Professor Lucas Swaine accepted his award with classic Canadian humility: "Thank you for the flattering comments, whether they're justified is another matter."
At a dinner last night organized by the Student Assembly's academic affairs committee, Swaine was awarded this term's "Profiles in Excellence" award, part of a recent Assembly initiative aimed at giving students an opportunity to thank deserving professors.
Swaine -- who teaches political theory -- went on to discuss various aspects of teaching, recounting several incidences of poor instruction that he had experienced, especially at the University of Manitoba, where he completed his undergraduate and masters degrees.
"I had some awful, and I mean awful, professors at my undergraduate institution, which, I might add, is the second worst research institution in Canada," he said
Swaine focused on his belief that the worst quality in a professor is arrogance. "We were told what to think," he said. "The professors held their views dogmatically. And not only that, but they would do it in a nasty way."
"I hope I've learned from them." he added.
It becomes obvious that he has learned from these experiences when students share their opinions on his teaching.
Elena Klau '03 said she appreciated Swaine "because of his tremendous belief in all of his students. Professor Swaine is a rare individual who genuinely cares about his students and who goes beyond the norm, encouraging them to reach their fullest potential whether in class or beyond Dartmouth."
Cena Maxfield '03 said that Swaine "was the first professor that tried to make a personal connection with me. He gave me some of the most useful constructive criticism that I have received at Dartmouth."
Swaine complimented the caliber of students at Dartmouth, and said that class discussions have prompted some of his recent research interests. "It's impossible to understand one's own arguments without understanding the counter-arguments." he said.
"Given the preponderance of great professors at Dartmouth I am especially honored to be nominated," said Swaine. "But I'm especially honored because it's you, the students, who gave me this award."
Several of Swaine's students and members of the Student Assembly attended the dinner, held in the 1930s room in Rockefeller.
Students were encouraged by the SA to make nominations for Spring term's "Profiles in Excellence" award. In the winter around 30 professors were nominated with brief statements submitted by students.