John P. Doyle, professor in the Department of Philosophy, was named this year’s Nancy McNeir Ring Award recipient. The Saint Louis University chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the international Jesuit Honor Society, bestows the award.
The award honors faculty members who display a special dedication to students and enrich the classroom experience in the Jesuit tradition.
The award is presented each year in memory of Miss Ring, who served as the University’s first Dean of Women. In her 25 years in that position, she devoted herself to the welfare of students.
Doyle has served as a professor for 35 years and has been involved in Pro-Life activities. Doyle teaches both undergraduate-including introduction to philosophy and philosophy of God sections-and graduate courses, specializing in 16th and 17th century scholastic philosophy.
He said he was “surprised, but pleased and honored” that he was chosen. “I see myself as more of a historian of philosophy rather than a philosopher,” Doyle said. He added that his classes, most of which are lecture-based, aim to make complicated philosophical thoughts easier for students to comprehend.
Doyle admitted that one of his greatest challenges as a professor is constantly updating his teaching rapport with modern-day students. “I sometimes feel the distance lengthening between myself and students,” he said. “I try to talk to my students as I would talk to my own children.”
Alpha Sigma Nu President Sam Conedera explained the nomination process for the annual award. “Students submit nomination forms explaining their chosen professor’s outstanding contribution to the University,” he said. Alpha Sigma Nu members then select the recipient on the basis of the nomination essays and the organization’s three core values: scholarship, loyalty and service.
“We at Alpha Sigma Nu are very proud to recognize Professor Doyle’s years of service and commitment to Jesuit education at SLU,” Conedera said. “We ask all students to honor both Professor Doyle and the long tradition of the Nancy McNeir Ring Award.”
Previous award winners include student organization advisers, teachers and departmental leaders who go beyond being a faculty member. Doyle was selected from student nominations, making the Nancy McNeir Ring Award a completely student-sponsored teaching award that encompasses all campuses and schools at SLU.
