Latiolais Earns Lucasse Award

Associate Professor of Philosophy Dr. Chris Latiolais has been awarded the 2009-2010 Florence J. Lucasse Lectureship for Excellence in Teaching.

The award is specific to Kalamazoo College and given out yearly by the Faculty Development Committee, which is comprised of faculty from all over campus. It honors a K faculty member who has been noted for outstanding teaching and a genuine care for students during his or her years teaching at the College.

Surprisingly, Latiolais said he was “conflicted” on receiving the award. He explained that this “singling out doesn’t feel right,” because much of his teaching has been impacted by years of sharing thoughts on teaching with his colleagues.

“When I look at the talent around me, receiving this award, I think I do so sheepishly,” he said.

He expressed a desire to receive the award in union with his colleagues, as the work he does with students builds on what has been taught by other faculty members.

“The only way I feel good about [the award] is in community with my fellow teachers,” he said.

Despite being presented individually with the award, Latiolais expressed gratitude for the mutual assistance he has received over the years from other faculty members.

Latiolais has taught at Kalamazoo since 1991, instructing students in 27 classes. He received his BA from the University of California, Berkeley, and both his MA and Ph.D from the University of California, San Diego. He has received multiple awards, grants, and published many papers since then. His reception of the Lucasse Award will be celebrated in spring quarter, and will feature a speech given by Latiolais.