Congratulations and thank you

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences had much to celebrate recently, as it congratulated one professor with a teaching award and applauded another for nearly four decades of service to Dalhousie.

A crowd of about 50 colleagues gathered in the foyer of the McCain building to recognize Drs. Peter OÕBrien and Steven Burns. Dr. OÕBrien of the Department of Classics is the 2005/2006 recipient of the FASS Teaching Award. The event also honoured Dr. Steven Burns of the Department of Philosophy, offering him best wishes on his retirement from the faculty.

ÒThe ability to teach is a sign of one who knows,” said Dean Marian Binkley, quoting Aristotle as she welcomed guests. She presented the FASS award to Dr. OÕBrien, noting his passion and love for his subject, Òwhich he cultivates among his students as well.”

ÒIt is humbling to receive an award like this,” said Dr, OÕBrien, who thanked his students for providing Òall the motivation and challenges.” He also acknowledged Dr. Binkley and his philosophy colleagues Òfor their devotion to their subjects, consistent interest in students and respect for the work of one another.”

Dr. Nathan Brett delivered an address celebrating the career of Dr. Steven Burns. In it, he noted Dr. BurnsÕ well-known capacity for listening and encouraging others to speak as an example of one of his many virtues as a professor.

During the remarks, Dr. BurnsÕ significant contributions to the faculty were also acknowledged ÒSteven single-handedly invented the Ph. D program in Philosophy, to take one example,” Dr. Brett noted.