Dunham Named Senior Fellow at Aurora University

AURORA, Ill. August 28, 2006 - Joe Dunham, a 42-year philosophy professor at Aurora University and an Aurora resident, is taking a new role at AU this fall when he becomes Senior Fellow in the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action.

In addition to continuing to teach part-time, Dunham’s new responsibilities include working with Martin Forward, executive director of the Wackerlin Center, to develop programming, lead study groups and provide pastoral care for the campus community.

Dunham also will assist the Advancement staff with building and strengthening relationships in the community.

He earned the Meritorious Faculty Award from the AU Students Association in 2006 and the Marcus and Mark H. Trumbo Excellence in Teaching award, AU’s top faculty honor, in 1979 and 2005. He serves as an assistant minister at New England Congregational Church in Aurora.

An AU philosophy professor since 1964, Dunham earned his bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma Baptist University and his master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma.

Forward said, “I'm delighted that Joe Dunham is joining the Wackerlin Center staff. His strong teaching and interpersonal skills, and his strong relationships within the community, will benefit the university and the Wackerlin Center.”

Dunham said, “I'm looking forward to changing the focus of what I do for the AU community. I enjoy working with students and the local community, and this new opportunity will allow me to continue to work with them in a new way. My new role will allow me to provide our students and the community with inter-faith programs and services.”

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