Doctorate Degree Honors Aurora University Faculty Member

Aurora University President Rebecca L. Sherrick conferred Dunham’s degree. His citation was read by Richard Westphal, professor of English and chair of Fine Arts.

Westphal said, “Each fall, tens of thousands of young men and women head off to college, and each spring, tens of thousands more graduate. In between their entrance into and eventual departure from their chosen institution of higher learning, the students receive what will hopefully prove to be a fulfilling and enlightening college experience.

“Sadly, only a small fraction of them will ever learn at the feet of one who could be considered a true master teacher: a person of wisdom and wit, expertise and empathy, substance and self-deprecation, character and compassion.

“How fortunate have been the students of Aurora College and University for the past four decades, then, to have had the opportunity to study philosophy under the guidance of one of these rarities we call a true master teacher.

“Today we honor a person, as is our custom each commencement, with the conferral of the degree Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa. And we do so with particular pride and delight on this occasion because this time we honor one of our own: Joe Dunham, Professor of Philosophy and Senior Fellow of the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action.”

A resident of Aurora, Dunham began his teaching career at Aurora College in 1964 at the rank of instructor. He was promoted to assistant professor, then associate professor and in 1994 he earned the title of Professor of Philosophy. He was named Senior Fellow of the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action in 2006.

During his 43-year tenure, Dunham has received every teaching honor available to AU faculty. The Marcus and Mark H. Trumbo Award for Excellence in Teaching is given each year to an outstanding Aurora University teacher and it is considered a rare distinction to earn it. Dunham has earned it twice, in 1979 (two years after its inception) and again in 2005.

He received the Aurora University Spirit Award in 1990, the Academic Advisor of the Year Award in 1994, and the Aurora University Student Association presented him with the coveted Meritorious Faculty Award in 2006.

Westphal said, “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.’

“How does Joe Dunham engage college students of the new millennium,” Westphal said, “as effectively as he did their parents, and in some cases their grandparents? His teaching style is summarized perfectly in a small sign that hangs on his office door, which reads, ‘Department of Philosophy: All answers questioned.’

“His students know him as a teacher with endless questions. They go to him for answers…only to find that through his questions they develop the skill to find the answers in themselves. This ability to live the philosophy he professes and to do so with good humor, kindness and patience is what makes Joe Dunham so beloved to his students.”

According to Westphal, 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.”

Dunham has served the university not only as a remarkable teacher but also as an exemplary citizen. He has chaired departments and committees; has advised students, student groups, and honor societies; and has 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,” Westphal said. “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 secular community as well, Dunham has served on the boards of the United Way of Greater Aurora, Community Counseling Center and the Provena Mercy Center Foundation.

Westphal added, “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. Joe Dunham has indeed enjoyed many titles: professor, minister, teacher, husband, father, grandfather, colleague, counselor and friend. Today we add one more: doctor.”

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