Professor Joe Dunham Receives Honorary Degree
At this spring's commencement, AU honored Joe Dunham, a familiar face on the AU campus for any alumni. Joe, Professor of Philosophy and Senior Fellow of the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action, was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree at the ceremony in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the university, his dedication to improving his community, and his devotion to his family and friends. He was also recognized for his lifelong commitment to the values of integrity, citizenship, continuous learning and excellence. "While it is impossible to precisely measure the impact a faculty member has on an institution or a community, consider that Aurora University has more than 10,000 living undergraduate alumni since 1964, and it is estimated that Joe Dunham has taught more than 7,000 of them," said Richard Westphal, Professor of English and Chair of Fine Arts, who read the citation honoring Joe.
Joe Dunham began his teaching career at Aurora College in 1964. He was named Senior Fellow of the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action in 2006. During his 43-year tenure, Joe Dunham has received every teaching honor at AU, including the Marcus and Mark H. Trumbo Award for Excellence in Teaching two times. He also has received the Aurora University Spirit Award, the Academic Advisor of the Year Award, and the AU Student Association's Meritorious Faculty Award. Westphal added, "These awards vividly illustrate that Joe Dunham's career is exceptional not because of his longevity as a teacher, per se, but because of his ability to reach and connect with the student of the 1960s, the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s, and now the 21st century with equal effectiveness and unwavering enthusiasm.
Listen today to a student tour guide explaining the Aurora University experience to a prospective freshman and you will hear her say at some point during the tour, 'Whatever you do, you have to take a course with Professor Dunham, he is the best.' " Colleagues, too, value Joe Dunham for his excellent counsel, his commitment to Aurora University, and his generosity with his time and talent. As one faculty member said, "Just by being himself - a man of great integrity, generosity, intelligence, commitment and humor - he sets an example that makes us want to become better than we might have, had we not known him." Joe Dunham has also served AU as an exemplary citizen: He has chaired departments and committees; advised students, student groups, and honor societies; and assisted in curriculum development, personnel evaluations, development initiatives, alumni events, and countless other activities that help make a college a community. But Joe's generous spirit, professional expertise and good humor do not stop at Aurora University's doors. Joe and his wife, Ida, accomplished this remarkable career while raising their four children, Melanie, Elizabeth, Phillip and Richard, who, now grown and married, have in turn blessed them with seven grandchildren. Since 1993, he has been assistant minister at New England Congregational Church, where he is known for his insightful and relevant sermons and his compassionate pastoral service. He has ministered at Bethel Community Baptist Church and Little Home Church. Active in the community as well, Joe served on the boards of the United Way of Greater Aurora, the Provena Mercy Center and the Provena Mercy Center Foundation.
Joe Dunham's citation was read by Richard Westphal, Professor of English and Chair of Fine Arts, at the undergraduate commencement ceremony. To read the full citation, click here.
Alumni who want to honor Joe for his contributions to AU can make a donation in his name online or by contacting the Office of Advancement at 630-844-3778.
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