that she has experienced in her 26 years at Gonzaga. She ended by noting that "Gonzaga has stretched [her] ability to think beyond commonplace, to be authentic and true, and to take action toward the common good."
Dr. James Dallen was named Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies. Dallen officially retired in December 2007 after 26 years at Gonzaga.
He was described as a true asset to the department, producing a number of internationally known books on the topics of the sacraments of penance and reconciliation.
Among his books are "The Reconciling Community: The Rite of Penance, and The Dilemma of Priestless Sundays." His dedication to his work as a teacher, adviser and department chair made him a noteworthy candidate for emeritus status.
His devotion shows in what he declared would be his epitaph someday, "Gladly would he learn, and gladly teach."
He accepted his award with a bit of humor: "I'm not sure that retirement is the Promised Land, but so far, I love it!"
Dr. Bud Hazel, who was named Professor Emeritus of Communication Arts, has been at Gonzaga for 37 years.
During his career at Gonzaga, he also worked as the director for the Foreign Studies program, among other titles.
Hazel has written a number of scholarly articles and authored books including, "The Power of Persuasion, and Interpersonal Communication: Competency Through Critical Thinking."
He spoke of Gonzaga with love and fond memories of colleagues. One of his favorite memories of teaching occurred some years ago when he came across a written evaluation that simply said, "Try new jokes."
He said he had nothing but "tremendous gratitude" for the institution and the people who are part of Gonzaga.
Hazel plans to do a variety of things such as "some more writing and maybe play some sports I haven't played in a while."
Dr. Jim Vache became Professor Emeritus of Law. He began teaching at Gonzaga in 1975, serving 33 years. His leadership at the Law School was recognized by his colleagues who, McCulloh noted, put in a unanimous recommendation for him.
He has also worked as the president of the Faculty Assembly and as an assistant attorney general for the state of Washington.
Vache published the article "A Conversation Between Friends: Adventures in Collaborative Planning and Teaching Ethical Issues in Representation of Children" in 2007.
He stated that what made his experience at Gonzaga amazing was that he "made an effort to make the whole university a part of my life."
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