The James Devlin Award, in memory of one of the Core’s first and most inspiring lecturers and classroom teachers, is for two second-semester freshmen who have done outstanding work in the Core and plan to continue in one or both of its sophomore courses. It was always Professor Devlin’s strong belief that it is in the curriculum of the sophomore year that students experience the full benefit of the Core. Click here to read some of the many memories about Prof. Devlin Core students shared following news of his passing in November 2011. The award consists of the purchase of all books for both semesters of a sophomore Core course (CC201/202 or CC203/204), as well as a stipend of $200. Two students will be presented with an award each year; however, if there are more than two outstanding applicants, a third award may be considered. Students who wish to be considered for the award should:
- Submit their best Core paper up to and including their final CC102 paper.
- Ask one of their Core seminar leaders to write a short paragraph recommending them for the award.
- Submit their materials to the Core office with a short note indicating that they are applying for the Devlin Award. Submissions will be accepted until the close of the spring grading period. A committee of Core professors will decide the awards early in the summer and notify the winners. The awards will be presented at the first CC201 lecture in the fall.
Any student with questions about the award program or application process are asked to contact Professor Emeritus Brian Jorgensen at bwj@bu.edu.
Alumni and friends of the Core who would like to contribute online may do so here. Click on “Give Today,” and follow the instructions on the website. Under “Gift Designation,” indicate that you would like your gift to go to “CAS Core Curriculum in Memory of Professor James Devlin.”
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Dr. James Patrick Devlin (1943-2010) was a philosopher, a programmer, and a teacher through and through. It was his way to examine all of life and then to examine it more, sometimes with hilarity and always with originality, honesty and thoughtfulness. He inspired those who came into contact with him to do the same. He pushed the pedagogical envelope, and is remembered by students and colleagues—most fondly, with deep admiration, and even awe—as an outstanding teacher and a brilliant lecturer in the Core Humanities.
