On Tuesday, March 4, the department lost a beloved former colleague, Dr. Robert T. Hawkes. Bob taught U.S. history at Mason for 37 years, retiring in 2006. He was one of the most popular teachers on campus, resulting both from his skill as an instructor and his extraordinary efforts to reach out to individual students to encourage their intellectual development. When he retired he left a long trace of students who lives were changed by his influence. As a colleague he was a trusted mentor and friend, valued by all for his wisdom and sense of humor. His passing is a great loss to the department and the Mason community.
The department is establishing the Robert T. Hawkes Professorship in Bob’s honor. The purpose of the professorship is to encourage excellence in undergraduate teaching and foster closer relations between faculty and individual students–in other words, to express a continued commitment to the things Bob valued most. If you would like to contribute to this effort, please go to give.gmu.edu and indicate in the “comments” section that you would like your contribution to go towards the Hawkes professorship. Or, write a check to “GMU Foundation” and write “Hawkes professorship” in the subject line. Please send checks to Heidi A. Bruce, Director of Development & Alumni Affairs, College of Humanities & Social Sciences 4400 University Drive, MS 3A3, Fairfax, VA 22030.
March 08, 2008